Adderall vs. Prozac for ADHD and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Adderall

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Fluoxetine

(Prozac)

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Summary for Adderall

Prescription only

Adderall is a stimulant medication that's used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and children. It contains the instant-release (IR) forms of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Adderall is available as a brand-name and lower-cost generic tablet that's taken by mouth. Your psychiatrist will adjust the dosage for you based on how well the medication works for you. Common side effects include trouble sleeping and loss of appetite.

Indications for Adderall

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness)

Pros and Cons for Adderall

Pros

First-choice option for ADHD in children and adults
Starts working within an hour after taking
Available as a lower-cost generic
Can use together with behavioral counseling or other non-medication therapies to treat ADHD

Cons

Has a risk of misuse and dependency
A controlled medication, so there are special requirements for getting the prescription filled
Dose needs to be raised and lowered slowly to avoid side effects and withdrawal symptoms
Not available as a liquid or patch form (unlike methylphenidate (Ritalin))

Common Side Effects for Adderall

Upset stomach
Lower appetite
Weight loss
Nervousness
Changes in mood
Trouble sleeping

Warnings for Adderall

Misuse and addiction
Dependence and withdrawal
Serious heart problems
Aggressive behavior and psychosis
Slowed growth in children
Seizures
Blood circulation problems (such as Raynaud's phenomenon)
Serotonin syndrome
Drug interactions

Summary for Prozac

Prescription only

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It's used to treat several mental health conditions, including depression and panic disorder. The immediate-release pill and liquid are taken by mouth, typically once or twice daily. The delayed-release capsule is taken weekly, but it's approved only for depression. Some common side effects of fluoxetine (Prozac) include headaches, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness. Don't suddenly stop this medication if you've been taking it for a while; doing so can lead to symptoms of withdrawal.

Indications for Prozac

Pros and Cons for Prozac

Pros

Good choice for treating depression, OCD, and panic disorder
Less likely to make you sleepy compared to some other antidepressants, such as paroxetine (Paxil)
Taken by mouth, typically once daily (IR capsules and liquid) or once weekly (DR capsules, for depression only)
Can be taken with or without food

Cons

Can take up to 2 months for you to feel the full effects of the medication
Can raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and/or behavior in those age 24 or younger
Can interact with other medications, especially those affecting serotonin levels
Can cause withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking it

Common Side Effects for Prozac

Difficulty falling asleep (up to 33%)
Nausea (up to 29%)
Headache (21%)
Weakness (up to 21%)
Diarrhea (up to 18%)
Low appetite (up to 17%)
Drowsiness (up to 17%)
Anxiety (up to 15%)
Nervousness (up to 14%)
Tremor (up to 13%)
Dry mouth (up to 12%)
Throat pain (up to 11%)
Yawning (up to 11%)
Low sex drive (up to 11%)

Warnings for Prozac

Worsening depression, suicidal thoughts and behavior
Anxiety and trouble sleeping
Serotonin syndrome
Severe allergic reactions
Not for use alone in bipolar disorder
Risk of bleeding
Glaucoma
Low blood sodium levels
Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm (QT prolongation)

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Amphetamine Salt Combo30 tablets / 20mg

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Fluoxetine30 tablets / 20mg

$9.93$83.43

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Adderall vs. Prozac

Adderall

Fluoxetine

Summary for Adderall

Indications for Adderall

Pros and Cons for Adderall

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Adderall

Warnings for Adderall

Summary for Prozac

Indications for Prozac

Pros and Cons for Prozac

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prozac

Warnings for Prozac

Prices with our coupons for Adderall vs. Prozac

Compare other ADHD and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder drugs

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Adderall

Fluoxetine

Summary for Adderall

Indications for Adderall

Pros and Cons for Adderall

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Adderall

Warnings for Adderall

Summary for Prozac

Indications for Prozac

Pros and Cons for Prozac

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Prozac

Warnings for Prozac