Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

Medication that Does Not Interact with Lexapr

01/18/2011

Question:

i was previously on Adderall and lexapro. i started having severe reactions such as irritablity, heart racing. shaking and disoriented which led to depression. i researched and found out that lexapro and adderall can have severe interactions with one another. is there a drug for ADD that does not have a bad reaction with lexapro?

Answer:

It’s a little surprising to find such a severe reaction to the combination of Adderall (an amphetamine stimulant) and Lexapro (an SSRI). They affect different neurotransmitters, and stimulants and SSRIs are commonly used together without problem. However, Lexapro may be different from other SSRIs. It is possible the adverse events described were due solely to the Adderall, depending on dose. However, it is also possible that a different SSRI would not interact the same way with Adderall. 

Other FDA-approved medications for ADHD include methylphenidate products (Concerta, Ritalin, Focalin, Metadate, Daytrana), atomoxetine, guanfacine XR, and clonidine XR. Your doctor should be able to discuss the relative risks with you. To sort out whether the problem is the combination or just one of the two meds, your doctor may want you to try taking one at a time to see if either one individually causes the same problem.

For more information:

Go to the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder health topic.