Adderall for ADHD with Paxil for OCD

[tracy]

My 11 year daughter has just been diagnosed with ADHD.  The psychiatrist has prescribed adderall (adderrall).  She is also taking 5 mg of paxil a day for obsessive compulsive disorder.  I am concerned about more meds because she has past history of seizures which were associated with a brain tumor.  The brain tumor was removed in June 98.  What are the effects of these two drugs combined?  Are they harmful to her?  I am very scared, but I want her to get help.  Schoolwork has become very difficult for her.  Please help.  Thanks

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Tracy,



The combination of serotoninergic agents (like Paxil) and stimulant medications (like Adderall (adderrall)) is quite common and is, generally speaking, a responsible approach. Now, attention has to be given to the variable of seizure activity when prescribing stimulant medication, and be sure to ask the prescribing physician about this. My guess is that he/she is comfortable due to the fact that your daughter's seizure activity occurred secondary to a tumor and the precipitant to the seizures is no longer present.



Sincerely,

Dr. KDK

[tracy]

Thank you for your quick reply.  It's much appreicated.