ADHD meds for depression?

Question

One of the many wonderful symptoms of depression is the inability to focus on a task. It's not that the person is inattentive. They simply cannot focus on the task at hand because they cannot concentrate. So the question is - is there anyone who is on an antidepressant and also a stimulant (ADHD drugs)? If so, how does a person go about telling their psychiatrist to change their meds? I have other questions also that are actually more for the biology forum because they are rather technical. But I wanted to ask here about this issue first. Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Lots of people are on antidepressants and ADHD meds. I have a friend who takes Zoloft and Strattera.

If you don't think the medication is helping, or if the side effects bother you too much; you tell the doctor. The doctor may make a change if it is judged to be appropriate for the patient.

Psychiatric drugs often have to be "tapered"; gradually decreased or increased instead of a drastic change from one drug to another.

Answer 2

A lot of doctors will medicate you to treat any symptoms, including symptoms caused by medications! If you are feeling that your medications are not working for you, talk to your prescribing physician. But also keep researching, look for online forums for discussions about your particular issues. A lot of times mental/emotional issues can be addressed at their core without medication. This can be a long process, but can be worthwhile and save you from the side effects of many of the meds on the market. Eastern medicine (acupuncture and herbs) along with counseling can be amazing, getting to the issues at their core (the mental/emotional as well as the physiological) and relieving you completely in time.

Anyway, do what is best for you but be sure you are getting a second opinion about medications -- I have personal experience with both myself and family members who have been seriously over medicated by physicians who would rather drug patients than take the time to really treat them. Best of luck.

Answer 3

15 yr ago i switched shrinks, at the time i was taking paxil from time to time ( in situational times, for 2, 3 maybe 4 months) but at this point with my new shrink, he seemed to think i needed to try adderall too. i also wasnt doing anything outside my 2x a month shrink visit, to learn about adhd, mood swings from pms.. blh blh... paxil did its job, but adderall added a level of awarness and the hunger to learn all i could about my brain and why .. hmm the big question , why i do or feel the way i do.. in this new lite of wanting to learn, the one thing stands out most.. pills dont equal skills.. but what a nice tool to move on with a more productive life.. sadly, from my view, Dr. have not much of a clue on these meds , and do depend on the drug reps pushing that new wonder pill or the patianttelling them what works for them ( its a blind trust or pure lazy on DR part)the pharmacists RULE, and in all my endless questions ( knowing that pharmacist ) isnt getting paid by me, doesnt get gourmet meals delivered, in hopes he may push a drug , for a company( most pharmacies if not all ) dont allow reps in the door. im telling you this, because they know the combo , of these drugs and how they break down with the PROS AND CONS, with no reasons to push any one way or the other. The internet has so much info and i think its up to us to seek and find, print out the info , so our next visit to Dr, will be one of questions from my print-outs (with the medication --s) of intrest to see if he has samples ( non schedual)he will have all kinds of flippen samples and with the sched. ones he will have free 30 day trial gift cards , heck , you can even print out free gift voucher now from shire or the "new" ha they say new, well anyway its the vyvance , "the new and improved adderall" ha the biggest part of "new" in vyvance is it has a "new" patent...anyway.. trial and error is what its about and doing the dose shuffle with the brand shuffle is more common than not, keeping a daily log/journal is the best thing i started to do, it helped me to know my medications and what works best for me and my daily activiaties.. wake up time, first pill, time, dose, name.. .. dont be shy , be pro-active...:o)

Answer 4

ADHD meds can cause depression or make it worse.

If you are both ADHD and depressed and you want to change meds you might want to ask your doctor about Wellbutrin or Imipramine but beware that Imipramine (this is used more for anxiety and bedwetting though) needs to be closely monitored for liver problems. Wellbutrin and Imipramine are used for depression and for ADHD. They are older antidepressants. There are other older antidepressants used for both. You would have to research them though. Meanwhile, just tell your doctor that you don't feel like they are working right and why. I've gone through 4 children with ADHD and myself. It's hard to find out just what is right for everyone because we are all biologically different.

If you want to try things that are natural then simply cut out your intake of sugars, sodas, additives, food colorings, and anything that you might be allergic to such as white flours, sugars, milk products, nuts, shellfish, etc.

The soda is probably the biggest source of problems and the food colorings.

You can also try herbal products such as St. John's Wort for depression. More vitamin b's, a multi-vitamin, and perhaps vitamin C in higher doses.

The better rest you get too will alleviate some of the feelings of depression and the inability to focus.

