Tricyclic Antidepressants are most commonly used for depression, but sometimes also for sleep disorders, bedwetting and ADHD. The tricyclic antidepressants are helpful for mood swings and impulsiveness, but they do not seem to help increase attention as much. Side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation and dizziness.
MAO Inhibitors are most commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, but can be used in the treatment of ADHD. MAO Inhibitors seem to do a better job of controlling ADHD symptoms than Tricyclic antidepressants, but are prescribed less frequently because of dangerous side effects. When MAO Inhibitors are combined with certain foods and medicines, blood pressure can increase dramatically, causing a hypertensive crisis requiring immediate medical care. Some of the foods that should be avoided are bananas, cheese, liver, raisins, sausage, yogurt, wine, beer and chocolate. Stimulant drugs and over-the-counter cough and cold medicines must also be avoided. If you are prescribed a MAO Inhibitor, your physician should give you a detailed list of those foods and medications that must be avoided. Other side effects are dry mouth, constipation, and difficulty urinating.
In addition to the Tricyclic Antidepressants and MAO Inhibitors, there are some other antidepressants that seem to have some effect on ADHD. Flupxetine Hydrochloride (Prozac) is sometimes used because it helps regulate mood and decreases irritability. It does not seem to help attention, although there are some studies that indicate this drug may help impulsiveness. It has been used effectively to treat kleptomania and bulimia. We'll have to wait for more studies to find out more about this positive effect. The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhea and weight loss.
Buproprion (Wellbutrin) is a newer antidepressant being used for the treatment of ADHD. Unlike the other antidepressants, it helps attention as well as mood. Some side effects include blood pressure changes and dry mouth. At high dosages, there is a risk of seizure. Those with seizure disorders must not take buproprion. It is interesting that this drug is also used in Zyban, the drug that is sometimes used to help smokers quit smoking.
All of the antidepressants last longer than the stimulants, so fewer doses are needed to control symptoms. If irritability, mood swings or temper are part of your ADHD symptoms, an antidepressant - either alone or in conjunction with a stimulant - may be helpful.
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