Antidepressants?

I was wondering if anyone has tried or is taking antidepressants.  I  think I have CFS.  Most of my symptoms have gone away except for feeling really run down.  I also have severe anxiety.  I have been on Effexor XR, the lowest dose,  and I have been feeling more tired and irritable and run down since taking this.  My anxiety has also been getting worse.  So I don't know if I am feeling so bad because the meds aren't working and the anxiety is causing this or if this is the CFS.  Does anyone have only tiredness and run down feelings with CFS?  When I feel really run down I feel dead and so far away.  Can anyone relate? I have been sick for 7 months.

You should probably talk to your doctor about the effexor asap - some people have a bad reaction to effexor and other anti-depressants and it can actually make your symptoms and mental state worse. Finding the right anti-d is more tricky than most people realize because their affects vary so much from person to person and then you have to find the right dose. I know that some people have really great results when they get on the right anti-d. If effexor isn't helping (or is making things worse) your doctor can try you on something else.

The bad thing is that it is hard to figure out if the symptoms are related to your illness or your meds. I really hope your doctor can help you sort things out. I know first hand how discouraging it is to feel so run down all the time.

Take care

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Diagnosis:  Suspected Lupus 2004; Raynauds 2006; Sjogren's 2006; CFS 1991; Mono 1985

Meds:  Plaquenil 400mg; Tramadol 100mg 3-4x daily; Amitriptyline 10mg; Neurontin 200mg; Steriod Cream and Mouth Rinse for tongue and mouth ulcers; Hydrocodone 5/500 prn for severe pain

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