ADHD Treatment Overview: Non-Stimulant Medications (Strattera) and Other ADHD Drugs - ADHD Treatment: Non-Stimulant Medications

Written by HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Who Should Not Take Antidepressants?

Antidepressants should not be used

• If you have a history or tendency toward manic behavior or manic depression (bipolar disorder)
• Wellbutrin can't be taken if you have any history of seizures or epilepsy.
• Treatment with antidepressants should not be initiated if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressant, such as Nardil or Parnate, within the last 14 days.
• Each type of antidepressant has its own contraindications and usage warnings, and you should discuss these with your doctor.

Side Effects of Antidepressants

The most common side effects experienced with tricyclic antidepressants include:

• Stomach upset
• Constipation
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness
• Low blood pressure
• Weight gain
• Tremor
• Sweating
• Difficulty urinating

Wellbutrin sometimes causes stomach upset, anxiety, headaches and rashes.

Effexor can cause nausea, anxiety, sleep problems, tremor, dry mouth and sexual problems in adults.

MAO inhibitors can cause a wide variety of side effects, including dangerously increased blood pressure when combined with certain foods or medications.

Antidepressants Therapy for ADHD: Tips and Precautions

When taking antidepressants for ADHD, be sure to tell your health care provider:

• If you are nursing, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant
• If you are taking or plan to take any dietary supplements, herbal medicines or nonprescription medications
• If you have any past or present medical problems, including high blood pressure, seizures, heart disease and urinary problems
• If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or dependency or if you have had mental health problems, including depression, manic depression or psychosis.

The following are useful guidelines to keep in mind when taking antidepressants or giving them to your child for ADHD:

• Always give the medication exactly as prescribed. If there are any problems or questions, call your doctor.
• Antidepressants usually take 2-4 weeks before the full effects are apparent. Be patient and dont give up before giving them a chance to work!
• Your doctor will probably want to start out at a low dose and increase gradually until symptoms are controlled.
• It is better not to miss doses of antidepressants. Most are given once or twice a day. If you miss a day or two of Effexor, it can cause an unpleasant withdrawal syndrome.
• Tell your doctor if you notice any new or unusual side effects. Taking bulk laxatives (fiber) and drinking lots of water is a good idea with tricyclic antidepressants as they tend to cause constipation and hard stools.
• If you become constipated as a result of taking tricyclic antidepressants, take a bulk laxative (fiber) and drink lots of water.
• Monitor your child, especially when starting antidepressant therapy, for potential suicidal thoughts and behaviors.