Omega-3 to combat fatigue?

[PuppyDogEyes]

For those who know my backstory, I have severe MDD (major depressive disorder) combined with SAD (social anxiety disorder), and I'm taking a drug cocktail of Paxil and Seroquel to control my illness. However, both of these drugs have left me with very bad fatigue as a side effect (unfortunately all too common with ADs).

 

My mother recently told me about omega-3 vitamin supplements and swears by them for combating fatigue and tiredness. I'm nervous about taking anything that isn't prescribed because of all of the nonsense my ex-pdoc caused (a misdiagnosis, amongst other things). I've researched it, though, and apparently some people with fibromyalgia report success at feeling more energetic and a little happier.

 

Does anyone have experience with omega-3 supplements (whether you have depression or not)? Do they make you feel better, more energetic, more pumped up? I'm willing to try it if it works. I'm so tired right now and I know this can't go on much longer, even doing my daily exercise takes a lot out of me.

 

Opinions/experiences more than welcomed.

[whichwayisup]

Get some blood work done. If your Iron or B12 levels are low, you'll feel drained and have less energy.

I've been getting B12 shots for afew years now (my body for some reason doesn't process B12 properly so I need the shots monthly) and I feel MUCH more energetic.

[fral945]

I'm nervous about taking anything that isn't prescribed because of all of the nonsense my ex-pdoc caused (a misdiagnosis, amongst other things).

 

PuppyDogEyes,

 

I am a big believer in diet and lifestyle changes, and a bit of a pillaphobe myself. More medicine=more side effects and more problems generally. I try to avoid medication until it is a last resort.

 

If you're really interested in getting more omega 3s in your diet, you might want to consider trying to eat more foods with omega 3s. Some good concentrated sources would be:

 

- Flaxseed (or flaxseed oil)

- Salmon (or any other fatty fish or seafood)

- Walnuts

- Soybeans

- Grass fed beef

 

I personally take flaxseed oil (1 tbsp before bed) to help with my psoriasis. It's not a godsend, but it makes a significant difference for me. The omega 3s are well known to reduce inflammation and help with joint and skin conditions. In my case they reduce the symptoms of my psoriasis, which means I use much less of my medication than I have to. I am sure there are other benefits as well.

 

Check with your doctor just to make sure there would be no side effects from your medication by increasing omega 3s in your diet. Omega 3s are nature's blood thinner, and if you're taking a blood thinner the effects will be exacerbated.