Strattera, Wellbutrin, or Effexor? | ADHD Information

I'm 23 and have been treated for major depression since I was about 15.
My particular depression responds very well to treatment with SSRI's, and
I've been very pleased with the success that I've had on Celexa and the
success of a subsequent shift to Lexipro. I was recently diagnosed with
ADD, for which I was prescibed Adderall. Later, after complaining of
strong side effects, I was switched to Concerta. Both my doctor and I
believe that my ADD is relatively minor, and the stimulant approach is
just very unpleasant for me. I was asked to research the 3 options of
treatment that he offered, which was to add either Strattera, Wellbutrin,
or Effexor to my current meds (Lexipro 15mg qd). I was wondering if
anyone here had some experience or advice regarding any of these
combinations?

Much thanks!
ChrisPatron38400.5973148148

I am on Effexor 150 mg and it has made things worse for me. I just went to see a psych yesterday and he added Wellbutrin SR 150 mg. He said to try both for a couple weeks and if I still feel the Effexor not working to wean myself off of it. Which I fully intend to do anyways. Don't like the effects of it.

If Celexa is working for you why would you switch?

Good luck

The exact same thing happened to me (sensory shock) when I was out of Zoloft and it took a few days to get my Rx filled. It definitely was the weirdest thing...... I would be cooking or in an aisle at Target and a pulse or shock would shoot thru me. [QUOTE=sweetheartsok]

If Celexa is working for you why would you switch?

I switched to Lexipro from Celexa because the only mild side effect I was
had been noticing at the time was a drop in labido. Lexipro is almost the
same drug, it's still the same active isomer but the incident rate of
side effects were much lower in test groups across the board. I wouldn't
be switching to Wellbutrin, Strattera, or Effexor. I would be adding it as a
secondary medication to fight the mild ADD symptoms. Apparently,
some SSRI's can actually shorten attention span because it can cause a
slight decrease in dopamine levels. The 3 drugs I just listed are
norepinephrin/dopamin reuptake inhibitors, which apparently also help
to improve ADHD symptoms without the use of stimulants. So that's the
story. Thanks for the reply! Patron38400.5975347222I am on cymbalta, which is a SNRI. I have noticed an improvement in my ADD symptoms. I was on lexapro which helped with my depression, thankfully but seemed to aggravate the ADD. I also had side effects so I weaned off the lexapro. I just started the cymbalta a week ago and have not had any side effects. I also take adderall 10 mg. 3 x a day. My concentration feels good and I do not feel hyped up from the adderall. For some reason I do not feel the crash from adderal when it wears off like I did when on lexapro. I am not sure why this is. Next week I will begin to see if I can remove a dose of adderall. If that goes well I will try to eliminate it all together and just be on the cymbalta. i was on effexor last year and worked wonders for me. my dr. prescribed it for 6 months and then weaned me off of them. i have to say that it was very hard to go off of them because the side effect that i ended up having was awful. if i remember right it was called sensory shock. every time i would move (especially when walking) a feeling of being shocked would shoot through my body. Celexa very little side effects.Hi,

I think that if your depression is your major problem and is responding well to SSRIs(which one?) then don't add another drug, if you consider the ADD to be a minor problem. The less drugs the better.

I have tried pretty much everything from Paxil, to Wellbutrin, Effexor, (for depression) and all of these made me very aggressive and just"not right". I did not want to try any of them again.
Then I started Adderrall xr and not only my ADD. but my depression was so amazingly improved. I only take 15 mg a day. Its wonderful. I also take vitamin supplements as well as DHEA, 5 HTP, Pregnenolone and a swig of organic Flax Oil every day. And try to exercise and do Yoga. Running is a very effective cojuncttive treatment for ADD and depression. Just something to think about

Stay away from the Effexor XR unless you have been diagnosed w/ depression. Try Strattera. It is the ONLY non-stimulant medication approved by the FDA for treatment of Adult ADD. I am on Strattera and Effexor XR and the Effexor has got to go. It causes to many emotional swings.