Can you take Adderall and Zoloft together?

Answer 1

There is a risk of drug interaction. Zoloft obviously inhibits the re-uptake of seritonin (part of being an selective reuptake inhibitor) thus increasing the amount available at neural junctions. Adderall also inhibits (some) seritonin reuptake as well but most of its action is though high levels of dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. Thus if you are on an SSRI and start adderall, you might find you need less of the SSRI. You also have to be a little concerned about the incidence of seritonin syndrome which can be deadly if not treated appropriately (there is a famous lawsuit in NY where a young woman died as overworked/inexperienced medical residents failed to recognize the classic symptoms of seritonin syndrome, this actually led to resident work-rules). While it is not overly dangerous to take the two together (I do and am in the medical field) it is a good idea to be aware of seritonin syndrome so you can get immediate attention if you notice its symptoms (which typically will only occur when you start the new medicine or up your dosages).

Personal Experiences:

I am a 23 year old male, 6'3 and 175 lbs. I was previously prescribed Adderall 20mg and zoloft 25mg and took them with no ill effects. I did notice an increase in the unpleasant effects of drinking alcohol that were a little different than when I take either independently of each other, for example, worsened restless legs a couple hours after consumption and an increase in nausea and dizziness. However, without the alcohol, I felt no unpleasant effects taking the medications together.

About six months ago, I was laid off from a very, very good job which I had worked hard to get to. It's not simply a case of applying to another company for the same job, because it's a unique, fun, and media related job that I was lucky enough to work my way into.

Within days of losing my job, I began developing and experiencing horrible panic attacks. Every morning I would wake up with my heart beating so hard against my mattress I had to get up and take a shot of vodka. Needless to say, I only exacerbated the problem, and within a few months, I would do this nearly every morning, just to calm my nerves. I applied to jobs, but soon found it too depressing and too difficult to concentrate. I was a total wreck. I began drinking more and more just to ease the pain.

One morning I woke up in such a panic, my vision was blurry and I was considering suicide. Well, that may be stretching it, but the thought did cross my mind. I thought to myself "I can't keep feeling like this every morning, what am I supposed to do?"

I went to a psychologist and after a few sessions, and admitting that I had always found Adderall a great way to manage my life, I was prescribed 10mg of Adderall twice daily, and 25mg of Zoloft once daily.

I can tell you now, that one month in, I'm the person I used to be. I still have the same worries towards my future, but no longer are they debilitating. I am now a very productive person, and recently scored a job in the same field as before... now working six days a week.

So, personally, Zoloft and Adderall have done wonders for me. Of course, everyone is different, but I think if you are feeling anxiety, panic, depression, unfocused thoughts, etc., this may be a good combo.

Just make sure it's legal and that you can get a prescription with a psychologist that can monitor your progress. I have plenty of friends who are on other anti-depressants/anti-anxiety drugs and they've had to try a few to find the one that is right for them.

Good Luck! the future is bright!

Answer 2

the very simple answer is yes, I do it all the time and my depression is completely under control. however if you abuse adderall on a regular basis, like weeks on end then the comedown off of it can cause depression, but since you are already on an antidepressant it will counter act some of the depression, and I speaking from experience.