Lexapro and Adderall
Can you take Lexapro and Adderall together? Lexapro is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and works by alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety. It’s a commonly prescribed antidepressant prescription medication. Adderall is a central nervous stimulant drug that helps treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Adderall is a prescription stimulant made up of amphetamines and dextroamphetamine and can help improve a person’s focus, reduce their tendencies for impulsivity and decrease hyperactivity. The combination of an antidepressant and stimulant can be taken together, but it also poses risky interactions.
Some studies have found that some adults diagnosed with ADHD also struggle with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. In fact, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, an estimated 50% of adults with ADHD also suffer from an anxiety disorder. Depression and anxiety are common mental health disorders and those with ADHD seem to be very prone to developing these conditions. Why these disorders seem to commonly overlap is still unknown. For some people living with ADHD, it can cause them to feel overwhelmed and can take a toll on their self-image leading to feelings of depression. In a case like this, both Lexapro and Adderall may be prescribed by a medical provider to help treat both conditions.
Lexapro and Adderall can help address mood-related symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as impulsivity issues often associated with ADHD. When taking the drugs together, it can intensify the side effects of both drugs as well as put users at risk for certain serious conditions.
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro is the brand name for the medication escitalopram. It is an SSRI that is FDA-approved to treat depression in people ages 12 and older and treat anxiety in people ages 7 and older. Off-label uses for Lexapro also include treatment of OCD, panic disorder, PTSD and eating disorders such as bulimia nervosa.
As part of the SSRI drug family, other similar medications include citalopram, fluoxetine and sertraline. SSRIs work on the central nervous system by helping to increase the amount of active serotonin in the brain. It does this by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin and allowing more of the chemical to remain in the brain for a longer duration. The prolonged presence of a large amount of the brain chemical can help improve sleep, improve appetite, increase energy and reduce feelings of fear and anxiety. When the entire body adjusts to new higher levels of serotonin, anxiety and depression symptoms can begin to lessen. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain that is in charge of mood, sleep and appetite.
Lexapro is not a mind-altering drug and is not considered habit-forming or addictive. However, when taking SSRIs like Lexapro, the medication does not go into effect immediately. In fact, it can take a bit of time for the full effects to be felt. The anti-depressant effects can be felt about 4-6 weeks into treatment after taking the medication regularly. Common side effects of Lexapro use include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, shaking or tremors, difficulty sleeping, heartburn, stomach pain, decreased appetite, weight loss and flu-like symptoms.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a stimulant medication used to treat symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy. It works by impacting the serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine chemicals in the brain. Adderall increases these neurochemicals in the brain and results in heightened energy, increased focus, reduced hyperactivity and a sense of wakefulness and alertness.
ADHD is thought to occur when there are lower than normal levels of dopamine in the brain. When Adderall is taken, it increases levels of dopamine, which can stimulate receptors in the brain to help manage ADHD symptoms. Some of the side effects of Adderall include nervousness, anxiety, headaches, dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, weight loss, difficulty sleeping, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure and increased risk of serotonin syndrome.
Because Adderall is a stimulant medication, it is a controlled substance and carries the risk of dependence and addiction.
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What happens if you take both Lexapro and Adderall?
Lexapro and Adderall can be prescribed together. However, it can lead to some adverse side effects. Mixing the two drugs can lead to intensified side effects, worsening of some symptoms and a high risk of serotonin syndrome. Lexapro is known to cause fatigue and drowsiness, which can be counterproductive for someone who is taking Adderall to help them increase their energy and alertness. Adderall can cause feelings of anxiety and depression, which is counterproductive for someone who is taking Lexapro to help ease feelings of worry, dread and restlessness. Mixing Adderall with an antidepressant is considered to have moderate interactions with suggested monitoring for signs of toxicity.
Side Effects of Mixing Both Medications
- Increased anxiety
- Difficulty sleeping
- Weight loss
- Increased blood pressure
- Loss of appetite
- Worsening depression
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Increased heart rate
The main danger of mixing stimulants and antidepressants is the increased risk of serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening condition caused by high levels of serotonin from taking drugs that increase its levels. It occurs at very high doses. It can lead to changes in mental health status, hallucinations, elevated heart rate, dizziness, flushing, hyperthermia, tremors, muscle rigidity, loss of muscle function, agitation, restlessness, anxiety, disorientation, increased body temperature, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Ways to reduce the risks of mixing Lexapro and Adderall
- Discuss with your medical provider of all or other options for medication and treatment.
- Take your medications as prescribed.
- Make adjustments to drug dosage if needed.
- Make adjustments to the time in which you take each drug. For example, take one medication in the morning after waking up and take the other medication at night before bed. Be sure to space them out to avoid adverse side effects of the combination of the two.
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Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Lexapro and Adderall are prescription medications that treat different ailments. When taken together, it can exacerbate side effects and even counteract the effectiveness of each other. However, for some people, it may be reasonable and necessary to take the medications together. Despite the low risks of adverse reactions, there is still a risk of developing dependence and addiction to Adderall. Behavioral treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide treatment for those struggling with stimulant substances such as Adderall.
We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods such as CBT, DBT, family therapy and group therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping our client understand the root cause of their addiction and find effective and healthy ways to manage and cope with their emotions. We understand addiction. We have the tools, resources and support clients need to achieve their sobriety goals.
References:
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/lexapro-and-adderall
https://cabinethealth.com/blogs/journal/the-effects-of-adderall-and-lexapro-a-comprehensive-analysis
https://www.healthcentral.com/article/combining-stimulant-medication-and-antidepressants-possible-interactions
https://mandalahealingcenter.net/can-you-mix-lexapro-and-adderall/