I'm on Cymbalta 30mg and Abilify 5mg, and while this barely gets me by, I was looking for something that would give me some energy and motivation. I thought about Wellbutrin, but I can't just walk in to my doc's office and be like "Hey let me get some Buproprion!" So... I've posted on here for other things, but does a Cymbalta + Wellbutrin combo sound good to anyone? Am I being redundant?? I can't go up to 60mg because I get more depressed for some odd reason. What about Strattera? Thanks!!!
A good drug for energy and motivation?
Question posted by roger_d_1989 on 17 June 2014
Last updated on 5 May 2021
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
50 Answers Page 2
WildcatVet
23 July 2017
It's a wonderful thing that you're doing research and asking for personal experiences from lay people to help you in making decisions regarding your personal decisions! But while you can't, *just ask for Wellbutrin*, you also can't just ask for any other medication either.
Use the information you get to develop a good repertoire with your doctor because only she/he knows your medical history and current state of health, is the only one who can prescribe for you, and is the only one who can give you knowledgeable, professional advice. Ask questions.
If you feel you can't discuss your situation with your current doctor be proactive and find a new one!
Punter4
23 July 2017
Hi rogerd,
Don't take anymore Cymbalta because when the time comes, it is a bitch to withdraw from. I take 5 different drugs, combined, 17 pills a day. I am taking 450 mg. of Wellbutrin and it has always worked well for me. Now I'm going to tell you something very important. Your body belongs to you, no one else.
You are obviously an intelligent person because you are on this site doing your research and you CAN WALK into the doctors office and ask to try a drug. If it makes you sick, you have to deal with it, not him.
Unless he can tell you that something you are already taking won't mix properly with the Wellbutrin, I say go for it.
If I have learned nothing else from this experience, it is that you have to take control of your own medical future. You have to be strong even though mental illness can take our strength away.
Good Luck.
luke uno
13 June 2017
I'd ask about something like Modafinil or even Adderall. Also you have room to up the Cymbalta
MrsRobbinson72
18 April 2017
Old Post but newer dosing information that may be of some benefit to someone.
Cymbalta 20 mg. at night around 9:P.M.
Aderrall ER 20mg. when I wake up at 6:00 A.M.
Aderrall IR 5mg. IF NEEDED around 4:00, if energy is low or lack of concentration, focus, and general awareness begins to hinder the remainder of my day that is still yet to come. I came up with this regiment of dosing out of my own research. I talked very honestly and candidly with my Psychologist and he agreed and actually liked the idea. I have felt on track and in hardly any pain since this dosing schedule has began. Last week was the FIRST time in about five years I could walk into my pain management doctor and tell him " I didn't need refills on any medications from him this visit !!" I never thought that would be an option for me.
From reading the posts already, it seems many find Aderrall and Cymbalta work well together for them ? I tried Wellbutrin before and it made me very agitated and mean. So I stopped after giving it a fair try. Best of luck... to anyone searching for that "combination that just lets you live your life again " But I must always add; we are all so different . What works for one might be a nightmare for someone else. Study about the neurotransmitters and all their functions... diet plays a big roll in production of some of this as well. Always be an educated patient, you may find that you might just figure out what you need or would like to try on your own. There is nothing wrong with sitting with your doctor and having a few notes in front of you, and talk about what and why you would like to make this change. Doing your own research and becoming better educated about medications and your body is not a crime !!
Grumpy64
21 May 2017
I'm so glad to have seen your comment. Just diagnosed with ADD. Apparently have had it a long time. It's gotten worse the last year. I just sit and do very little except eat. Which now I understand can be a part of it. I'm on 60 mg cymbalta and they just added 150 mg of wellbutrin. I pray it works.
DaynaS
11 April 2017
Adderall or Ritalin or just plain old caffeine
sapphire2011
13 Feb 2017
Hi Roger, since everyone is so different it's really hard to say but for me I have to take Adderall daily or I can't function at all. I would just sleep the entire day without it. Currently I'm switching anti-depressant meds with hope that I find something that works workout having to take the Adderall. Be honest with your doctor and don't be afraid to mention it. Hope this helps you some!
gritslp
13 Feb 2017
I took Wellbutrin and it did not work for me at all. My depression continued.
