The Antidepressants That Can Give You Energy
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD) is a debilitating mental illness that is estimated to affect one in six people during their lifetime. One of the three most prominent symptoms of depression is lack of energy, with the other two being persistent depressed mood and marked loss of pleasure in otherwise enjoyable activities.
Antidepressants can play an important role in addressing all of these issues, but their effects on energy levels may vary depending on what antidepressant is chosen.
How Depression Affects Energy Levels
Depression is a complex condition that affects both your emotional well-being and physial vitality. It often leads to persistent feelings of fatigue, lethargy, and a lack of motivation. Individuals with depression may struggle to find the energy and motivation to perform everyday tasks, making even the simplest activities seem daunting.
The way depression affects energy levels is multifaceted. It can disrupt sleep patterns, affect appetite, and lead to emotional exhaustion. This can lead to a negative spiral, where the lack of energy from insufficient sleep, scarce physical activity, and poor nutrition leads to further worsened fatigue, which results in even less energy for making necessary improvements. Hence, understanding how the condition influences your energy and motivation is essential for managing depression effectively. This is also one of the main reasons why antidepressants are necessary in order to treat more severe forms of depression.
The Impact of Antidepressants on Energy
Antidepressants are prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of depression and help individuals regain their quality of life. However, not all antidepressants have the same effect on perceived energy levels.
Antidepressants don't directly provide a burst of energy compared to stimulating substances like caffeine. Instead, they mainly work by alleviating the symptoms of depression, which often include low energy levels. Through this mechanism, all antidepressants may cause the affected individual to feel more energized. Nevertheless, clinically, some antidepressants may be more commonly associated with increased energy and motivation. Others are known to have sedating effects, making you feel drowsy or tired.
What Antidepressants Give You Energy?
All antidepressants work by altering the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain, increasing noradrenaline, dopamine, and most commonly, serotonin levels. These changes can have various consequences for your overall well-being, including how energized you feel.
Nevertheless, it's importance to emphasize that the individual response to different antidepressants can vary widely. While some individuals experience an increase in motivation and energy from one antidepressant, others may feel more tired or lethargic from the same medication. Thus, it's difficult to precisely predict the effect a specific antidepressant will have on an individual's energy levels.
The antidepressants most commonly associated with increased energy levels are Bupropion, Sertraline, and Fluoxetine. Note that even Sertraline, an antidepressant thought to have a stimulating effect, has "feeling tired or fatigued" listed as a common symptom by the FDA. Still, the antidepressant prescribed and its mechanism of action can largely influence the likelihood of these potential outcomes.
Bupropion
Bupropion, marketed under the name Wellbutrin, is often considered the antidepressant that most effectively increases energy levels. Unlike selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), Bupropion operates by blocking the reuptake of noradrenaline and dopamine in the brain, intensifying the impact of these neurotransmitters.
The effect of Bupropion on dopamine, while mild compared to medications like dexamphetamine, can enhance motivation in many individuals. Additionally, increased noradrenaline is linked to heightened physical readiness and improved attention, which contributes to the sensation of increased energy. Beyond its effects on neurotransmitters, Bupropion's ability to treat depression directly contributes to feeling less fatigued and low on energy.
Sertraline
Sertraline, sold under the brand name Zoloft, is another antidepressant that can affect energy levels. Its primary focus is on regulating serotonin, a neurotransmitter closely associated with mood regulation. As such, it is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Albeit less known, Sertraline also has a small effect on norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake, just like Bupropion, but to a lesser extent. Research has shown that it has more dopaminergic activity than other medications in the SSRI class. As a result, it may offer additional improvement in energy levels and motivation in individuals taking the medication.
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine, commonly known as Prozac, is another SSRI that can positively influence energy levels. As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, it primarily targets serotonin in the brain. However, similarly to Bupropion and Sertraline, Fluoxetine has also been observed to increase the levels of dopamine in the brain. Through this mechanism, it may increase motivation, mood, and attention. Just like other antidepressants, the general improvement from reduced severity of depression also contributes to feeling more energetic.
