concerta combined with wellbutrin | ADHD Information
kathy,
a lot of people with adhd have a co-morbid. Maybe your son's is depression. a lot have anxiety, like my son. he also has sensory integration and a speech delay.
My son is on 90mg of concerta and guanfacine.
Could there be any reason to cause the depression? How is school socially, friends, etc? Can you ask him and will he talk with you about "things"?
If there is no reason to cause it and you know that, could there be bi-polar? Any history in the family gene line? this like adhd is also genetic.
If not, and you still feel strong about him being depressed, then I would tell the doctor and address it ASAP. You don't want him sinking lower and something occurring.
You are in my thoughts, please keep us informed of how things are going, please!!
also, Kathy, I just read your original post, he is 11, so is my son. My son weighs 104 and is over 5 feet tall, about 5ft 4in.
Do you think he is starting puberty?????? I swear mine is. he called on his cell and his voice sounded like it is changing.
I have been told and read, and discussed with our doc, that once puberty begins, the meds may have to be changed due to they just simply stop working.
I am dreading it, but we then get the mood swings, etc. Mine is also talking with a girl at school and after school, while I am waiting for him in plain site. I think she is his first crush. Things are changing.
It is just a thought, hope it helps!!
Kathy,
My son has been on ADHD meds for over a year and is now seeing a new doctor. The old doc was awful and the new doc is a god send. My son actually likes him. He even told me he feels like it is his doc and not mine.
Anyway, this doc said that more often then not ADHD comes with other problems also (as if that is not enough right). So, he said that "T" has anxiety also. He said that he wanted to treat the anxiety took him off the ADHD medicine for a month and then put him in focalin xr. This has helped alot. We still have a long way to go but it is a big improvement. You may want to ask your doctor if there is something else there.
Asset
Thank you all for your responses to both of my posts regarding ADHD and depression. I feel better knowing that I am not the only mother feeling like a basket case and worrying about my child and his med and his diagnosis. I feel that he has mild depression because of his frustrations and dealing with ADHD everyday. I think he has alot of frustration and immaturity. He needs work socially too. Thank God he doesn't pick up on the fact that he has problems socially - yet. It's going to become appparent soon and I'd like to treat him for his issues before he knows 100% of what's going on. Of course he knows he's ADHD and that he has trouble getting work done and remembering things and focusing. I've tried to instill in him that God gave him a special brain. He knows he's smart and I tell him that he learns differently and thinks outside the box and how special and neat that is. But as I said, I think he deals with frustration and alot of immaturity for an 11yr old. Perhaps a mood lift would make a difference for him? That's what we are shooting for. I'm starting it on Monday. He won't be home this weekend so I cant watch him like a hawk
. So yes, I agree with many of you who are saying that ADHD is usually accompanied by something else. In my son's case I think it's either mild depression or a mood issue. Either way, this is the route I should be going soooo...why am I freaking out? I'm just tired and feel so helpless....I know you all know what I'm talking about. God bless us all and our wonderful, beautiful children who are so much more than ADHD.Stay positive kathy, and when you need us, we are here!! 
Aww. Thanks Bethann. This site is a Godsend for so many of us. I don't have any friends or relatives dealing with this so I feel alone. Reading the posts feels like there are other people who are just as confused and crazy as I am! The choices we have to make as parents for our children are the most important decisions we'll ever make. When you have a child with a disability - it's even harder than others can imagine. I also feel the "why my beautiful, kind, sweet son?" Why does he have to deal with this when he's an innocent child? I wish God would give me his burdens because I'd take them in a heartbeat. I love to hear all the people here supporting eachother and taking the same heartfelt considerations for their children as I do. The one thing I can say for sure is that the children of the parents on this site are extremely lucky and loved. I'm still feeling really down and said while struggling with the old "am I doing the right thing" but I will keep coming on this site for some support and inner strength. I guess I'm not really all that alone!!Kathy I have said that as well, I wish that I could just take on hist ADHD and everything else that he has to struggle with. Unfortunately it doesn't work like that, but I will tell you, I am with him through the end. He will make it, and so won't yours and the others here, because we all care!! 
Hi. It's been forever since I've been here but I need to ask if anyone's child has experienced mild depression from ADHD. He's been on Concerta for over a year. He's at 72mg. for a while now but he still has some issues that can be mistaken as ADHD...like mild depression which can cause lack of concentration, lack of motivation, moodiness, unfocused. I suggested to his doc that instead of raising his med again, that he be treated for possible mild depression that my heart tells me he is experiencing. He is 11yrs and weighs about 61lbs. The doc says to continue with the 72 mg. of concerta and added in 150 mg of wellbutrin for the depression part that goes along with ADHD so often. Has anyone tried this? Good experience? Bad? Nothing? Help please, I'm afraid to give meds. I hate them but want to help my child have the quality of life he deserves.PLEASE SOMEONE REPLY. if no one's answering, it's possible no one has experience with this combination.
