Question:

Is it safe to take adderall and lexapro together?

Answer:

Thank you for contacting NetWellness.  There currently are no documented studies that show adverse events associated with taking these 2 medications together.

Lexapro® (escitalopram) is in a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.

Adderall is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine is used as part of a treatment program to control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children. Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine tablets are also used to treat narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep). The combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine is in a class of medications called central nervous system stimulants. It works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. 

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening drug reaction that causes the body to have too much serotonin, a chemical produced by nerve cells.

Serotonin syndrome most often occurs when two drugs that affect the body’s level of serotonin are taken together at the same time. The drugs cause too much serotonin to be released or to remain in the brain area. Serotonin syndrome is more likely to occur when you first start or increase the medicine.  Patients should be aware of this syndrome and should be watched for signs and symptoms that come with serotonin syndrome. These symptoms include agitation, sweating, diarrhea, fever, and shivering, shaking, loss of coordination or involuntary movement of the joints.  

We encourage you to create a good relationship with your local pharmacist who can be a source of information about your medications, as well as to discuss this with all your health care providers.  If you need immediate information for medications and supplements you can reference the National Library of Medicine for general information regarding medication and supplements (see links below). 

Related Resources:

Adderall® (containing Amphetamine, Dextroamphetamine)
Lexapro®

For more information:

Go to the Pharmacy and Medications health topic.