Antidepressants That Can Make You Tired
Just as some antidepressants are associated with increased energy levels, others may cause you to feel more fatigued or tired. The response varies among individuals, but as a general rule of thumb, the likelihood of experiencing drowsiness and fatigue is higher with the following antidepressants. Thus, many of these antidepressants are used to alleviate symptoms of insomnia, i.e. sleeping difficulties, and they are commonly taken in the evening unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
While almost all antidepressants have increased drowsiness or fatigue listed as a potential side effect, the antidepressants most commonly associated with these side effects are Mirtazapine and Trazodone, both classified as atypical antidepressants with their own unique mechanism of action. Amitriptyline is another antidepressant that is well-known for causing lethargy and drowsiness.
Bear in mind that a sufficient amount of sleep may in itself improve daytime energy levels. For that reason, these medications may still offer a solution to individuals with low energy levels who are suffering from both depression and insomnia.
Mirtazapine
Mirtazapine, available under the brand name Remeron, is an atypical antidepressant known for its sedative and appetite-stimulating properties. It is frequently prescribed to individuals experiencing insomnia or significant appetite loss due to depression. Mirtazapine is thought to have a dose-dependent relationship with its sleep-inducing properties. At low doses, it can be sedative, while at higher doses its adrenergic effects may be more activating, and less helpful for promoting restful sleep.
Trazodone
Trazodone is another atypical antidepressant that at low doses mainly targets the histamine and certain serotonin receptors, leading to its sedative properties. Nowadays it's mainly prescribed as a symptomatic treatment for insomnia, taken only at bedtime. As an antidepressant, however, it has to be taken twice a day, both in the morning and evening, which frequently leads to daytime drowsiness.
Amitriptyline
Because of its notable sedative properties, it is occasionally prescribed as a treatment for insomnia. However, sedation differs from actual sleep induction, and while sedation can ease the transition to sleep by inducing relaxation, it doesn't actively initiate or maintain sleep.
Other Ways of Increasing Energy Levels
Aside from antidepressants, several lifestyle changes and strategies can help boost your energy levels when dealing with depression. The treatment for depression is holistic and requires work in multiple areas of life. This includes exercising regularly, eating nutrition-rich food, and getting a sufficient amount of sleep.
Exercise
Regular physical activity can significantly improve your energy levels and overall well-being. A recent study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine proved that Physical activity is highly beneficial for improving symptoms of depression and anxiety in those diagnosed with mental health disorders.
Sufficient Sleep
Quality sleep is crucial for maintaining energy levels. However, even with sufficient rest, depression may leave you feeling tired. Addressing depression through therapy or medication is key to tackling this issue effectively.
Nutritional Diet
A balanced and nutritious diet plays a significant role in managing depression and maintaining energy levels. Focus on a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats to support your overall well-being.
Treatment Considerations
Consider discussing potential dosage adjustments with your physician if you are already receiving treatment for depression, but haven't noticed any results. In many cases, insufficient dosing may lead to the absence of improvement. Furthermore, be patient, as it may take up to six weeks for antidepressants to reach their full potential, even after increasing the dose. The next step would be to talk to your mental health care provider about changing treatment.
Finding The Right Antidepressant
Finding the most suitable antidepressant can be a challenging process, but it's often essential for effectively managing more severe forms of depression, where energy and motivation are substantially decreased. We advise assessing the side effects profile of any antidepressants carefully, as intolerable side effects are a common reason for treatment discontinuation.
For general-purpose guidance, consider taking our antidepressant quiz. However, there is no substitute for working closely with a licensed psychiatrist to find a safe and suitable antidepressant tailored to your specific needs.
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Last updated: October 26, 2023
Disclaimer: The information provided is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider, such as a physician, before starting any new treatment or making changes to your existing treatment plan. Individual responses to treatment may vary, and a healthcare professional can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances. If you are experiencing severe or persistent symptoms of disease or mental illness, seek immediate medical attention.