Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
Can Adderall XR And Citalopram Be Taken Together?
Question: Hello,
I have a question about the use of Adderall xr and citalopram together. I have been on Adderall xr 15 mg for about a year along with Depakote and trileptal. The Adderall works very well so I keep taking it but causes very bad anxiety attacks. I also have a prescription for clonazepam which helps but still have the bad panic attacks. Many years ago I was on citalopram alone for panic attacks and worked very well. Would adding citalopram now with the Adderall help the panic attacks or make it worse? I was reading about a poosible synergistic effect and I was also reading that citalopram can block some of the effects of the Adderall.
Thank you very much
I have a question about the use of Adderall xr and citalopram together. I have been on Adderall xr 15 mg for about a year along with Depakote and trileptal. The Adderall works very well so I keep taking it but causes very bad anxiety attacks. I also have a prescription for clonazepam which helps but still have the bad panic attacks. Many years ago I was on citalopram alone for panic attacks and worked very well. Would adding citalopram now with the Adderall help the panic attacks or make it worse? I was reading about a poosible synergistic effect and I was also reading that citalopram can block some of the effects of the Adderall.
Thank you very much
Brief Answer:
Concurrent use in high doses might increase risk of side effects.
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related doubts
I can understand your concern. Citalopram is a SSRI drug and acts by increasing serotonergic neurotransmission. Adderall can interact with Citalopram and there is some risk of serotonin syndrome if both these drugs are used concurrently in high doses. Adderall also increases serotonergic neurotransmission by some unknown mechanisms.
But you can take Adderall in morning and Citalopram in evening and the risk will decrease. You are not taking very high dose of Addrall so I don't think there would be any problem. Citalopram should help in controlling panic attacks. Start with low dose and increase the dose after 2 weeks. This will minimise the risk of panic or anxiety exacerbation. Talk to your doctor before making any change in prescription.
Thanks. Take care
Concurrent use in high doses might increase risk of side effects.
Detailed Answer:
Hello thanks for asking from HCM for your health related doubts
I can understand your concern. Citalopram is a SSRI drug and acts by increasing serotonergic neurotransmission. Adderall can interact with Citalopram and there is some risk of serotonin syndrome if both these drugs are used concurrently in high doses. Adderall also increases serotonergic neurotransmission by some unknown mechanisms.
But you can take Adderall in morning and Citalopram in evening and the risk will decrease. You are not taking very high dose of Addrall so I don't think there would be any problem. Citalopram should help in controlling panic attacks. Start with low dose and increase the dose after 2 weeks. This will minimise the risk of panic or anxiety exacerbation. Talk to your doctor before making any change in prescription.
Thanks. Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. Is it unusual that the clonazepam is not working? It used to work very well before the Adderall. My hesitation is that because the clonazepam is not working well then the citalopram probably wont work either.
Brief Answer:
Clonazepam and Citalopram are two different drugs.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again
Clonazepam and Citalopram are two different drugs. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine drug and helps to control the acute severe symptoms of anxiety. If the drug is not working you can take higher doses and preferably mouth dissolving. Mouth dissolving doses work faster.
Citalopram is a SSRI and this helps to correct the underlying neurotransmitter imbalance responsible for anxiety and panic attacks. The drug can't control acute symptoms but helps to treat the symptoms. The drug will take time to show its effects but should definitely help. Don't remain doubtful.
Thanks. Take care
Clonazepam and Citalopram are two different drugs.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again
Clonazepam and Citalopram are two different drugs. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine drug and helps to control the acute severe symptoms of anxiety. If the drug is not working you can take higher doses and preferably mouth dissolving. Mouth dissolving doses work faster.
Citalopram is a SSRI and this helps to correct the underlying neurotransmitter imbalance responsible for anxiety and panic attacks. The drug can't control acute symptoms but helps to treat the symptoms. The drug will take time to show its effects but should definitely help. Don't remain doubtful.
Thanks. Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Great, thank you very much for your assistance.
Brief Answer:
Thanks and Take care.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks and Take care
Thanks and Take care.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks and Take care
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
