Anxiety, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), ADHD(Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), panic disorder, etc are common mood disorders among people. They can affect both children and adults in their day-to-day work. A person suffering from any of these health condition their life will be more stressful. But, there are two medications available to fight against these mood disorders namely Lexapro and Adderall. Today we discuss Lexapro vs Adderall comparison with you.
So, let’s start the blog with an introduction to both Adderall and Lexapro drugs.
What is Lexapro?
Lexapro where active composition ‘escitalopram’ is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is used for treating both generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults.
This drug is approved by the FDA and can be used to treat anxiety in patients of 7 and more years of age and depression of 12 and more years of age.
It helps to treat mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders (anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa) in children.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a medication stimulant drug (a substance that speeds up the body’s reaction) and is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. This drug is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in patients and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Comparison: Lexapro vs Adderall Drugs:
Important differences between Lexapro and Adderall drugs are as follows:
Uses of Lexapro and Adderall:-
Lexapro
This anti-anxiety drug affects the central nervous system (CNS) and increases the level of active serotonin in a patient’s body. When the serotonin level increases in a patient’s body, then either depression symptoms or anxiety symptoms tend to reduce. Serotonin then helps to improve common symptoms such as sleep disorder, mood changes, appetite loss, etc.
Both Lexapro and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) medications do not work instantly and may take 4 to 6 weeks to show full effects on a patient’s body.
It is very important to take this drug regularly or each day, even if the symptoms still need further improvement or even after the improvement.
Adderall
Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that works as a stimulant in the brain. It also affects the levels of body chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. When these body chemicals persist in the brain, then the symptoms of ADHD may occur. To manage ADHD symptoms, certain levels of chemicals are increased, and these stimulate the receptors in the brain.
This generic drug is also used to treat sleep disorders (narcolepsy) that help to wake the patients during the day.
Dosage Strength: Lexapro vs Adderall
Lexapro
This drug is available in the oral tablet form. The dosage strength of Lexapro is as follows:
Adderall
Adderall drug is available in the form of both capsules and tablets.
The dosage strength of Adderall immediate-release (IR) tablets are as follows:
In addition, the dosage strength of Adderall XR(extended-release (ER)) capsule, which includes:
Side Effects of Lexapro and Adderall:
Common Side Effects:
Long-lasting side effects are caused by taking both drugs together. When these two medicines are taken together, the chances of ill-effects increase, as each drug is unique in composition.
So it is essential to understand the risk or side effects and to know, when, and from whom to seek assistance, either from a specialized doctor or from a health care provider.
Some common side effects of taking both Lexapro and Adderall drugs simultaneously may include:
1) Weight loss
2) Disturbed sleep
3) Depression getting worse
4) Feeling of drowsiness
5) Dry mouth
6) Blood pressure increase
A Severe Side Effect:
Combining the effects of Lexapro and Adderall leads to an increase in the risk of a severe health condition known as serotonin syndrome. Hence, the serotonin levels in the patient’s body rise.
This syndrome commonly occurs when the dosage is taken in a large quantity. Also, by taking multiple drugs, and increasing the medicine doses quickly, there is an increase in serotonin levels.
Serotonin syndrome is caused by other medications, which include antidepressants, lithium, tramadol, buspirone, triptans, and so on. If an individual is not confirmed if serotonin syndrome can have an adverse effect, with the present drugs taken, he or she must consult a doctor or pharmacist. Identifying this syndrome instantly and seeking medical health care assistance immediately is important to overcome the risk of death and prevent the side effects.
Common symptoms of serotonin syndrome, are as follows:
1) High body temperature or Hyperthermia
2) Loss of muscle function (paralysis)
3) Muscle tension, stiffness, or rigor (Muscle rigidity)
4) Viral gastroenteritis, such as stomach, nausea, cramps, vomiting, or diarrhea
5) Essential tremors (shaking movements in one or more body parts)
6) Hallucinations (disturbances)
7) Changes in mental status such as delirium, depression, dementia, coma, etc.
Precautions to be Observed When Taking Lexapro or Adderall Drugs:
If your doctor decides that taking both the above drugs is causing no harm to your health, then a number of steps for safety can be taken to decrease the risks of taking both drugs.
Taking these drugs excessively can cause severe side effects. In addition, if a patient immediately stops taking these medications suddenly, he or she may have other complications such as antidepressant discontinuation syndrome or Adderall withdrawal.
Some common steps to be taken to reduce the risk of taking both the drugs together:
Taking the drugs on the doctor’s prescription:-
It is necessary to properly follow all the prescriptions like dose quantity, changing the dosages and dose timings as prescribed and directed by a doctor which may help in reducing the risk.
Adjust the time for taking each drug:-
This method can reduce the risk, up to some extent, if taking these medications several times a day. It depends on how the patient responds to each drug while taking it simultaneously. So, the patient must confirm and update the doctor or prescriber at frequent time intervals throughout the treatment process.
Conclusion:
On taking both Lexapro and Adderall drugs together, one must follow all safety guidelines and precautions in order to avoid the severe side effects of serotonin syndrome.
At last, these drugs must be taken as prescribed and recommended by specialized doctors or by a team of health care professionals.
