I tried Strattera for about 5 weeks, things have gotten worse. I am switching to Adderall XR. I know that I also need something for depression. Any suggestions?? Zoloft, Wellbutrin, lexapro or effexor? Used to take Effexor for depression and general mood. Stopped it for Strattera after being diagnosed with ADHD. It did not work. Made some things worse. I need some stimulate to get me going and keep me going. I need something to take along with Adderall to help smooth out my rough edges. I have placed several threads seeking help, with very few responses. Any suggestions about which meds work well for an old depressed ADHD.?? Looking for some help!!:eyebrow:

Hi exfarmer! Welcome to the forums!

I'm sorry you haven't gotten many responses to your posts. Hang in there - I found that to be my experience when I first started on here a year or two ago. But I'm glad I stuck around -- eventually I began to get some connections.

Anyway - about your question regarding ADHD & depression. Well - I am dx with both myself, and I'm currently taking Adderall & Zoloft. Been on that combo for a good year or so. Before that (and before I was dx w/ADHD), I was prescribed Prozac for many years. It was o.k. I also tried Wellbutrin at one time, but I experienced uncomfortable anxiety on it and stopped it. I have also tried Celexa.

What anti-depressant works best? Wouldn't I LIKE TO KNOW!!!! Honestly, I don't think any of them do a whole heckofalot for me EXCEPT to make me NOT SO UPSET about stuff. And I guess that can be helpful at certain times in one's life. However - I personally find the term "anti-depressant" to be a little misleading when it comes to what I've experienced on these medications. If I were picking a label for these meds, I'd call them "numb-ers" or "apathetic-ers."

Anyway - what does your doctor say? I mean, the unfortunate thing with these meds is that nobody can really say ______________ is a "good one" - because (at least this is what I've been told) people are so individual in their reactions to the different ones (Paxil, Effexor, Lexapro, Prozac, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, Celexa . . . etc.) that it's basically trial & error. (Unless you've got a prescriber that's a specialist and top in his/her field - I'm guessing you'll have to just do the trial & error thing.)

Please keep us posted. (And hopefully another poster will come along with something MORE HELPFUL. Sorry this was all I've got.) :o

Later,
Sue

The adderall alone may help with the depression..It's helped me and I've seen it posted here.


Good Luck to you.

My friend is taking adderall and lexapro and its working great for him. I hope you figure it out. taking one medication is a hassle enough trying to find the right one let alone two keep the thread updated. good luck

I have to agree that it has alot to do with the individual. I started by seperating the classes of antidepressants. Wellbutrin actually acts on the same neurotransmitters as amphetamines. Wellbutrin is a NDRI(norepinephrine dopamine reuptake inhibitors. There are also SSRI(selective seretonin reuptake inhibitors, SNRI ( Seretonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), NaSSA, (norandrenergic and specific seretonergic antidepressant), MAOI(Monoamine oxidase inhibitors), TCA's (Tricyclic antidepressants). All work differently. Just note that you must avoid MAOI's and TCA's, while on Adderall or other stimulants as this can cause serious interactions. I could go on about the interactions with these classes of medication but, That would be pages. So There are many choices out there the hardest part is finding the right drug. Good luck and keep us updates as we all hope you find the right combination. At no point do I want you to think that I am giving you medical advice but, knowledge so that you can talk with your medical professional. I worked in the pharmaceutical industry for almost 10 years I have experience but, would never replace it with the knowledge of a Pharmacist or medical doctor.

I can say Zoloft has really relieved my general anxiety and taken the edge off..

I tried effexor, wellbutrin and niether worked for me.

My son takes prozac along with his adderall. We know about the Strattera, we have been there and that stuff is nasty. Perhaps you should see how much the adderall helps before adding an AD to the mix. It may just do the trick. Good luck. These things take time.

Momofadder