Expert: Dr Billy Levin - 5/12/2011

Question
Hi Dr Levin
I am a 52 year old male and was diagnosed with A.D.D. over tenyears ago. It really helped to explain my behaviours.
My doctor put me on Wellbutrin.
This has worked kind of OK. I have gone off it a few times in the past, but my wife says I am a much better person while I am on it.
Lately I feel my A.D.D, is getting worse. Could this be possible, or could this be a symptom of aging? I am having a lot of 'senior moments' lately.
This concerns me because I am a tranist operator. I have to stay focused and not daydream, which is gatting harder to do. I have had a couple mental episodes lately that could have resulted in accidents. One was a feeling of euphoria, the other was racing thoughts. I used to get this way years ago before the diagnosis and the medication.
I have begun self medicating with alcohol again. I was a fairly heavy drinker before the wellbutrin, but in recent years cut way back. Lately I feel an intense need to drink to intoxication just to calm my mind. I know this is unhealthy of course.
I do exercise, and I feel that my regular runs help to burn off mental  and physical energy.
I have asked my doctor once before about changing my medication, if that is possible. I would like to try Straterra. He wants to keep me on the Wellbutrin. What are your thoughts?
Also, do you know of any natural supplements that might help? St. Johns wort seems to help s much or better than the wellbutrin.
Thanks for your thoughts.

Answer
Firstly I am puzzeled that you have not been given a stimulant which in my opinion is more effective than Welbutrin. However an ADHD patient on a stimulants who is depressed the welbutrin is the first choice to add to the Stimulant. Strettera may work but it is not as effective as the stimulants. Natural suplements have no value what so ever.