My daughter at one time took a stimulant med with Zoloft and did fine. She has taken Wellbutrin in the past, but not with Concerta. It is not uncommon to see ADHD meds combined with antidepressant meds. If you have concerns you should discuss with your physician and/or pharmacist. They are the best source for possible side effects to watch out for.
I do know how you feel, none of us wants to use meds, and certainly not a combination of meds.
Just know you can always stop a med if you don't like the effect, just check with your doctor or pharmacist first.
THANKS DIANE. AND YES, I'VE ASKED THE DOC AND THE PHARMACIST WHO SAY YES, THEY'VE SEEN THIS COMBO BEFORE BLAH BLAH BUT IT'S NOT THEM GIVING IT TO THEIR CHILD. I'M SO SICK AND UPSET THAT NO MATTER WHAT THEY TELL ME, I'M STILL CRYING ABOUT HAVING TO TRY THIS AFTER YEARS OF NOT BEING ABLE TO FIND ANYTHING THAT WORKS SATISFACTORY. HE'S HAD PERIODS OF DOING JUST "OK" BUT NOT ALL OF HIS SYMPTONS WERE BEING ADDRESSED. YEARS OF CHANGING, UPING DOSAGES...IT FEELS LIKE I WILL NEVER BE ABLE TO MAKE THINGS OK FOR MY SON AND THE GUILT IS EATING ME RAW. WHY DOESN'T ANYTHING MAKE THE DIFFERENCE THAT HE NEEDS? WHY DOES HE HAVE TO GO THRU THIS? IT'S JUST A VICIOUS CYCLE AND I'M A SINGLE PARENT WITH NOONE TO GET ME THRU. DID I MENTION THAT I HAVE ANOTHER SON WHO IS 14? I'M A BIT STRESSED AND DISCOURAGED AS I'M SURE YOU CAN TELL. I DON' T WANT TO HURT MY SON BY TRYING MEDICATIONS ON HIM TO HELP HIM. HOW DO I GET PAST THIS PART OF IT? I'M AFRAID SOMEONE OFF THE CHARTS WILL HAPPEN TO MY SON, EVEN IF IT'S A RARE THING, IT WILL HAPPEN.
I dont think you should give him anything you're not ready to give him. We all have some worry about it, but if you're suffering all out anxiety like this you maybe should wait. How about a second opinion? I completely understand your feelings, we've all been there at some point. What otehr accomodations is he getting? Maybe addressing things other than meds can be part of the solution? Does he have a 504 or IEP to help with schoolwork? Is he getitng the support he needs to not feel so voerwhlemed? Those kinds of things...............hi. Yes, he has plenty of support from school and accomodations but because of his mood which seems down alot, he doesn't get much done at school even with all the accomodations. He is going to be evaluated by the child study team to see what he is capable of and what he is not. Then they will know when to be firm with him to get some work done. I know he's bored at school because he has to put in effort but his teacher last year and this year both expressed to me that he seems sad and/or down in addition to be distracted. I also see the "down" they talk about... I've been mentioning to his phychiatrist for months that I think he may be mildly depressed and that is contributing to him being unfocused and unmotivated at school. So the dr. says ok, let's treat him for the mild depression with wellbutrin and now I'm all wacked out about giving it to him. I was also this nuts and worried when I started meds years ago and I go thru it each time we uped his med. It's my own anxiety about hurting him or messing him up with meds. I should add that he is extremely smart but it's the motivation and effort that hold him back. ADHD has affected all parts of his life especially socially. Home life is hard most days because of his attitude. He is also happy and funny too - not walking around depressed but I see signs of looking sad and just seeming down and/or quiet at times he shouldn't. He went thru a period of not going out to play cause he didn't feel like playing what the other kids were playing and he opted to stay in. That bothered me. So it's these things that are making me feel like there is a slight depression issue that needs attention rather than just taking the med up another notch. I have so much anxiety (about everything in my life, not just this) that I have a hard time making these hard choices. As a single parent, I feel alone and overwhelmed but am thankful for this forum. I don't need another opinion from another dr. as I feel this dr. is intelligent and capable and he is also going by what I am telling him, he's not just making his observation. I need the courage to make the change and hope for the best. It's the worry of hurting my child in the process that is killing me.
You're right Kathy, you're not alone on this site. We all try to help when we can, and we all use it to seek help when we need it--questions, concerns, just venting.... I sense that you may be feeling "down" a bit yourself (not surprising...all this stuff has a strong genetic side to it) and would just like to offer the suggestion to be sure to take care of yourself too! It's clear you are amazing in your caring and stamina in raising your two sons by yourself, with very little support and no one to really confide in regarding the extras that come with a son with ADHD. But remember that your "beautiful, kind, sweet son" has lazer-keen sensitivity to when Mom is feeling low, worried or concerned. And there's no getting away with putting on a good face and "faking it"--he'll know!
