Can anxiety cause as much fatigue as depression?

09/28/09

Goody63

Topics:Anxiety , Treatment , Anxiety Drugs , Social Anxiety , Stress , Ask The Experts

Hi I have been treated for depression and anxiety for many years.I see a therapist and a cnp for meds.I currently take wellbutrin 300XL and klonopin up to 1mg daily.I am also trying to get myself to join the ymca for exercise.I think exercise may help.My question is I have been laid off for 8 months my former jobs I worked 60hrs per week and had no life outside work.Now that I am laid off I seem to have no desire to look for a job.This causes me great anxiety.One good thing is I am trying to work on my social life I am 46 and really never had one.I tend to have a build up of anxiety every time I try to meet someone.Some times I cancel the meeting which causes more anxiety.My anxiety seems to build up and get bad.I will take klonopin but this makes me tired.My biggest problem with depression and anxiety has always been the fatigue.My question is are there other meds for anxiety that knock it down quickly with out much fatigue.Also I am embarassed to tell my cnp about my lack of desire to look for a job.But this is very troubling to me.Is it important to mention this to my cnp.I feel ashamed about it.Any advice would be very helpful.THANKYOU

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Answers (1)

Sunday, October 04, 2009

Eileen Bailey

Thanks for your question and welcome to AnxietyConnection.com.

First, exercise would most certainly help you. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression. The YMCA has programs to help you financially and will not turn away anyone, regardless of their ability to pay. (I do not know your financial situation, I am just making this comment based on you being out of work).

You should definately dicuss your lack of motivation with the CNP. The lack of motivation may help the CNP understand your current state of mind and can help him or her make sure your medication is working to help you right now. Sometimes, personal experiences and situations require medication to be adjusted, even if temporarily. Your CNP needs to know, however, your situation and emotional state to best prescribe medication for you.

As far as which medication, let your CNP know that you are feeling fatigue right now. It could be the fatigue is a symptom of your depression, not of your medication. All of this should be discussed with your current therapist and CNP to make sure you receive the best medical care.

Eileen