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Dealing With Primary Depression
When your depression isn't a result of your ADHD, you'll need to take a different treatment approach:
Consider antidepressants
Your doctor may prescribe an antidepressant if mild to moderate depression persists after controlling your ADHD symptoms and making lifestyle changes like those listed above. Antidepressants boost levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and/or norepinephrine and are the primary treatment for severe depression.
Balance your ADHD and antidepressant meds
Most antidepressants work well alongside ADHD medications, but some minor adjustments may be necessary when taking multiple medications. If you’re taking Paxil (paroxetine) or Prozac (fluoxetine) and starting Strattera, for example, your doctor may prescribe a lower dosage of both the antidepressant and the ADHD medication because the two will interact.
No matter what antidepressant you take, remember that it's likely to take longer to "kick in" than ADHD medication—as long as 12 weeks for the full effect, although you should notice positive changes within two weeks.
Next: Dealing with Depression: Check Your Meds
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