Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Fluoxetine (Prozac) and Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine salts) are both medications used to treat mental health conditions, but they belong to different drug classes and have distinct uses. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) primarily used to treat health conditions like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, and panic disorder. It is also used off-label for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Adderall, on the other hand, is a stimulant used to treat attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. While fluoxetine is typically taken once daily, and fluoxetine delayed-release capsules are taken once weekly, Adderall is typically taken once or twice daily. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Fluoxetine is not a controlled substance, whereas Adderall is a controlled substance due to its potential for misuse and dependence. Common side effects of fluoxetine include headaches, difficulty sleeping, and nausea, while Adderall can cause trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, and nervousness. Both medications can interact with other drugs, especially those affecting serotonin levels. Adderall can increase your blood pressure and heart rate.
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.