antidepressants and ADD meds | ADHD Information
My 11 yr old was having anxiety and panic attacks. He is on Lexipro and he is doing much better and is even more in tune and able to communicate better since he has been on the Lexipro. But the downside is that he is even more disorganized and foggy at school than before. The ADD meds made him irritable, angry, weight loss, emotional, so we took him off them. They would work great for a few weeks but then the side effects kick in and the results seem to diminish. The Lexipro is great for his anxiety and mood, help him with dealing with his social issues about the ADD and I seem to be able to get him to express himself more maturely and he can talk about his feelings he is not so immature or silly about them. But he is drowning in school.
My question is, has anyone been prescribed an antidepressant and a stimulant? Is that possible?
LOts of people have co-existing conditions such as depression and ADHD. I am an example of such. Lots of people with co-existing conditions take both stimulants and anti-depressants at the same time. Yes, it's possible and in some cases, recommended. But every situation is different and because you are dealing with a child, I would most definitely suggest talking to your prescriber about the problems you are experiencing.
Wellbutrin--an anti-depressant--is also prescribed (off-lable) for ADHD alone. It's available in long-acting forms and as a generic. Wellbutrin is also prescribed in addition to SSRIs like Lexpro, I believe, as a booster, so this might be a med you want to discuss with the doc. I've been prescribed both generic welbutrin and stimulants at the same time and experienced no ill effect.
I'm on Wellbutrin and Ritalin - both for ADHD, but Wellbutrin is an antidepressant. The combination has made me feel like myself again. My moods are more stable and I can focus and remember things.
I get both medications as generics, so the cost isn't outrageous. That's good for me because my insurance won't cover the stimulant without a written formal letter from my doctor EVERY month prior to refilling the scrip. I'd rather pay the a month than deal with that.
Talk to your doctor about adding a stimulant and/or Wellbutrin.
I'm on Cymbalta and Vyvanse, but I'm thinking of getting of or switching from the cymbalta to something else because I'm finding I get incredibly tired from it.
However, in response to your question, they are really pressing on doctros to not prescribe anti-depressents to anyone under the age of 18 unless it is absolutely necessary. There is a huge the risk of suicidal thoughts and tendencies shown to occur in that age group with the use of anti-depressants.
DS 10 is on concerta 54mg and zoloft 50mgHi, I am new here. I am into different and alternative ways of dealing with
add and adhd. This forum is an excellent place to generally learn and for us
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[QUOTE=gingerma69]I'm on Cymbalta and Vyvanse, but I'm thinking of getting off or switching from the cymbalta to something else because I'm finding I get incredibly tired from it.
However, in response to your question, the FDA is advising doctors to be wary of prescribing anti-depressents to anyone under the age of 18, so they won't do it unless it is absolutely necessary. Suicidal thoughts and tendencies more frequently occur in that age group with the use of anti-depressants. On the other hand, they prefer giving them to adults over ADD meds - the irony.
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I just wanted to update this post. I had the vyvanse dosage reduced to 30 mg from 50 mg and I now take it twice a day instead of only once a day. The cymbalta is working now. It took a month to work properly. I no longer sleep after taking it.
I'm working super well as I was before, which is very good since my doctoral research practicum is due in a week! I needed an extension because my PHD depression had gotten so bad...
Hi, our 14 yr old son was diagnosed when he was 7. We went through all the initial emotional drama ONLY to find out that it was our own biases that needed attention. What a journey it has been since!!! JoyF40619.5247106481