Question 1

If I go on ADHD medication, will I be able to go off my antidepressant?

adhd-drbarr · Accepted Answer

good chance you can reduce the dose but uncertain if you can go off
30% of ADHD patients have another diagnosis in addition

Comes down to do you have depression secondary to living with untreated ADHD, or are you one of the 30% who have anxiety or depression in addition to ADHD. If the former, you might well get off antidepressants but if the latter, then perhaps not.

From a practical point of view, many people are able to reduce the doses of antidepressant - which reduces side effects.

If someone is already on a high dose of antidepressant, we may want to reduce the dose simply because adding a stimulant can raise the blood level of the antidepressant and risk serious side effects.

Question 2

If I go on ADHD medication, will I be able to go off my antidepressant?

adhd-drbarr · Accepted Answer

good chance you can reduce the dose but uncertain if you can go off
30% of ADHD patients have another diagnosis in addition

Comes down to do you have depression secondary to living with untreated ADHD, or are you one of the 30% who have anxiety or depression in addition to ADHD. If the former, you might well get off antidepressants but if the latter, then perhaps not.

From a practical point of view, many people are able to reduce the doses of antidepressant - which reduces side effects.

If someone is already on a high dose of antidepressant, we may want to reduce the dose simply because adding a stimulant can raise the blood level of the antidepressant and risk serious side effects.