| I had tried Effexor, Proxac and Wellbutrin over the years with modest success. About five years ago, when I was going through a super-bad depression, my sister mentioned that she had tried and liked Zoloft. So I asked for that and have been off and on with it (currently on) since then. It makes a huge difference. My mind doesn't wander into dark places as much, and when it does I'm able to redirect my thoughts somewhere else. Also, with Zoloft I don't feel like I'm "on" something. I just feel normal. The downside is it pretty much makes orgasm impossible, though I can temporarily get that back if I go off it for a couple days. This year I resolved to stay on it for all of 2015, because in the past I would often do it for 7-8 months, think "I feel great!" and wean myself off. I'll re-evaluate next spring. Also, some supplements I take make a significant difference in energy levels. I was diagnosed with adrenal fatigue around the same time I started Zoloft. I did a saliva test and it turns out my cortisol is very low in the morning, making it hard to get out of bed and get going. The biggest impacts there seem to be from Rhodiola Rosea and DHEA, but I also take fish oil, B vitamins (see below) and a couple other things. I also got a genetic test and found that I have the [heterozygous MTHFR mutation[(http://doccarnahan.blogspot.com/2013/05/mthfr-gene-mutation-...), and I take Deplin for that, though I believe non-prescription forms are available. That also seems to help with energy levels. And I also do an annual-ish [SpectraCell](http://www.spectracell.com/) test through a local practitioner. From that we discovered that my B vitamins and testosterone were low (I'm in my late 40s so the testosterone change is not a surprise). I actually just completed another test and will get the results next week. Finally, in the last three weeks I cut out all sugar and simple carbs. I've done that in the past but allowed a weekly "cheat day" that inevitably led me to fall off the wagon. This time I am very strict and I feel as energetic as I ever have in my life. I don't thing cutting out sugar all by itself is the answer. Rather it's a combination of all these things that helps me develop the discipline and willpower around diet and exercise. Cutting out sugar does seem to prevent afternoon fatigue and general mood swings. |