Can one take CrPic with Strattera and Wellbutrin?

Hi Dr. McLeod,

Thank you so much for your terrific book and ongoing website & blog.

Here is my primary inquiry at this moment:

My 15 year-old daughter with ADHD and atypical depression is currently taking Strattera 80mg and Wellbutrin XL 300mg (she could not tolerate either stimulants or SSRIs) to decent effect on attention but only partial response on these depressive symptoms: intense sugar & carb cravings; continued rejection sensitivity; reactive moodiness. Her doctor, who sees her for a few minutes once every couple months for medication management only, has said “no problem” to trying the chromium picolinate, but I think mostly because my daughter is not in any crisis and he doesn’t expect the mineral to have any effect one way or the other!

So my question is, how does one go about gauging the effectiveness of Chromax when medications are also being taking? I don’t believe you overtly discuss this possibility in your book, but it occurs to us that if the mineral works, we could actually see negative effects resulting from taking medicines that are no longer needed. What should we be alert to as she begins to take the Chromax?

Thank you for your input,

J

Dear J,

None of my patients have taken both Chromax chromium picolinate and Strattera, so I cannot offer an opinion on that part of your question. I can tell you that several of my patients who have responded to Wellbutrin have had similar beneficial responses to Chromax and vice versa. I suspect that taking Chromax and Wellbutrin together would be more efficacious than either alone. And, yes, you might be able to decrease or discontinue her medications. But notes of caution: 1) if you decide to add Chromax to your daugher's regimen, start at a very low dose, say 50 micrograms daily, and increase gradually; and 2) continue to consult your daughter's psychiatrist to monitor for possible side effects, such as excessive activation and insomnia.

Thank you for your questions. Please let me know what you and your psychiatrist decide to do, and the outcome.

Malcolm N. McLeod, MD