Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Taking zoloft AND adderall - dosage questions

I am a stay at home mother with three young boys.  I have been taking zoloft (100mg daily) for depression for about nine years.  The only times I was not taking zoloft is during my second and third pregnancies (and, boy, it was tough).  Zoloft has changed my life - and my family's happiness.  

Just recently I was also diagnosed with ADD.  My doc gave me adderall 10mg IR to try.  The first day was wonderful - I was able to slow down and focus and much of the frantic feelings I normall have were gone.  I even had a calm, "happy" feeliing, too.  Since then, I've had weekly checkups to monitor my dosage and my doctor and I have slowly worked up to 30 mg of adderall a day (20mg XR AM and 10 IR PM).  Since that first week I've been feeling TIRED when taking my adderall and don't think it's working very well anymore.

I asked my doc today at my weekly checkup if we should try to raise my adderall dosage, and she said that maybe we should try to lower my zoloft dosage instead - that might be what is causing my tiredness (when combined with the adderall).  Since I've been on 100mg daily for YEARS and it works very well for me, I'm frightened to lower my zoloft dosage.  I see Adderall as a drug to help me when I need it (and maybe not take it all day every day), but zoloft is something that I can't choose to take or not to take. . . .I need it on a daily basis or I notice a difference big time.

My first question is - is it really safe to take Zoloft and Adderall at the same time?  Secondly, how can I get the benefit of both drugs without this tiredness.  Should we decrease zoloft, increase adderall, try another ADD med??  

I also don't understand how the two interact in my body - don't they do different things?

Thanks for any help, experiences, or insight. . . .especially from a medical professional.

2 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
I have read on other health boards that mixing antidepressants and Adderall should not have interactive side effects. Both, however, have different side effects of their own. Since you have not noticed the fatigue during the 9 years you've been taking Zoloft, it would only make sense that Adderall is the main cause of it now.
It's obvious that you are comfortable with and trust Zoloft to continue to do the wonderful job its been doing for so long, so I personally wouldn't stop now. Why cause yourself/body any extra stress?
If this ADD is truly something you need to be medicated for, then maybe do as you suggested-- take as needed.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I have the exact same issue and question
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Depression Community

Top Mood Disorders Answerers
Avatar universal
Arlington, VA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
15 signs that it’s more than just the blues
Discover the common symptoms of and treatment options for depression.
We've got five strategies to foster happiness in your everyday life.
Don’t let the winter chill send your smile into deep hibernation. Try these 10 mood-boosting tips to get your happy back
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.