Medications for mental fatigue often include ADHD stimulants (like Methylphenidate, Adderall), wakefulness-promoting agents (like Modafinil), and sometimes low-dose antidepressants, especially if linked to conditions like ME/CFS or depression, though these treat underlying causes rather than just fatigue. The specific drug depends on the cause, with stimulants boosting alertness and antidepressants improving mood and sleep.
Recent laboratory evidence suggests that amphetamine and methylphenidate enhance motivation-related processes in healthy participants, and the in-depth interviewing conducted by Vrecko (2013) indicates that enhancement users find the motivational effects of these drugs helpful for enhancing schoolwork.
Remedies to combat mental fatigue
Antidepressants called SSRIs and SNRIs are used to treat fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. These medications increase serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain, which can help with symptoms.
SNRIs, like duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR), increase serotonin as well as norepinephrine, which plays a role in alertness, energy, and focus. Because of this dual action, SNRIs can be more 'activating' than SSRIs and potentially more helpful for individuals dealing with fatigue or low motivation.
Examples include prescribed pain and depression medications and blood-pressure medications.
Engage in Physical Activity: Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, helping to improve focus and reduce fatigue. Whether it's a short walk, yoga, or more vigorous exercise, movement can act as a mental reset, providing energy and clarity for the brain.
If you lead an active lifestyle, or you just need an energy boost, both Vitamin B12 and Iron can help reduce feelings of tiredness and fatigue. Or if you need to sustain your mental alertness and concentration, Ginseng can support your mental wellbeing.
Mental exhaustion is when you feel completely depleted and overwhelmed, even if you've had enough rest. It's different from physical tiredness or fatigue, which can usually be fixed with a good night's sleep or long rest.
In any case, drugs used for pro-motivational purposes are generally dopaminergic agents, for instance dopamine reuptake inhibitors (DRIs) like methylphenidate and modafinil, dopamine releasing agents (DRAs) like amphetamine, and other dopaminergic medications.
Feel-good prescription drugs include:
Consult a GP for advice.
Persistent fatigue and chronic exhaustion are common issues faced by many young adults, often stemming from mental health challenges rather than physical causes. Conditions such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and stress can significantly drain energy levels, leading to a state of mental and emotional exhaustion.
For some people, doctors prescribe stimulants, such as the ones used to treat ADHD. They help ease fatigue and problems with memory and concentration.
Express empathy: Show understanding and let them know you are here for them. Listen actively: Allow them to speak their mind, and avoid interrupting or interpreting where possible. Validate their experience: Let them know that you believe they have burnout, and that it's ok if they feel exhausted or overwhelmed.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
If you feel foggy and mentally sluggish, your brain may be low in oxygen. B12 deficiency can mimic iron deficiency brain fog and is common in those with poor digestion or diets low in animal products. It can usually be corrected with supplementation or infusions.
Types of natural antidepressants
Vitamins and minerals: B-vitamins (thiamine, L-methylfolate, B12), magnesium, vitamin D. Foods: Following the Mediterranean diet; avoiding processed foods, refined carbohydrates and sugars; eating plenty of omega-3 fatty acids or nutrient-dense foods (like seafood and leafy greens)
Supplements to help stop brain fog
Mindfulness techniques such as meditation can help calm your mind, and taking short breaks to relax can also offer relief. Additionally, if mental fatigue persists or interferes with daily activities, consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive diagnosis and treatment plan.
If you have low energy, certain vitamins and supplements may help improve your symptoms. Low levels of B vitamins, vitamin D, and iron can cause fatigue. But taking these vitamins is only likely to improve your energy if your levels are low. Ginseng, coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), and ashwagandha may all help increase energy.
The "42% rule" for burnout suggests dedicating roughly 42% of your day (about 10 hours) to rest and recovery activities like sleep, hobbies, exercise, and socializing to prevent mental and physical exhaustion, countering the "always on" culture that leads to burnout. It's a science-backed guideline emphasizing that sustainable success requires balancing intense work with sufficient downtime for your brain and body to recharge, not just a quick nap.
Diagnosing ME/CFS with accuracy and speed
At the study's conclusion, researchers found that the new ME/CFS blood test could diagnose the condition with a 96% accuracy rate. “That level of accuracy is extremely high for a complex, multifactorial condition like ME/CFS,” Pshezhetskiy said.
Thankfully, there are ways you can help manage, or work around your fatigue. The Four P's reminds us of some ways to help conserve and save energy for the things that are most important. The Four P's are Problem solving, Planning, Prioritising, and Pacing. You may even be doing these already without even noticing.
Fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) often cause overlapping symptoms, such as: Fatigue: Both conditions lead to debilitating fatigue, which significantly impacts your everyday activities. Pain: You may experience widespread pain with both conditions, but it may appear different.