Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 7/20/2010

Question
My son has been in jail for 7 weeks and he has been given Zoloft only.  Before my son went to jail he was taking Zoloft and just switched from Methylin and concerta to Adderall. In jail the inmates are not allowed stimulants so he was given the anti-depressant alone. He is experiencing anger and frustration. I read your response that anti-depressants should be taken with a mood stabilizer. What mood stabilizer do you suggest he take? Are Adderall for ADHD and Zoloft a bad mix? What do you suggest be taken for both ADHD and Bipolar?

Answer
Hi Stephanie:

Anyone who is bipolar should not take Adderall ever!  This creates mania.  That and the anti-depressants together are probably agitating your son's anger.  When a person is both bipolar and ADHD, they need to have the bipolar treated--and stabilized--before considering adding anything for the ADHD.  In many cases, the second medication isn't even necessary as the bipolar often makes ADHD seem worse.  Lamictal seems to be the one drug that is helping the most.  Nearly everyone tolerates it well, it has few or no side effects and stabilizes both disorders, often when nothing else works.  Ask whoever prescribes medication for your son to consider Lamictal.  He should have no problem with the authorities as it is not a stimulant.

                                                       Joyce A. Anthony