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Do Effexor And Adderall Help To Recover From Depression And Anxiety?
Question: This is regarding my daughter, age 25. Depression and anxiety problems since about age 12. Evidence of ADHD but tested negative. Has tried many antidepressants and nothing really helped her much. She is a grad student and is having difficult time concentrating, still dealing with depression and anxiety. Recently met with Psychiatric NP prescribed Effexor and Adderall. I question this combination. I would like your opinion.
Brief Answer:
She should go with this combination under doctor's supervision
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
I can understand your question. Your concern regarding combination of effexor with adderall is right up to some extent.
Case reports search suggests that Effexor may increase the effects of adderall, and side effects such as jitteriness, nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, and racing thoughts have been reported.
Combining these medications can also increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome.This can occur with any SSRI or SNRI combination with adderall theoretically.However it does not mean that this will be always the case.In practice almost I have never seen and also not happen commonly.
Your daughter is suffering from depression since almost 13 years.
And concentration problem has not been treated until now. Adderall is specifically used for concentration problem and that is why it has been prescribed.
Adderall alone is not useful or indicated for depression that is why another antidepressant medicine is also needed. Her doctor has given effexor considering her depression with anxiety(effexor is useful when both present).As well as SSRI like Prozac or paxil might have not been worked well in her case.
She should go with this combination in my opinion. You/she should contact doctor immediately if she experiences any side effects. Regular follow up with doctor is necessary.By doing this you can avoid problems.
All the best.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
She should go with this combination under doctor's supervision
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
I can understand your question. Your concern regarding combination of effexor with adderall is right up to some extent.
Case reports search suggests that Effexor may increase the effects of adderall, and side effects such as jitteriness, nervousness, anxiety, restlessness, and racing thoughts have been reported.
Combining these medications can also increase the risk of a rare but serious condition called the serotonin syndrome.This can occur with any SSRI or SNRI combination with adderall theoretically.However it does not mean that this will be always the case.In practice almost I have never seen and also not happen commonly.
Your daughter is suffering from depression since almost 13 years.
And concentration problem has not been treated until now. Adderall is specifically used for concentration problem and that is why it has been prescribed.
Adderall alone is not useful or indicated for depression that is why another antidepressant medicine is also needed. Her doctor has given effexor considering her depression with anxiety(effexor is useful when both present).As well as SSRI like Prozac or paxil might have not been worked well in her case.
She should go with this combination in my opinion. You/she should contact doctor immediately if she experiences any side effects. Regular follow up with doctor is necessary.By doing this you can avoid problems.
All the best.
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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