Does Sertraline give you a lot of energy?

[Irene Iesu]

My primary problems are a lack of energy/motivation, procrastination, and having a hard time focusing on a task and completing it (I may have ADD) ...

I'm currently on Bupropion 200mg + Fluoxetine 20mg. I'm considering if I should switch to Sertraline from Fluoxetine (as I continue Bupropion). Has anyone tried both Fluoxetine and Sertraline? Which worked better for you?

I read the article that seems to claim Sertraline has a positive effect on the dopamine level as well. If so, then, does Sertraline give you a lot of energy?

The relationship between sertraline and dopamine lies in the unique action that the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) has on the dopamine pathway. Sertraline possesses the ability to partially block dopamine reuptake pumps. When dopamine pumps become blocked, more dopamine is left to circulate in the synaptic cleft, leading to increased neurotransmission and action. These two substances are often thought of together in psychiatry because sertraline is the only known SSRI that has a significant impact on the dopamine pathway. This additional ability to interact with dopamine is thought to account for the drug’s efficacy and unique effect on depression and other mental illnesses.
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-relationship-between-sertraline-and-dopamine.htm

 

[Zack30]

I am prescribed 200 mg Sertaline (along with other meds) for Major Depressive Disorder, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

You know how things you don't really want to do are harder to do when you're in a bad mood? I wouldn't say it gives you more energy, but it makes those things suck a little less. It helps those things not drain you so much. It certainly doesn't give you energy like a stimulant like Adderrall does, I would describe it as maybe having a little more motivation or maybe a little more mental toughness. It just sorta makes everything in life just a bit more tolerable.

I don't know how either medication you are taking effect you though, so I can't give you any advice about switching, and I'm not a doctor.

I have ADHD and for it I take 80mg Straterra, which is a non-stimulant. It's pretty mild, but it works much better for me than Adderrall, Vyvanse, or Daytrana because I don't feel so tense and stressed out taking it. It just helps me focus just a little bit, my thoughts are just a tad more organized with it, and that in combination with the other meds I take seem to make things more manageable. I also don't feel totally wiped out at the end of the day like I did after the stimulants wore off when I was taking them.

I hope this helps.

 

[Irene Iesu]

Thank you for your reply! I think I'll ask my doctor to increase bupropion to 300mg first, and then perhaps increase fluoxetine to 40mg (my understanding is that fluoxetine can be very activating at a high dose) before making any changes in my meds ... And then, if that still doesn't give me enough energy and focus, I'll consider trying sertraline and/or adding different meds including ADD meds that you mentioned. Thanks for your input! :D