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adhd anti-depressant medication

People with ADHD often have depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. They may take an anti-depressant to manage their mental health, or other conditions, along with a stimulant for ADHD.

Doctors may prescribe an anti-depressant to treat ADHD symptoms if they think it may help you, although in New Zealand anti-depressants haven’t been approved by Medsafe for direct use with ADHD alone. This type of prescription is often the case where ADHD co-exists with depression and/or anxiety.

ADHD anti-depressant medication side effects

Most people do not experience any side effects, or they are minimal.

Some, however, experience undesirable side effects from ADHD anti-depressant medication, which can include:
  • trouble sleeping
  • nausea
  • constipation
  • dry mouth
  • sweating, and
  • changes in sex drive.

​If this is the case, it's best to consult your specialist as this medication may not be the right choice for you.

Medsafe also warns about a connection between anti-depressants and a higher risk of suicide in adults ages 18-24, especially in the first one or two months. This warning generally only relates to those with depression, which is characterised by low energy. This connection is uncommon and only affects a small and specific group of those who take this medication. If this is the case, the prescribing specialist will need to monitor the patient more closely, and supervision to ensure safety is advised until the lifting effects of the medication come into effect for the first few weeks. 

Anti-depressant medications to treat ADHD

Here's a list of the anti-depressant medication options used to treat ADHD in New Zealand.

There are other options available. Generally, other options are prescribed to treat ADHD and a co-existing condition(s).
​Brand name
​Active ingredient
​Form
Links to MedSafe NZ datasheets
Tofranil
Imipramine hydrochloride
Tablets
Check for drug interactions and side effects

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  • What is ADHD?
    • Adults with ADHD
    • Children and teens with ADHD
    • ADHD is more common than you think
    • Why it's good to have ADHD
    • Inspiring stories from people with ADHD
    • News and Research on ADHD
  • Have you got ADHD?
    • Think you're an adult with ADHD?
    • Think your child has ADHD?
    • How to get a diagnosis for ADHD >
      • Getting an assessment and diagnosis for ADHD
      • Self screening assessment tool for adults who suspect that they have ADHD​
    • Co-Morbidities
    • FAQs
  • Succeed with ADHD
    • Access ADHD Healthcare Professionals >
      • The Different Types of Healthcare Professionals
    • Managing ADHD >
      • Families living with ADHD >
        • Tips on how to support children with ADHD
        • Parent Support is a Phone Call Away
      • ADHD in schools
      • ADHD in tertiary education organisations >
        • FAQs for staff at tertiary education organisations
        • Feedback from staff at tertiary education organisations
      • Tips for adults managing life and ADHD
    • ADHD Medication >
      • ADHD Stimulant Medication
      • ADHD Non-Stimulant Medication
      • ADHD Anti-Depressant Medication
    • ADHD Support Organisations
    • Become a member of ADHD NZ's community >
      • ADHD Wellington
      • Events and promotions
      • Vlogs, blogs and ADHD news
  • About Us
    • ADHD NZ 2021: past, present and future
    • Our People
    • Help Us By Volunteering
    • Contact Us
    • Sponsors
    • ADHD Ambassador