Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, causes problems with sustaining attention and controlling impulses and activity level. Symptoms of ADHD can start during childhood and continue into adulthood. Some patients manage their symptoms through the use of medication. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention points out that as of 2003, 2.5 million ADHD patients between the ages of 4 and 17 use a type of ADHD medication. One medication type for ADHD is depression medication, or antidepressants.
Types of Depression Medications for ADHD
The Cleveland Clinic lists four types of depression medications for ADHD: norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors, serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Bupropion, a type of norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, can help both adults and children with the disorder. An example of the serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor is venlafaxine, which is not commonly used with ADHD patients. Tricyclic antidepressants affect the levels of serotonin and norepinephrine. Examples include nortriptyline and imipramine. The last type of antidepressant, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, such as phenelzine, are an older type of antidepressant that doctors do not prescribe for children or teenagers with ADHD.
Uses
The MayoClinic.com explains that ADHD patients may take an antidepressant if they do not respond to another type of ADHD medication, such as a stimulant medication like methylphenidate or a nonstimulant medication like atomoxetine. ADHD patients may also use an antidepressant if they suffer from a mood disorder as well, such as depression.
Side Effects
The antidepressants used to treat ADHD have some side effects. For example, patients who take bupropion may have headaches, weight loss, dizziness and confusion. Kristi Monson, PharmD, and Arthur Schoenstadt, MD, authors of the eMedTV article "Bupropion Side Effects," point out that agitation is the most common side effect, affecting 31.9 percent of users. Venlafaxine may cause nausea, constipation, headaches, vomiting and blurred vision. Patients using tricyclic antidepressants may experience constipation, urinary problems or dry mouth. The MayoClinic.com warns that monoamine oxidase inhibitors may cause dangerous side effects and can interact with foods that contain tyramine, such as cheese and chocolate. One dangerous side effect that may occur with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor is serotonin syndrome, in which patients' serotonin levels become dangerously elevated.
Warning
Antidepressants do carry a serious warning. In October 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning that antidepressants may increase the risk of either suicidal thinking or behaviors in younger users. If a child or adolescent with ADHD uses an antidepressant, the doctor and parents should monitor any behavioral changes.
Considerations
Patients taking an antidepressant for ADHD need to follow certain guidelines for use. For example, patients should take their medications as directed. The Cleveland Clinic points out that missing one or two days of venlafaxine doses can lead to withdrawal symptoms, and taking too much of a tricyclic antidepressant may lead to a fatal overdose. To prevent the constipation side effect of tricyclic antidepressants, patients can drink a lot of water or use a bulk laxative.
References
- Cleveland Clinic: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Nonstimulant Therapy (Strattera) and Other ADHD Drugs
- MayoClinic.com: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Treatments and Drugs
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: ADHD, Data and Statistics
- eMedTV: Bupropion Side Effects
- MayoClinic.com: Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
