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Adderall vs. Prozac

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

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

Pros and Cons for Adderall

Pros

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)

Prices with our coupons for Adderall vs. Prozac

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Amphetamine Salt Combo30 tablets / 20mg
$16.99$47.51
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Fluoxetine30 tablets / 20mg
$9.93$80.70
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