Mental Health Celexa & Adderall Combination

[Stimulated]

Hey all,

I have taken 20mg of legally prescribed Celexa for anxiety/depression for years, and I also am self-medicating now with Adderall to help me with my studies. I have been self-medicating with Adderall on and off for about a year, and I haven't noticed any significant drug interactions between the two medications (at least for me, personally).

What I'm wondering is if I would get more out of Adderall if I were to stop taking the Celexa. I recently read something online (not sure how true it is) that SSRIs actually lower the amount of dopamine. It is my understanding that Adderall and similar amphetamines elicit their effects by increasing the concentration of dopamine in the brain. It makes sense to me that if what I read about SSRIs is true, that more dopamine would be released by the Adderall if I stopped taking my SSRI. Is this true? Would ceasing to take the SSRI increase the benefits of taking the Adderall?

Let me also say that I know going cold turkey off of an antidepressant that you have been on for a long time is a terrible idea. I have already talked to my psychiatrist about discontinuing my Celexa (not because of interactions with Adderall, but because of my general distaste for antidepressants and my desire to get rid of my dependence on them). My psychiatrist has already given me the green light to taper off my Celexa, as my symptoms of anxiety and depression have subsided almost entirely. He suggested coming down to a dosage of 10mg first for a couple weeks to a month, and then if I'm comfortable with that, take the 10mg dosage once every other day for another 2-4 weeks, before finally discontinuing my usage completely.

Also, how might one seek a legal prescription for Adderall? I feel that I might genuinely have a mild form of ADHD-Inattentive, but that might also be the side effects of the Celexa, as it may be a confounding variable. How does one go about getting properly diagnosed with ADHD?

Thanks a lot, and sorry for the loaded question!

 

[pinpoint]

This is blatant 'what do I say to get a prescription for a specific drug'. We don't allow nor do we answer such questions. Also, why make two posts about basically the same issue?

 

[herbavore]

I would just work with your doctor to taper off the celexa and see if you can't give your mind time to heal with a good diet, exercise and sleep. As I stated in your other thread I don't think you are doing yourself any favors by self-diagnosing or self-medicating with Adderall. It's a trap many students have fallen into and come to regret.

If you are already seeing a psychiatrist, what does she/he have to say about the question of your ADD?

I'm going to close this thread. Everything you are asking should be put to your psychiatrist.