Can You Take Adderall And Lexapro Together?

Answer

While Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) and Lexapro (escitalopram) are sometimes prescribed together to treat different conditions, they should be combined cautiously due to the increased risk of a rare, but serious, side effect known as serotonin syndrome.

Interaction Detail

Both Lexapro and Adderall have serotonergic effects. The concomitant use of 2 or more drugs that increase serotonin can increase the risk for serotonin syndrome, a condition of serotonergic overstimulation characterized by the following effects:

• Mental status changes
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Disorientation
• Increased heart rate
• Sweating
• Hyperthermia
• Increased blood pressure
• Tremors
• Muscle rigidity

The overall risk of serotonin syndrome when Lexapro and Adderall are combined isn't known but is generally thought to be low the serotonergic effects of Adderall aren't as strong as many other drugs. Lexapro increases serotonin concentrations in the brain while amphetamines stimulate catecholamine release, primarily dopamine and norepinephrine, although increased serotonin release may also occur at certain doses.

As mentioned, Lexapro and Adderall are sometimes prescribed together, although there are plenty of considerations that need to be in mind in addition to the potential of serotonin syndrome.

For example, stimulants can sometimes exacerbate depressive symptoms, and most guidelines do not recommend using both an SSRI and a stimulant at the same time as first-line therapy for this reason.

Nevertheless, if there is an inadequate response to treatment for one condition, combined therapy of a stimulant and antidepressant can certainly be considered. The guidelines for Major Depression with ADHD in Children and Adolcneses states the following:

If , When the depressive symptoms are improved with antidepressants but ADHD symptoms remain serious, adding psychostimulants is recommended by some guidelines.

How To Manage The Interaction

If you are prescribed Lexapro and Adderall, it is important that you are monitored for signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome/serotonin toxicity (eg, altered reflexes, hyperthermia, sweating, tremor, muscle rigidity, confusion, increased heart rate, etc...) when these drugs are combined.

As you have been on Lexapro, it would be recommended that you are started on Adderall at lower doses, be monitored frequently, and adjust doses as needed. 

Final Words

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