Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

eragon76 · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 5:43 pm Post subject: I could use some advice.

I have trouble falling asleep, usually takes me 2 hours or so to fall asleep, no matter how tired I am. I also suffer from memory loss. I have trouble remembering the simplest of things, and find myself stumbling for words often. I have chronic fatigue also that is ruining my life. I haven't the energy, or drive to do anything. I have had these problems for about 10 years. I had success relieving them once, but it was short lived. I was diagnosed with depression caused by chemical imbalance at the age of 14, and took different antidepressants because of it, when I turned 17 or so the fatigue started, as did the trouble sleeping, memory, confusion troubles. I was given prozac(non generic) and it made me feel great. I was sleeping great, no trouble concentrating, and full of energy, at the time I was in college, and my GPA went up 1.5 points. I was on the top of the world, then the meds stopped working for. I have since then tried different meds, all to no help. I got horrible side effects, mostly of a sexual nature which pushed me away from trying them. I workout, dont do drugs, dont drink alcohol. I am at the end of my rope. I have recently retried prozac(again the non generic) and it did nothing, only gave me the before mentioned sexual side effects. I dont know what else to try, and when I speak to my doctor about all of this I feel as though she isnt there for me. I have tried all I can think of on my won, as I said I workout, drink plenty of water, and multi vitamins. I am weary of trying another antidepressant, so I am looking for a treatment I can try at home, hopefully over the counter, with little to no side effects. I don't know where else to turn, or where to go to finally get the help I truly need to move on in life, any and all help will be greatly appreciated.

pops · Posted: Tue Jan 15, 2008 6:08 pm Post subject:

you should try lexapro. Im pretty sure it is an anti-depressant that has alot fewer side effects, i think it doesnt have any sexual side effects. Also Wellbutrin works alot different than prozac. There are alot of different anti-depressants you can try. If that worked before, you should defienately give it another shot.

Also there are vitamins that can help alot with mood. Especially a B-complex, inositol, sam-e. Those are the few that i can think of off the top of my head, but there's alot more.

I also have sleep problems, i take benadryl and klonopin. You should try benadryl, since you can get it over the counter.

good luck

eragon76 · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 6:53 am Post subject:

do you think taking vitamin B12 would possibly help? I take a multivitamin, and it contains B12, but a very low dosage. I am thinking of getting some B12, and see if that helps me at all. I am trying to find non prescription alternatives, and alternatives that carry little, to no side effects.

chuck · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 12:32 pm Post subject:

i think b12 is supposed to help with mood, it definately helps with energy.

pops · Posted: Wed Jan 16, 2008 7:06 pm Post subject:

b12 may help, but dont be afraid to take anti-depressants if that is what works for you. There are alot of different kinds, and your doctor can help you find one that wont givve you bad side effects.
Also i know that the supplement sam-e is supposed to work almost as well as some anti-depressants, but you have to take it at the right dosage, and it is also really expensive.
I think a good b-complex could help with some symptoms and it is also really cheap.
Let us know if that helps

eragon76 · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 10:56 am Post subject:

I bought a B-Complex last night, and melatonin 3mg. I noticed when I woke up I felt a little weird, harder then usual to wake up, and the melatonin didn't really help me fall asleep faster, or deeper, but I will try it for a few more days to see if it is just my body getting used to it. I will keep in touch with my results.

pops · Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 12:52 pm Post subject:

also you should take the b complex in the morning, not at night. It could keep you awake if you take it too late.

eragon76 · Posted: Tue Jan 22, 2008 5:50 pm Post subject:

a little update. I have been taking my vitamin B-complex, and centrum multivitamins at dinner time, as I dont usually eat breakfast, or lunch, and I do seem more energetic. The melatonin doesn't seem to be helping at all as far as sleep goes. I have an appointment to go to a sleep clinic on Thurs the 24th. I will update with what they find if anything, and my progress...Thnx for all the replies thus far.

pops · Posted: Wed Jan 23, 2008 6:03 pm Post subject:

if you have problems with sleep you might want to take it a little earlier. If i take b vitamins at night it keeps me awake.

Phil Grabowsky · Posted: Sat Jan 26, 2008 9:49 pm Post subject:

You said you don't normally eat breakfast or lunch? I'd bet money that there is a problem right there - not necessarily the WHOLE problem, but at least part of it.

Most people don't understand how important a good diet is. Basically you are missing out on all that energy you need to get through the day.

In addition to eating it has to be good stuff - lots of vegetables. Some people will tell you you can take vitamins to help with this. Vitamins are a great supplement, but they're hardly a replacement (and that's unfortunately how a lot of people view them). A lot of people don't digest them properly and they're just not as good as the real thing.

Kind regards,

-Phil

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Fibromyalgia

I could use some advice.