Mixing Celexa & Adderall | Interactions, Side Effects, & Risks

Mixing Adderall and Celexa can lead to an increased risk of serotonin syndrome.

Celexa (generic name citalopram hydrobromide) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that can treat major depressive disorder. 

Adderall is a brand-name prescription for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. Its two main ingredients are amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

Being open with your medical history can reduce the risk of your healthcare provider prescribing unhelpful or even dangerous medication. You can also find out which medications or treatment options work best for your specific conditions.

Amphetamine & Citalopram Drug Interactions

Citalopram and amphetamine, the main ingredients in Celexa and Adderall, have a drug interaction that can dramatically increase serotonin levels in the body.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that stabilizes mood, controls appetite, and affects sleep patterns. SSRIs are believed to improve serotonin levels on their own, but spikes in serotonin can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome are varied and include:

• flushed skin
• sweating
• muscle rigidity
• fever
• anxiety
• irregular heart rate
• restlessness

SSRIs are usually not recommended in patients who are taking serotonergic drugs (drugs that affect serotonin). 

This includes Adderall as well as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and others.

Other Side Effects Of Mixing Adderall & Celexa

Taking Adderall and Celexa together can lead to feeling side effects of both substances. Immediate side effects of both Adderall and Celexa can include:

• high blood pressure
• dry mouth
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• constipation
• changes in mood
• worsened mental health
• sleep disturbances
• chest pain
• weight loss (in pediatric and adolescent patients)
• psychotic episodes

Side Effects Of ​​​Non-Directed Substance Use

Medical professionals may warn against mixing Adderall and Celexa. If you have the approval to take both prescription drugs at the same time, your dose may be limited or your usage may be monitored.

If you do not have medical approval, mixing Celexa and Adderall may be a form of drug abuse. Abusing Adderall or Adderall XR may be dangerous because Adderall is a controlled substance. It has a high potential for abuse, dependence, and long-term side effects. 

Celexa has a lower abuse potential than Adderall, but both substances can still be abused together. Abusing Celexa and Adderall together can lead to withdrawal symptoms and other long-term adverse effects.

Substance Abuse Treatment Options

Drug interactions between Adderall and Celexa may also apply to other antidepressants and ADHD medications. Amphetamines like Vyvanse and Ritalin can also be prescribed for the same reasons as Adderall, while Prozac and Lexapro work similarly to Celexa.

The risk of substance abuse while taking Adderall is well-known. If you are suffering from long-term effects of substance abuse, you may benefit from a treatment program.

To find a treatment program that works for you, contact our helpline today.