ADD, better known as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is best treated with medication that has a stimulant effect on the central nervous system. Specifically, medication that increases the concentration of norepinephine at the nerve "junctions." The first line treatments include stimulant medication such as methylphenidate and amphetamines. These drugs on their own are not indicated for the treatment of depression. However, second line therapy for ADHD include tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion. These medication not only augment the stimulant response by increasing norepinephrine levels at the nerve synapses but they also increase serotonin levels at these nerve junctions and hence can improve depression. If the goal is to treat ADHD and depression sometimes a combination of a stimulant drug and an antidepressant such as the ones listed may benefit a patient.
ADD, better known as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity
Disorder) is best treated with medication that has a stimulant
effect on the central nervous system. Specifically, medication that
increases the concentration of norepinephine at the nerve...
More
Dr. Farzanna Haffizulla of MDLIVE answered:ADD, better known as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is best treated with medication that has a stimulant effect on the central nervous system. Specifically, medication that increases the concentration of norepinephine at the nerve "junctions." The first line treatments include stimulant medication such as methylphenidate and amphetamines. These drugs on their own are not indicated for the treatment of depression. However, second line therapy for ADHD include tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion. These medication not only augment the stimulant response by increasing norepinephrine levels at the nerve synapses but they also increase serotonin levels at these nerve junctions and hence can improve depression. If the goal is to treat ADHD and depression sometimes a combination of a stimulant drug and an antidepressant such as the ones listed may benefit a patient.ADD, better known as ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) is best treated with medication that has a stimulant effect on the central nervous system. Specifically, medication that increases the concentration of norepinephine at the nerve... More
Dr. William Wien of MDLIVE answered:While stimulants such as Ritalin and various forms of amphetamines are considered first-line therapies, many anti-depressants are used as 2nd, and even 1st-choice therapies for ADD. Examples include Wellbutrin (Bupropion), Effexor (Venlafaxine), and Prozac (Fluoxetine).While stimulants such as Ritalin and various forms of amphetamines are considered first-line therapies, many anti-depressants are used as 2nd, and even 1st-choice therapies for ADD. Examples include Wellbutrin (Bupropion), Effexor (Venlafaxine), and... More