As with any of that though, you should discuss those things with your doctor first.

Just a little bit of info on vitamins and supplements and what they do for our bodies:

The efficient functioning of the brain and nervous system depends to a large extent on the supply and flow of oxygen-rich blood and nutrients to all parts of the brain. Research studies show lack of nutrients may cause lack of attention, mood disorders and depression.

Vitamin B-1 (Thiamin)... improves mental attitude and keeps the nervous system, muscles and heart functioning normally.

Vitamin B-2 (Riboflavin)... Assists in energy metabolism, inadequate intake may cause depression, moodiness, nervousness, and irritability.

Vitamin B-3 (Niacin)....Required by all cells and vital in the release of energy from food. It is required for the synthesis of protein, fat, and genetic material. Also required for proper metabolism and brain function.

Vitamin B-5 (Pantothenic acid)....Critical in the synthesis and breakdown of many body compounds, necessary for the metabolism of food and normal immune function. Also plays a role in the synthesis of hormones, cholesterol, and neurotransmitters.

Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine)...: the nervous system is dependent on vitamin B-6 for the production of GABA and neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine.

Vitamin B-12 (Cyanocobalamin)...relieves irritability, and improves concentration, memory and balance and in children supports growth.

Vitamin C: a potent free radical scavenger and it recycles vitamin E in the body. Vitamin C plays a primary role in the formation of collagen and it is essential for a healthy cardiovascular system and a strong immune system.

Vitamin E... decreases elevated hormone levels and prevents and treats anemias.

Calcium....Essential for normal bone and tooth formation, overall growth, blood clotting, regulation of heart rate, and proper nerve transmission.

Folic Acid....Important in the metabolism of proteins and in the synthesis of new proteins, necessary for production of red blood cells, necessary for normal cellular division and production of DNA. Plays an important role in tissue growth and function and can significantly reduce the risk of neural tube defects (birth defects of the brain or spine).

GABA...One of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the brain.

L Tyrosine....Tyrosine is converted into dopamine and norepinephrine. Supplementation with both tyrosine and phenylalanine leads to alertness. Tyrosine is sometimes prescribed as an antidepressant, usually in combination with other nutrients and herbs that have mood elevating properties.

L-Taurine....Taurine functions in electrically active tissues such as the brain and heart to help stabilize cell membranes. It also has functions in the gallbladder, eyes, and blood vessels and appears to have some antioxidant and detoxifying activity. Taurine helps generate nerve impulses. Taurine is found in the central nervous system, skeletal muscle, and heart and is very concentrated in the brain.

Magnesium....Necessary for proper nerve transmission, contraction of muscle, and the conversion of Vitamin D to its active form.

Manganese....Needed for normal utilization of several other vitamins, and a variety of other biochemical roles in the body. It also aids in proper fat metabolism, skeletal and connective tissues, production of energy, making cholesterol and DNA, proper brain function, and processing blood sugar.

Omega 3....The most important 2 fatty acids in the Omega 3 family are EPA and DHA as these are in limited supply and only found in any real quantities in oily fish and fish oil supplements. Although DHA is important for pregnant and nursing mothers and for young children for healthy development of the brain and vision, EPA can be considered the most important for everyone else as it is necessary for the efficient functioning of the brain and the body at a cellular level.

Omega 6.... Omega 6 is generally classed as pro-inflammatory, paradoxically, GLA, when sourced dietetically, has anti-inflammatory properties. It can help the bloating and pain associated with PMS. It also maintains healthy skin, hair and nails and generally helps to bring about hormonal and emotional balance.

Omega 3 and Omega 6 interact with each other so the balance between them is crucial for good health. Together they affect the production of hormonal type messengers called eicosanoids, which has an impact on inflammation in the body and all functions at a cellular level.

Omega 9....Omega 9 also has many preventative qualities as its main component, Oleic acid, helps to reduce the risk of arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular disease and stroke. Borage oil contains both Omega 6 and Omega 9 in the form of Gamma-linolenic acid and Oleic acid and is in fact, one of the best sources of GLA.

Pycnogenol...boosts the immune system and it strengthens blood vessel walls and capillaries. It supports a better circulation by preventing stress-induced constriction of arteries and blood clotting. The antioxidant effect keeps neurotransmitters functioning longer andl also improves circulation, including microcirculaiton in the brain.

Phosphatidyl Serine....Phosphatidylserine is a normal component of the brain, may aid brain and nerve cell functions.
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