A couple of years ago (it doesn't seem that long ago!), after I was first diagnosed with ADD, I started taking Ritalin. It didn't help -- actually seemed to leave my ADD unaffected but make me more depressed -- so I stopped and I switched to Adderall. I was initially very encouraged, as it seemed to help a lot, and I could really feel its effects. Plus I wasn't having much trouble with appetite or sleep. But after a while, I stopped feeling any effect (even after upping the dosage and trying XR), and I eventually stopped taking it.

I was 16 at the time. Shortly after that, I was diagnosed with a mildish depression, and I started on Prozac and Wellbutrin. I'm still taking those daily. But I'm back at school now (now 18), and my ADD is still giving me trouble, so I'm wondering if it would make sense to try Adderall again.

Specifically, 1) is anyone taking that combination, Prozac, Wellbutrin, and Adderall? Is there anything generally inadvisable about it? and 2) Is there actually any chance that Adderall might work better for me now than it did two years ago?

A good friend of mine, also on this board, Mindy Sue, takes this combination. It's pretty common methinks.

I'm pretty sure that taking amphetamines plus an SSRI-based anti-depressant (Prozac) is contraindicative (can cause serotonin syndrome in rare circumstances). I'd speak to a doctor.

Its a very common occurance though Driver. I'd say like at least a quarter of the folks here are on amp plus ssri.

Its a very common occurance though Driver. I'd say like at least a quarter of the folks here are on amp plus ssri.

And I'm sure there's a similar statistic for the number of forum members who smoke cigarettes too ;)

Like I said, it's rare it will cause serotonin syndrome, but he should speak to his doctor before doing it.

Thanks persons! Of course I'd talk to a doctor anyway, as I'd need to get a prescription. I just wanted to see if I should bother to. :)

Anyway, any thoughts on the second question, whether Adderall might work better for me now than it did two years ago?

I have been taking 100mg of zoloft every day for the last 8-9 years for depression. I was just recently diagnosed with ADD and my doctor started me on adderall. At that time I asked her if it was okay that I was taking the zoloft with the adderrall and she said it was not a problem and that it's quite common for folks with ADD to have other issues like depression or OCD or such.

While on vacation last week, I remembered to take my adderall but forgot my zoloft and I felt horrible (but focused). They definitely treat different symptoms and if you need them both you should not feel bad about taking them both. And, as said earlier, of course you should speak to your doctor (that's a no brainer) to make sure it will be okay for YOU.

Good luck with school. Be thankful that you are aware of these things early in life - hopefully you will find a solution that works for you.

Also, Adas, in your discussions with your doctor you might want to weigh the possible risks of taking the medications with the risks of NOT taking both medications. If you are despressed, then you could run a risk of anxiety, social problems, lifestyle issues (and possibly even self harm) by NOT taking an SSRI if you need one. And, your schoolwork - and other things - might suffer if you don't try the Adderall again.

I had to have this discussion with my OB when I was about to become pregnant with my second and third children. In my case, the risk of taking an anti-depressant during my pregnancies was not worth it. It was a hard year off my meds (and no alcohol or caffeine) each time, but knowing that I was doing all I could for healthy kids made it worth the hardship.

School is a hard time and I look back and wonder how different my life would have been if I had been diagnosed with depression - and ADD - during college. Take it easy on yourself - everyone has issues, but you are smart enough to get help for yours. :)