I am taking Wellbutrin, and realyy don't like it. Next week I am going to start taking Ritalin, 5mg x2 a day, plus 150 of Wellbutrin.

I would like to switch Wellbutrin to Effexor, a) because I think it makes me more depressed; b) it makes me feel edgy and angry at high doses; c)it potentially interferes with another (unrelated to ADHD) medication I am taking.

Effexor doesn't interfere with the medication, actually it could help with its side effects. This is why I am asking before I suggest it to my doctor.

Anyone here takes Effexor and a stimulant together?

My daughter take Effexor and Concerta, she has also been on Adderall and the effexor, but went back to the Concerta because it worked better for her than the Adderall did. She has take the antidepressant effexor and an ADD stimulant medication together for years with no problems.

Thanks, meadd.

I am really glad to hear that your child is doing well on it, because someone told me that you can't combine Effexor and a stimulant, but rather that you can only combine it with a pure SSRI like Prozac, or with Wellbutrin.

Yes you can take effexor with a stimulant. Just make sure to speak to the doctor first because I'm not sure if any interact with effexor.

I got an email that says that according to Dr. Amen - you can't combine these. I know nothing about Dr. Amen, except that he's controvercial. What's your opinion?

I take Effexor and Adderall together and I've read things on the internet that said you could take them together even from a medical Doctor.

The only thing that I worry about is, Effexor is an SSNRI medication. I'm just thinking that if taking Effexor increases Norepinephrine and Serotonin levels, then will that have an impact on the effectiveness of the stimulants. Since stimulants increase Dopamine and Norepinephrine, does the Effexor cancel the stimulant drugs actions or vice-versa, the stimulant drug canceling Effexor's action.

I really don't know, could anyone tell me, because I was on Effexor before I got on Adderall, and Effexor was an excellent drug for me as far as my depression goes, I would be scared to get off, thinking that my depression may come back.

Yolanda

Any suggestions?

You may or may not even need a stimulant when taking effexor. Some people respond to effexor, even if not depressed that they don't have to take a stimulant on top of it. Checking several interaction sites, here is what came up:


Although the cause of this potential interaction is not clearly understood, venlafaxine may increase the effects of amphetamine. This could cause an increase in side effects including irritability and depression, restlessness, and anxiety. Other more serious side effects include an increase in blood pressure, a rapid heart beat, and an abnormal heart rhythm. If venlafaxine and amphetamine are used together, your doctor may want to monitor you closely for side effects and adjust the dose of either drug if needed Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.
Venlafaxine is the generic name of Effexor.

Although the cause of this potential interaction is not clearly understood, venlafaxine may increase the effects of dextroamphetamine. This could cause an increase in side effects including irritability and depression, restlessness, and anxiety. Other more serious side effects include an increase in blood pressure, a rapid heart beat, and an abnormal heart rhythm. If venlafaxine and dextroamphetamine are used together, your doctor may want to monitor you closely for side effects and adjust the dose of either drug if needed. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.

Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine are the ingrediants of Adderall for those who don't know.