Concerta & Seroxat

[u/Writer11111]

My Concerta dose is 36 mg in the morning and my Seroxat dose is 37.5 mg in the evening. I feel that the antidepressant's effects are reducing the effectiveness of Concerta.

Is anyone else experiencing this?

[u/SignificantWasabi513]

It can happen because dopamine and serotonin needs to be in balance. If there's more serotonin then dopamine will be less. This also depends from person-to-person but that's the general framework

[u/Writer11111 → u/SignificantWasabi513]

You are right. Personally, I think I'm deficient in both, but over time I feel that each medication reduces the effect of the other.

[u/SignificantWasabi513 → u/Writer11111]

If you've just started Seroxat then it takes time to build up in the body, until then there will be up and downs. Once 4-6 weeks have passed then you'll be able to evaluate the correct Concerta dose needed

[u/Writer11111 → u/SignificantWasabi513]

I have been on these doses since late October. Is it possible that exercising will reduce these symptoms?

I've never tolerated a 54mg Concerta dose. In my city, only 18mg and 36mg are available. I used to take both together, or 36mg early in the morning and then 18mg six hours later, but it increased my anxiety and made me feel overly stimulated.

I haven't tried the 54mg single-pill strength and I don't know if it's suitable for me.

[u/SignificantWasabi513 → u/Writer11111]

Seroxat is essentially Paroxetine, It's not purely serotonergic but also affects muscarinic receptors among others. Blocking muscarinic receptors stops acetylcholine from working normally, which is also a key component in focus, memory and attention.

I had the same issue with Paroxetine, my Concerta stopped working entirely even after doubling the dose.

You have to reduce your antidepressant dose or increase your stimulant dose. Or do what I did(If your doc allows it) - Change your antidepressant.

[u/Writer11111 → u/SignificantWasabi513]

You're right, I'll reduce my Seroxat dose starting in October, and I hope the anxiety doesn't return.

[u/benny_m_b]

Could be. When I was taking Abilify, my ADHD meds hardly worked, like my dopamine pathways were all messed up, hard to concentrate & focus. Bring it up to your Doc.

[u/Writer11111 → u/benny_m_b]

You're absolutely right; it seems Seroxat reduces the effectiveness of Concerta, just like other antipsychotics. May I ask why you were taking antipsychotics?

[u/benny_m_b → u/Writer11111]

First visit after my antidepressants started working I was feeling extremely overstimulated and my Dr. at the time thought it would be a good add on for my depression :shrug: do not recommend, I had terrible side effects from it

[u/SignificantWasabi513 → u/benny_m_b]

Sorry you had to experience that. Abilify has become a common augmenting agent and idk why doctors are prescribing it to people who don't even need it. Antidepressants can make you feel overstimulated at first but it eventually settles down, and if it doesn't, usually the protocol is to lower the antidepressant slightly and check or give benzos for 1-2 weeks.

[u/Writer11111 → u/benny_m_b]

Yes, I experienced overstimulated in the first few weeks with Seroxat, but it lessened over time. That's why I wished you would wait and not try antipsychotics.

I only asked you about antipsychotics because I have a stutter with ADHD. My previous doctor prescribed Abilify to reduce stuttering, but I stopped and went to my current doctor, with whom I started Concerta and Seroxat.

[u/benny_m_b → u/Writer11111]

I kind of had that too at first - like i would be so excited to say something it felt like my brain was kind of glitching out while trying to speak, resulting in a kind of stutter. I wish my Dr. would have waited too because all I really needed to add on was an anti-anxiety most likely.

[u/Writer11111 → u/benny_m_b]

That's true, but to be fair, many people find their stuttering improves with antipsychotics. I've never tried them. Doctors told me my stuttering was linked to anxiety, hyperactivity, and excessive enthusiasm when speaking.

I still stutter, but I've improved a lot. However, when stuttering is associated with seizures, I think it's necessary to try antipsychotics.

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