Tuesday, June 23, 2009

What Are The Causes Of Severe Fatigue

What Is Severe Fatigue?








Severe fatigue is defined by Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia as, "an extreme feeling of weariness, tiredness or lack of energy." Everyone experiences the occasional bout of fatigue, as it is the body's natural way of alerting you that it needs rest and sleep. But prolonged periods of fatigue or frequent episodes of fatigue may be indicative of a deeper problem. Severe fatigue can be brought about by a variety of different things such as depression, medication or a vitamin deficiency.


Depression


Depression is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in the medical and psychiatric fields. The effects can be felt in both a mental and physical way, sometimes resulting in severe fatigue. As with most side effects of depression, proper medication and possibly cognitive behavioral therapy can address and eliminate the fatigue by solving the root of the problem.


Medication


Some medications carry a side effect of severe fatigue. Such medications include: Ambien, Claritin, Klonopin, Depo-Provera, Loratadine, Strattera, Valtrex and Wellbutrin. As all of these medications are available only by prescription, it is important to communicate with your physician or psychiatrist before stopping such medication. It is highly probable that they will be able to prescribe an alternate medication that does not carry the severe fatigue side effect.


Iron Deficiency


Iron deficiency, also known as anemia, is well known for its side effect of producing severe fatigue in the sufferer. By simply adding an iron supplement to your daily regime and incorporating an abundance of iron-rich foods into your diet, you should see relief from all side effects of the anemia quite rapidly.








Warnings


While some causes of severe fatigue can be treated or eliminated relatively easily, it is important to note that any such negative physical condition that you are experiencing should be brought to your physician's attention.

Tags: severe fatigue, side effect, severe fatigue, side effects, your physician