GRAMYBEAR
25 Jan 2017
I know that when I took Wellbutrin, I would have more anxiety and a lot of excess energy but every prescription affects each of us differently. I am on a prescription called Provigal because I have severe anemia and fatigue. I've had no side affects from it and when I don't feel I need to take it, I don't have any withdrawals from it. I don't know if a regular MD can prescribe it or not. I get it from my Psychiatrist who I see every 3 months for about 5 minutes! Hugs
librariall
24 Jan 2017
They all work differently for different people. I tried bupropion (Wellbutrin) for a week and I felt so horrible, ears ringing, not sleeping, no energy from not sleeping. I will not take it. Am going back to Lexapro and never changing again. No on Rx has ever made me feel so horrible. I didn't take it today and I feel MUCH better.
AmethystWillow
11 Jan 2017
Its not odd that would make you more depressed. Wellbutrin is an anti depressant . anti depressants top side effect IS depression . I can't take any anti depressants they make me psychotic
Inactive
12 Jan 2017
Wellbutrin gives me energy and motivation. When i take one of my "medication vacations", it only helps me to see how much more WB helps me with energy and motivation by treating my anxiety/depression. I totally disagree that it top side effect is depression. You may not be able to take it, but it has helped millions of people to live more productive lives. I am sorry that ADs make you personally psychotic. But that is not the issue here.
Inactive
12 Jan 2017
*not "it" but "its" *
migrainesuf1166
25 Jan 2017
I agree that it isn't a top side effect but, it very well can make you more depressed and that is something that NO Dr tells you, it's written in side effects that is extremely rare so you really don't expect it. It's VERY real bc it slowly happened to me and almost completely ruined my life. Well, I now don't just blame Cymbalta solely, I think all of these meds can effect your brain. Cymbalta just was very strong and made it worse and made me more depressed than others as well as other awful side effects.
migrainesuf1166
25 Jan 2017
I also keep reading on here post after post the same post written in a different way about a different antidepressant. Some from years ago, some from yesterday. All stating the same issue... they have been on these medications and feel numb, more depressed than they were before, they may have an increase in anxiety, loss of interest, no energy, always sleepy, insomnia, weight gain, feelings of being disconnected from the world, trouble focusing and concentrating and more. It's not a coincidence.
migrainesuf1166
13 Dec 2016
I recently stopped cymbalta after 5 years and thank God I did. This med almost ruined my life. I was exhausted, wanted to do NOTHING, no motivation at all. It took me years and trying everything before I realized the med was causing this. Increasing only makes it worse. I took it stopping it to realize how bad it had changed me. I knew something had, something was wrong. I saw my GP, OB/GYN, three neurologist. I've been off two weeks and it's like I woke up. Everyday I have more energy and am happy!
I did cymbalta and Wellbutrin and the Wellbutrin at first was a wonderful addition but, that lasted a few weeks. My Drs even put me on adderall and I'm now off that as well bc I never needed it. They may help you, I wish you the very best.
pete amora
10 Dec 2016
A small dose of Dexedrine say 5mgs BID or the XR 15mgs should stimulate the mind and not cause the anxiety that Adderall does
PharmMore
1 Oct 2016
Medication is an important part of treating depression. A part prescribing docs tend to not attend to is the "part" factor. Yep, lots of scripts will make you feel energized for a short time then back Dow the depression spiral. Look at you for the changes that ultimately matter. Counseling is an important factor in helping people who tend to think a specific way. It is like getting glasses to help you see clearly. No need for new eyes, just augment those present. Also, studies demonstrated years ago that in certain instances, an increase in personal activity yes exercise- was as effective in the treatment of depression than antidepressants alone. Exercise in moderation on a regular basis like walking, swimming, sports, dance, cycling,,, just move and your body naturally releases endorphins and enkelphins which aid in feeling better. By setting small reasonable goals that can realistically can be completed leads to feelings of MOTIVATION.
Activation and motivation are important in living with depression . If you are seeing a therapist and they have not addressed these two aspects, asks them why they have not and consider another therapist that used CBT, DBT, ACT to address depression. Keep on tying from within. Taking pharmacy cocktails are not the answer. It lies with each of us.
Zanymom
25 Sep 2016
This question is from two years ago so why the answers to it now? I take Wellbutrin and it works well; it took four months though honestly before I started to notice that I was finishing tasks instead of leaving them half way thru; I was getting out of bed instead of wanting to sleep all day and have started hiking mountains. When on Cymbalta it was horrible and all i wanted to do was sleep. I also take Gabepentin at night for severe restless leg syndrome but only at most 300 mg and never over that.
Inactive
25 Sep 2016
Hi Zanymom!