See if there is a support group in your area for parents with ADHD/LD children. A group like that would provide a great opportunity for you to meet and share information and concerns and be buoyed by others. If there are no support groups, check to see what organizations in your area or your state work with families dealing with ADHD and LD... perhaps there's a workshop or conference coming up you could go to which could lead to you meeting others that could lead to supportive associations/friendships.
I know you know this...but taking care of yourself will ensure your taking care of your son(s)--you share with them the challenges of living fully: it's not all up to you. You are used to doing it all yourself--before there was no other option, but now as they grow older, sharing some of "the load" will not only make them feel better, but also help in preparing them for the day (and it comes sooner than we expect!) when they'll be out on their own.
It sounds like you're doing a great job! Just remember, the more you can do to lower your own anxiety (about med changes, son's socializing, and all the rest life throws your way), the more energy you will have to enjoy life with your two sons!
ps: adding the Welbutrin is, I think, an excellent med to take in combination with his other med. Welbutrin is well tolerated and is associated with few side effects...good luck!
John D39768.4208564815Well John....I can't believe you said all the things that my friends and people who know my situation say. I need to calm down!! Relax! I suffer from tremendous anxiety. It's a battle that I fight with daily. I guess being on my own so long and feeling like I always have to be "ready" for bad situations. It's consumed me. I'm so in love with my children that I know I couldn't live if they aren't happy/healthy. I have alot of guilt over things I have no control over. THank you John for being so kind as to point out that I have to be the best ME that I can be in order to keep my kids and life in line. Point taken and I promise to work on it!
Three days on Wellbutrin and hoping for a miracle...hope to see a happier easy going son who can socialize better with everyone.
Thanks again, it's rare that a man can understand and offer words of comfort in this situation!
[QUOTE=kathy]Hi. It's been forever since I've been here but I need to ask if anyone's child has experienced mild depression from ADHD. He's been on Concerta for over a year. He's at 72mg. for a while now but he still has some issues that can be mistaken as ADHD...like mild depression which can cause lack of concentration, lack of motivation, moodiness, unfocused. I suggested to his doc that instead of raising his med again, that he be treated for possible mild depression that my heart tells me he is experiencing. He is 11yrs and weighs about 61lbs. The doc says to continue with the 72 mg. of concerta and added in 150 mg of wellbutrin for the depression part that goes along with ADHD so often. Has anyone tried this? Good experience? Bad? Nothing? Help please, I'm afraid to give meds. I hate them but want to help my child have the quality of life he deserves.[/QUOTE]
Sorry just found ya Kathy when ya got *bumped*.
I saw one of the top ADHD psychs on the continent. When he tests, he also tests for ADHD induced depression and anxiety.
Dysthymia, an underlying, longterm, mild form of depression is fairly common with ADHD.
Your kid is NOT an alien
The psych would have given me wellbutrin but my genetic history makes it impossible. According to what he told me, Strattera would be his first choice for the anti-depressant effects [best one I ever took! did nothing for my attention span but hey, I was HAPPY!] and secondly, concerta because it often treats the dysthymia.
I don't know concerta doses but the little fella might need more to boot that depression to the curb. If he's at the high level, then wellbutrin or an anti-depressant might be indicated.
Wellbutrin takes longer to work than concerta so be patient.
Believe me, you ARE seeing what you are seeing. I was an extremely unhappy child and if you can get the little fella fixed up, do it.
I know my mom struggled with the fact I was so miserable. Learning when you want to cry all the time and can't sit still is no picnic for anyone, even less so for a child.
Watching your kid suffer is ever mom's nightmare
Hang in there, it CAN get better.
[QUOTE=kathy]
Well John....I can't believe you said all the things that my friends and people who know my situation say. I need to calm down!! Relax!
Saying "calm down" or "relax" is about as helpful as saying, "get over it"--to whit, it's just plain insensitive and useless
I suffer from tremendous anxiety. It's a battle that I fight with daily. I guess being on my own so long and feeling like I always have to be "ready" for bad situations. It's consumed me.
I don't know what your economic situation is, but certainly, being a single mom with small kids, one that has ADHD has got to be up there with being an ambulance driver for stress. The driver gets to go home. You ARE home!
I'm so in love with my children that I know I couldn't live if they aren't happy/healthy. I have alot of guilt over things I have no control over. THank you John for being so kind as to point out that I have to be the best ME that I can be in order to keep my kids and life in line. Point taken and I promise to work on it!
Reality check here!
Your kids can't and won't always be happy/healthy. A bit of zen here--sh*te happens...
Somehow I doubt you're going to qualify for the Ma Barker of the Year Award, either
Three days on Wellbutrin and hoping for a miracle...hope to see a happier easy going son who can socialize better with everyone.
Doesn't Welbutrin take six weeks or something to kick in? Good luck to the little fella