Is Citalopram like Adderall?
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
Is Citalopram like Adderall?
No, Citalopram is not like Adderall. They are two entirely different medications used for different purposes. Citalopram is an antidepressant, belonging to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). (1,2)
Adderall, on the other hand, is an Amphetamine – which is a controlled substance and it is only prescribed by a few registered practitioners for the management and treatment of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (3)
Adderall is completely different from Citalopram and other SSRIs like Lexapro, Prozac, etc and is used for a different type of symptomatic relief. However, both Citalopram and Adderall are prescription medications and they shouldn’t be taken without a doctor’s approval.
How is Citalopram different from Adderall?
Citalopram differs from Adderall in a number of ways, including:
Purpose
Citalopram is an antidepressant medication primarily used to treat depression and various anxiety disorders. It works by balancing serotonin levels in the brain (1). Citalopram can also be used with some antipsychotics to manage mania and paranoia.
Adderall, on the other hand, is a central nervous system stimulant that is commonly prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It contains a combination of amphetamine salts that help increase focus and reduce hyperactivity (3).
Mechanism of Action
Citalopram belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of drugs. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain, which helps improve mood and relieve symptoms of depression (1,4).
Adderall contains amphetamine salts that stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. This stimulation enhances focus, attention, and cognitive performance (3).
Target Conditions
Citalopram is primarily prescribed for depression and various anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder (1).
It helps stabilize mood, reduces feelings of sadness or anxiety, and improves overall well-being. Citalopram may take several weeks for the full therapeutic effects to be noticeable.
Adderall, on the other hand, is prescribed for ADHD, which is characterized by symptoms such as inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It is also used for narcolepsy, a sleep disorder (3).
It enhances focus, attention, and concentration. It can increase alertness, improve task performance, and decrease hyperactivity in individuals with ADHD.
Side Effects
Common side effects of citalopram may include nausea, drowsiness, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction. It can also have rare but serious side effects, such as changes in heart rhythm (1).
Common side effects of Adderall may include increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, insomnia, decreased appetite, and nervousness. It can also have rare but serious side effects, such as cardiovascular problems or psychiatric reactions (3).
Addiction Potential
Citalopram is not considered addictive. It does not lead to physical dependence or cravings and is not known to cause feelings of euphoria. However, it is important to follow the prescribed dosage and not abruptly stop the medication without medical guidance (1).
Adderall has a higher potential for abuse and addiction compared to Citalopram. It contains amphetamine salts that can stimulate the brain’s reward system, leading to a potential for misuse or dependence. It is classified as a controlled substance due to its potential for abuse (3,5).
Final words
To sum up, Citalopram and Adderall are different medications with distinct uses and effects. They should be taken only as prescribed by a healthcare professional, and any concerns or questions should be discussed with them to ensure safe and effective use.
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References
1.-
Sharbaf Shoar N, Fariba KA, Padhy RK. Citalopram. 2021 Dec 11. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29489221. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482222
2.-
Chu A, Wadhwa R. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. 2023 May 1. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32119293. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554406
3.-
Martin D, Le JK. Amphetamine. 2022 Aug 1. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32310563. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556103
4.-
Bezchlibnyk-Butler K, Aleksic I, Kennedy SH. Citalopram–a review of pharmacological and clinical effects. J Psychiatry Neurosci. 2000 May;25(3):241-54. PMID: 10863884; PMCID: PMC1407724. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10863884/
5.-
Aro HJ, Hussain A, Bobrin BD. Controlled Substances. 2023 Apr 8. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32119270. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK554383
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