Can You Take Prozac and Adderall Together?

If you live with both attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depression or anxiety, you might wonder if you can take ADHD medication and antidepressants at the same time.

Since Prozac® is a commonly prescribed antidepressant, and Adderall® is a common stimulant, maybe you’ve considered this specific combination. So, can you take Prozac and Adderall together? Possibly.

It’s good to understand how medications like Prozac and Adderall work together. We’re here to clear the air. Keep scrolling for insight into combining Adderall with Prozac.

In some cases, a healthcare provider might recommend combining Prozac and Adderall. And while there’s an increased risk of side effects and interactions, this combination is generally considered safe when used as directed.

Still, you need to be aware of potential symptoms that could arise when using these two meds together. The key is communicating openly with your healthcare provider about your medical history, following their prescribed treatment plan, and updating them about side effects.

We’ll explore how each medication works and unpack how Prozac and Adderall can interact.

Adderall and Prozac both influence neurotransmitter activity in the brain, aiming to support more balanced brain function, moods, and behaviors.

Learn about how each affects the brain ahead.

What Is Prozac?

Prozac — or fluoxetine, as it’s called in generic form — is an antidepressant in the family of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These prescription medications help the brain stabilize moods and emotions by acting on the neurotransmitter serotonin, although the exact mechanism is unknown.

Antidepressant medications can treat a range of mental health conditions and mood disorders.

Prozac is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD)

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Bulimia nervosa

• Panic disorder

Healthcare providers also sometimes prescribe it in combination with olanzapine (an antipsychotic medication) for treatment-resistant depression and bipolar disorder.

Off-label, Prozac is sometimes used to manage the symptoms of social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). (Off-label use means a drug is legally prescribed to treat a condition it’s not FDA-approved for.)

Side Effects of Prozac

Like other antidepressants, Prozac can cause side effects. Let your healthcare provider know if you have any severe (or even just bothersome) side effects — or if the adverse effects don’t improve over time.

Some common side effects of Prozac include:

• Abnormal dreams

• Sexual dysfunction, like lower sex drive or difficulty reaching orgasm

• Loss of appetite

• Drowsiness and fatigue

• Insomnia or altered sleep habits

• Nausea or vomiting

• Diarrhea or indigestion

• Sweating and hot flashes

Prozac can cause another serious side effect in children, adolescents, and young adults: the potential for suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Monitor any worsening of suicidal thinking or behavior, and dial 988 for immediate support from the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall, also known as mixed dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts, is a stimulant. Stimulants are a class of drugs used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is a condition that can affect how someone focuses, controls impulses, and manages hyperactivity (constant movement or talking).

Symptoms of ADHD include:

• Difficulty sitting still and excessive restlessness, like fidgeting and tapping

• Overlooking or missing details that leads to making mistakes and misplacing things

• Difficulty staying on task and getting organized

• Interrupting often

• Having a hard time waiting in lines

• Finding time management challenging

Adderall treats these symptoms by stimulating the central nervous system and increasing dopamine and norepinephrine activity. These neurotransmitters help regulate stress and pleasure.

Brand-name Adderall is available in two forms: extended-release capsules (Adderall XR or ER) and immediate-release tablets. Both forms come in various dosages, ranging from 5 milligrams (mg) to 30 milligrams.

Side Effects of Adderall

Common Adderall side effects in adults include:

• Dry mouth

• Loss of appetite and weight loss

• Insomnia

• Headache

• Nausea and diarrhea

• Anxiety and agitation

• Dizziness

• Tachycardia (rapid heart rate)

Another more serious side effect of Adderall is chest pain. There’s an increased risk of adverse reactions for people with heart conditions, high blood pressure (hypertension), and other cardiovascular issues.

The prescribing label also includes a black box warning for dependence risk. In other words, Adderall can be addicting, although this is uncommon when the medication is used correctly under a doctor's guidance.

So, what happens when you take two medications together that act on your brain’s three neurotransmitters?

For many, the combination effectively treats their symptoms. Still, it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks and side effects.

Although mixing Prozac and Adderall isn’t necessarily dangerous, it may increase the likelihood of overlapping side effects such as:

• Headaches

• Weight loss

• Decreased appetite

• Nausea and diarrhea

• Mood swings and irritability (despite the fact that most people who take these medications experience mood stabilization and decreased irritability)

Monitoring and managing these effects is vital, and any concerns should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

The simple answer is usually — but it’s best to talk to a medical professional about these details. If you’re prescribed both Adderall and Prozac, follow your provider’s advice on how and when to take your meds.

