Re: best anti-depressant for depression/anxiety that co-exists with adhd?

[ADDled]

I think if you ask 10 different ADHDer’s that have comorbid depression/anxiety what meds they’re using, you’ll get ten different answers. Unfortunately, there is no “one-size, fits all” antidepressant that specifically works for those with ADHD, it’s more like adjusting the dosage or changing the prescription. Or, realizing the efficacy of the meds has reduced over time. I know this is what happens to me. After a year or two on a particular antidepressant, the effects seem to lose “horsepower”.

I have been on several different antidepressants during the years, and have used most of them. Prozac, Paxil, Effexor was really good for a while, I’m now on Welbutrin

And it’s further complicated because each one of us has unique brain chemistry, that at best, a recommended solution is reduced to an educated guess (well, actually a really good educated guess…).

I’m not putting down the psychology profession, but they have some really significant hurtles here. As I understand it, in terms of the psychopharmacological aspect, the serotonin, dopamine or norepinephrine levels are so infinitesimally small, it’s really hard to accurately measure exactly what is going on inside our heads. That’s makes it difficult for prescribing precisely what is required. The Doc’s have an idea of what is a good starting point, based on experience, and the ability to make mid course correction along the way. But you need to provide the feedback.

Be forthright with your Doc: you are a team after all. If things aren’t working as well as they should, tell your Doc and adjust the meds or have the prescription changed. What it really amounts to is being more aware of how you feel. And why.

When I have to change meds, that’s a particularly hard thing to do for me. There is a “wash-out” period to allow your body to flush out the existing meds. Then there is the “ramp-up” period for the new stuff. Talk about messing with your mind!

Just keep in mind, all this will be worth it.

Hope this helps…

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