Does Celexa control ADHD? (3 other options)

In this article, we will discuss whether Celexa (citalopram) controls ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) or not, what does research suggest, what are the potential risks of taking Celexa to treat ADHD, and what is the treatment of choice in treating ADHD.

Does Celexa control ADHD?

Celexa (citalopram) doesn’t control ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) effectively. Celexa is not effective in treating the symptoms caused by ADHD. (1)

However, it differs for each individual, Celexa can be effective in treating the co-existing conditions that accompany ADHD such as depression and behavior disorders, and can improve the attention duration in some individuals.

What does research suggest?

Based on research studies, there are not enough controlled trials to show the results of treating ADHD with Celexa or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI).

The research suggests that using SSRIs in the treatment of ADHD can sometimes provoke symptoms and can cause apathy (dyscontrol in emotions and behavior) in certain individuals. (2)

Antidepressants are not the first choice in treating ADHD. Psychostimulants (drugs that improve your cognition and behavior) are the first treatment choice in treating ADHD.

According to a research study, the effects of antidepressants differ in the treatment of ADHD, they are not as efficient as psychostimulants in the treatment of ADHD, but they can be used to reduce hyperactivity and improve cognition in patients suffering from ADHD.

However, tricyclic antidepressants showed better results in treating behavioral symptoms of ADHD followed by bupropion (Wellbutrin) and venlafaxine (Effexor).

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors such as citalopram (Celexa) and sertraline (Zoloft) were not tested in clinical trials, but they can be effective in co-existing conditions that accompany ADHD.

What are the potential risks of taking Celexa to treat ADHD?

Antidepressants are effective in treating the symptoms of depression and not in treating ADHD. Using Celexa to treat ADHD can lead to conflicting changes and can aggravate the symptoms of ADHD such as disinhibition and apathy. (2)

If you take Celexa (citalopram) with a psychostimulant medication to treat ADHD, this can lead to increasing the effect of the psychostimulant leading to adverse effects such as restlessness and nervousness. Contact your physician immediately if you experience any side effects.

What is the treatment of choice in treating ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a medical condition that affects people’s behavior and attention. If you have ADHD, you will find difficulty controlling yourself (self-control), difficulty sitting still (especially in children), and difficulty paying attention.

Treatment differs according to age, if the patient is 6 years old or younger, the first choice of treatment will be: Behavioral Therapy. The parents must treat their child to behave well and get rid of unwanted behavior, there are several parent tips to help in improving their children’s behavior.

If the patient with ADHD is over 6 years old, the treatment of choice will be:

Behavioral therapy plus medications. Note that behavioral therapy is not only restricted to the parents but also to the patient’s school as well.

In case the patient is an adult presented with ADHD, the treatment will include:  Medications, psychotherapy, training, and sometimes will require treatment combinations. (3)

Medications for the treatment of ADHD

The medications that are used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are classified into:

Stimulants: The first choice of treatment in children with ADHD, they prove to be effective in reducing and treating the symptoms of ADHD, examples include Adderall (amphetamine) and Concerta (methylphenidate).

Non-stimulants: They are approved by the FDA in the treatment of ADHD, and their effect can last up to 24 hours, examples include Catapres (clonidine) and Strattera (atomoxetine). (3, 4)

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we discussed that Celexa can’t be used to control ADHD,  research studies and trials that were made to assess antidepressants in treating ADHD, the potential risks of taking Celexa to treat ADHD, and the right treatment options for treating ADHD.

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References

1.-

Managing Medication for Children and Adolescents with ADHD (Internet). Available from: https://chadd.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/managing_medication.pdf

2.-

Popper CW. Antidepressants in the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (Internet). 1997;58 Suppl 14:14–29; discussion 30-31. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9418743/

3.-

CDC. Treatment of ADHD [Internet]. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2022. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/treatment.html

4.-

Eaton C, Yong K, Walter V, Mbizvo GK, Rhodes S, Chin RF. Stimulant and non-stimulant drug therapy for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and epilepsy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Jul 13;7(7):CD013136. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013136.pub2. PMID: 35844168; PMCID: PMC9289704. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35844168/

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