Prozac can be taken in the morning or evening. The first dose of short-acting Adderall is usually taken in the morning, and long-acting Adderall is taken once a day in the morning. The biggest disadvantage to taking them at different times is simply that it makes it harder to remember and more likely you’ll miss one of your doses.

Adderall generally shouldn’t be taken later in the day. As a stimulant, it could make it harder to fall asleep at night.

Given the potential side effects and drug interactions of amphetamines and Prozac, the safety of combining these meds shouldn’t be overlooked.

If you have pre-existing medical conditions or are prone to nausea, headaches, and other common issues, consult a healthcare professional. They can help determine if combining these medications is appropriate for your unique needs and health status.

While it’s a good idea to talk about potential side effects with your healthcare provider, this doesn’t mean the medications can’t be taken together.

Research on the Safety of Combining Prozac With Adderall

Studies in kids and adolescents have shown that antidepressants, including fluoxetine, can be combined with stimulants safely without serious adverse effects in many cases.

These studies (and another that surveyed undergraduate students) indicate that the dynamic duo formed by antidepressant drugs and ADHD medications can lead to significant improvements in mood, behavior, and academic performance.

Ongoing research is needed to fully understand the long-term effects. But current evidence suggests that the benefits of using these medications together can outweigh the potential risks — provided your healthcare provider supports this approach.

The current research also highlights the need for better education on the proper use of these medications. Taking both meds without medical guidance isn’t wise.

Prozac and Adderall Interactions: Serotonin Syndrome

Any time you’re taking multiple medications, you should know about the potential drug interactions. Some prescription drugs don’t affect each other when combined, but others may not work as well or cause unexpected, potentially dangerous side effects.

So, can the drug interactions between Prozac and Adderall be harmful?

If used with medications that increase serotonin activity, Prozac could cause a potentially life-threatening drug interaction called serotonin syndrome. This can happen when serotonin levels rise beyond a safe level.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include:

• Shivering

• Elevated blood pressure

• Heart palpitations (irregular heartbeat)

• Muscle jerking

Severe cases of serotonin syndrome may cause renal failure, blood clots, coma, heart attack, or even death.

Medications and over-the-counter supplements that may interact with Prozac and increase the risk of serotonin syndrome include:

• Amphetamines (including Adderall)

• Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

• Other SSRIs and antidepressants

• Fentanyl, tramadol, and other opioid pain medications

• Anxiety medications, such as buspirone (Buspar®)

• St. John’s wort

Definitely let your healthcare provider know if you’re taking any of these other meds or supplements.

All medications carry a risk of side effects, and all of the stimulant medications used to treat ADHD carry a small risk of serotonin syndrome when combined with Prozac or other SSRIs. But if you want to explore alternative options, you might ask your healthcare provider about the following medications.

Other stimulant medications for treating ADHD include:

• Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®)

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin®)

• Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin®)

Atomoxetine (Strattera®) and viloxazine (Qelbree®) are non-stimulant meds approved for ADHD treatment.

Alternatives to Prozac include other SSRIs, like:

• Citalopram (Celexa®)

• Escitalopram (Lexapro®)

• Sertraline (Zoloft®)

Bupropion (Wellbutrin®) is another alternative treatment primarily used for depression. It’s considered an atypical antidepressant and acts on dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It’s sometimes prescribed off-label for ADHD, but it’s usually not as effective as the FDA-approved options.

Talk therapy can be really beneficial for folks with many mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, and ADHD. It can be effective alone and in conjunction with medication. A therapist can teach you new ways to cope while identifying and improving harmful behavioral and lifestyle patterns.

Mental health is complex and having overlapping symptoms of depression or anxiety and ADHD isn’t uncommon.

The good news is that these conditions can be managed with therapy and medication. So what’s the verdict on this drug combination? It’s usually worthwhile, but only under the supervision of a medical provider.

Here’s what to keep in mind about taking Adderall and Prozac together:

• Adderall is a stimulant that acts on dopamine and norepinephrine to treat ADHD, while Prozac is an SSRI that acts on serotonin to treat some anxiety disorders and depression.

• These medications have some overlapping side effects, like headaches, weight loss, decreased appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and irritability. They can also cause a drug interaction that increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.

• It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about your medical history, current medications, and any side effects you experience.

• If you’re dealing with co-occurring ADHD and depression, it’s possible to safely manage both with medications like Prozac and Adderall. But getting personalized medical advice and a treatment plan from your healthcare provider is always best.

You can discuss your mental health needs and questions with a licensed mental health professional through our online psychiatry platform and find out if medication might be the right treatment option.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.