This is a question still researched by many people coming to this site for inquiries about Wellbutrin. A new person (usually) scans a support group (such as Wellbutrin in this case) and an old question might pop up if it is a subject (such as "Is Wellbutrin a good medication for energy and motivation") they might have typed in that they want to find the answer to. If someone currently leaves an answer, or comment, even thought the original question is old, it shows up with the recent questions that have been answered. Then more people can add new comments to the current comments. The best thing to do is to start a new thread to get new answers to a particular subject, although the information still applies from an old post. Some people who are new to the site find the question at random, and don't notice the old date of the question and answers.
And I see that you have felt the need to add your own personal experience with your level of energy and motivation while taking Wellbutrin. I hope this answers your question. Thank you for your contribution to this question by the way! "G"
Inactive
25 Sep 2016
I think you just did the same thing; added a new comment to an old question?
This should answer you question, "why the answers to it now"?
Inactive
26 Sep 2016
Zany mom: What dose of wellbutrin are you taking? 150mg or 300mg,- SR, or XL-? Are you taking bupropion sr or bupropion xl - the generic of wellbutrin?
How long have you been taking it?
Thanks in advance for your answer. ( I also take wellbutrin (generic).
Inactive
26 Sep 2016
I noticed from reading about the side effects that Wellbutrin XL has a side effect of restless leg syndrome for many people. By changing to Wellbutrin SR, or another antidepressant, for that matter, the restless leg syndrome often goes away. If Wellbutrin XL causes the restless leg syndrome that you are experiencing, wouldn't it be better to replace it with something else, rather than treat it with Gabapentin (if that's the only reason you have to take gabapentin, that is)?
I temporarily took Wellbutrin XL. While I was on it, I definitely had "restless leg syndrome". I quit taking it, took Wellbutrin SR instead, and no more restless leg syndrome. I also had headaches with the XL version.
SpeakingOut
23 Sep 2016
IF there is NOTHING wrong with you, you "find energy and motivation" from with your self! DON'T expect a drug to give you this! Look within YOURSELF to find you energy and motivation. IF there is a drug in this world that would give "energy and motivation," EVERYONE would be taking it!
Inactive
23 Sep 2016
@SpeakingOut:
Ummmmm, anxiety/depression saps many people of their energy and motivation. Taking an effective AD can return a person to their pre-zap state.
If there was nothing wrong with a person, they would not be trying to feel better and come here for support. Your answer is ignorant and designed to make a person feel worse about themselves. Why are you here if "NOTHING is wrong with you"???
SpeakingOut
24 Sep 2016
I NEVER said there was "nothing wrong" with me. I take 120 Mgs. of Cymbalta a day, so there is plenty wrong with me. And yes, I do have to PUSH myself day after day to combat my severe depression and debilitating pain, which grabs me HARD and makes me suicidal at times. Then I battle ALL of the side effects of Cymbalta on a daily basis as well. That is what I mean when I speak of energy and motivation from within the self." Pills alone are NOT always the answer. Talk therapy helps as well. Sometimes we need a little push in the right direction instead of "another medication." Good luck to you in your battle. No matter what it is, I hope you find what you are looking for.
Inactive
24 Sep 2016
Your comment: "if there is nothing wrong with you, you find energy and motivation with your self!" I don't think anyone here has said that there is nothing wrong with them. That's why they come here for support. I am sorry to hear that life is such a struggle for you. That makes me sad. For the most part, people that come to these support groups realize that there is work to do in conjunction with taking medications to get to the point of feeling better. It's just that, initially, taking a medication can help someone who has lost their energy and motivation due to being bogged down by anxiety/depression issues, to get started back on the path to good health. It gives a kick start that is needed to get going again! So the medication by itself doesn't give someone energy and motivation, but it sure helps a person to reach that point in their lives once again.
Depression, as you have said, can be so debilitating that it robs someone of the quality of living a "normal" life. I am sorry for your struggle, but I am glad you were able to find a regimen that helps you. Good Luck. I wish the best for you.
MrsHound
4 Oct 2018
I’m so late to the game, but this is for “Inactive” : What is wrong with you?’ Sounds like you need to find a good Ned for your anger. You seriously didn’t understand what that SpeakingOut was talking about, about finding energy and motivation within one’s self?! Surely you aren’t that closed off to reality. Only in this day and age would anyone argue that statement. People argue just to argue. That was awesome advice that SpeakingOut gave. Nothing wrong with taking pills to help balance us, or to help us gain control of our mental health. But, dang, don’t be so bitter about someone suggesting self-help as well! Thank you SpeakingOut for your encouragement and self-motivation! It seems so simple but it’s easy to forget to do that when Doctors these days offer pills immediately when someone comes to them with mental issues. Or any issues for that matter.
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abilify, cymbalta, wellbutrin, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, energy
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