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Are there any antidepressants to combat with Adderall for major depressive disorder?

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Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am currently on Adderall 30 mg twice a day for narcolepsy with cataplexy and Lexapro 20 mg for resistant major depressive disorder. My previous psychiatric nurse practitioner tried me on many antidepressants that did not work. Lexapro helps some but not much at all. I have very bad anxiety and low mood with irritability. Is there another antidepressant I can take with Adderall (as it interacts with so many). Please help.
Answered by Dr. Suresh Kumar G D

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Suresh Kumar G D is a highly skilled specialist in Child Health, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry, with extensive experience in managing developmental, behavioral, and emotional disorders in children and adolescents. His expertise includes early childhood development, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and mental health counseling. Dr. Suresh is known for his compassionate, child-centered approach and commitment to promoting holistic well-being in young patients.

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Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

It looks like you have been tried on several different types of antidepressants already but did not help. Since you are on Adderall for treating narcolepsy, taking antidepressants will potentially lead to an increase in side effects. This applies to all SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) type of antidepressants. So you will need regular follow up by your prescribing doctor to monitor your response to the medication combination.

Since you are saying Lexapro (Escitalopram) helps to an extent, it will be worth trying to continue it and have additional psychological therapy like CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) to manage anxiety and depression. If Lexapro is not effective at all, there are other options like Sertraline and Fluoxetine but they belong to the same class of medicines (SSRIs). Risk of potential interaction applies to these medications as well.

Also, ensure that narcolepsy is optimally controlled. It will help to improve your mood and help you to function better.

I hope this helps.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At March 26, 2020
Reviewed At October 11, 2022

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Suresh Kumar G D is a highly skilled specialist in Child Health, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry, with extensive experience in managing developmental, behavioral, and emotional disorders in children and adolescents. His expertise includes early childhood development, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and mental health counseling. Dr. Suresh is known for his compassionate, child-centered approach and commitment to promoting holistic well-being in young patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

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Dr. Suresh Kumar G D
Dr. Suresh Kumar G D

Pediatrics

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Suresh Kumar G D is a highly skilled specialist in Child Health, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry, with extensive experience in managing developmental, behavioral, and emotional disorders in children and adolescents. His expertise includes early childhood development, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and mental health counseling. Dr. Suresh is known for his compassionate, child-centered approach and commitment to promoting holistic well-being in young patients.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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