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Combination pharmacotherapy for adult ADHD

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Abstract

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent neuropsychiatric disorders of adulthood. Although clinical guidelines recommend monotherapy with stimulants or atomoxetine, combination pharmacotherapy is a common practice among clinicians. There are four main situations in which combination medications may be necessary: partial response, dose-limiting side effects, associated disorders, and comorbid diagnoses. We present data from two chart reviews that support existing research on combination pharmacotherapy. Adjunct treatment of d-methylphenidate to stimulant medications extended the duration of therapeutic effect. Adjunct treatment of mirtazapine to stimulant medications reduced associated insomnia. These data support previous research that validates the use of combination pharmacotherapy for adults with ADHD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Suite 7D, Faculty Practice Offices, NYU School of Medicine, 530 First Avenue, 10016, New York, NY, USA

    Lenard A. Adler MD

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  1. Lenard A. Adler MD
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  2. Lisa S. Reingold BA
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  3. Melinda S. Morrill LMSW
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  4. Timothy E. Wilens MD
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Correspondence to Lenard A. Adler MD.

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Adler, L.A., Reingold, L.S., Morrill, M.S. et al. Combination pharmacotherapy for adult ADHD. Curr Psychiatry Rep 8, 409–415 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-006-0044-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-006-0044-9

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