Is Prozac 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 Prozac like Adderall?
No, Prozac is nothing like Adderall. Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is an antidepressant and is used for the management and treatment of depression, anxiety, and several other mental health conditions.
Adderall, on the other hand, is an Amphetamine which is a controlled substance and only a few registered healthcare providers can prescribe this medication.
Adderall is generally used for the management and treatment of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Prozac is not a controlled substance like Adderall and it does not induce euphoria or get you all high.
This is why we can’t really compare Adderall to Prozac, or Adderall to any other SSRI like Citalopram, Sertraline, etc as they are entirely different in terms of how they work, what symptoms they treat, how they affect your body and what side effects they cause.
Basic differences between Prozac and Adderall
The basic differences between Prozac and Adderall are discussed below:
Mechanism of Action
Prozac, being an antidepressant, works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. Serotonin plays a key role in regulating mood, emotions, and feelings of well-being.
By blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, Prozac helps improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, and related conditions. (1,2)
Adderall, on the other hand, works by increasing the release of certain neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemicals play a role in attention, focus, and impulse control, making Adderall effective in treating ADHD and narcolepsy. (3,4)
Effects on Mental Health
Prozac can help stabilize mood, reduce feelings of sadness and hopelessness, and improve overall emotional well-being. It may take several weeks for its full effects to be noticeable.
Adderall increases focus, attention, and alertness in individuals with ADHD. It may also help manage symptoms of narcolepsy, such as excessive daytime sleepiness.
Potential Side Effects
Common side effects of Prozac may include nausea, headache, insomnia, drowsiness, tiredness, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. In some cases, it may cause agitation or anxiety, especially when treatment is initiated or the dosage is adjusted. (1,2)
Prozac, in general, is a well-tolerated antidepressant and has a lot of success stories. However, individual responses to antidepressants can vary.
Common side effects of Adderall can include loss of appetite, insomnia, increased heart rate, headache, and irritability. It may also cause feelings of restlessness or anxiety. (3,4)
Both Prozac and Adderall can cause allergic reactions in some individuals.
Risk of Dependence and Abuse
Prozac is generally not considered to be habit-forming or addictive. It is unlikely to be abused for recreational purposes. Adderall, being a stimulant, has a higher potential for abuse and dependence. It is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to this risk.
Prescription Requirements
Prozac is available by prescription only and should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Adderall is also available by prescription only, and its use should be closely monitored by a healthcare provider due to the potential for abuse and side effects.
It’s important to note that both Prozac and Adderall have different uses and should only be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional. The choice of medication depends on the specific condition being treated and individual patient needs
Can Prozac be used as an alternative to Adderall?
No, Prozac is not typically used as an alternative to Adderall for treating ADHD. The primary reason is that Prozac does not have the same stimulant effect as Adderall, which is often needed to manage the symptoms of ADHD.
When it comes to ADHD treatment, there are other medications that can be considered as alternatives to Adderall. These include: (5,6)
- Ritalin (Methylphenidate): It is a stimulant medication similar to Adderall and is commonly prescribed for ADHD.
- Concerta (Methylphenidate ER): It is an extended-release formulation of methylphenidate that provides longer-lasting effects.
- Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine): It is a long-acting stimulant medication that can be used for the treatment of ADHD.
- Strattera (Atomoxetine): It is a non-stimulant medication approved for ADHD treatment. It works by affecting the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain.
It’s important to note that the choice of medication depends on various factors such as individual needs, medical history, and response to treatment.
A healthcare professional, such as a psychiatrist or a prescribing doctor, can assess your specific situation and determine the most suitable medication for you.
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References
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Sohel AJ, Shutter MC, Molla M. Fluoxetine. 2022 Jul 4. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29083803. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459223
2.-
Rossi A, Barraco A, Donda P. Fluoxetine: a review on evidence-based medicine. Ann Gen Hosp Psychiatry. 2004 Feb 12;3(1):2. doi: 10.1186/1475-2832-3-2. PMID: 14962351; PMCID: PMC356924. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC356924/
3.-
Faraone SV, Biederman J. Efficacy of Adderall for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: a meta-analysis. J Atten Disord. 2002 Sep;6(2):69-75. doi: 10.1177/108705470200600203. PMID: 12142863. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12142863/
4.-
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
5.-
Mechler K, Banaschewski T, Hohmann S, Häge A. Evidence-based pharmacological treatment options for ADHD in children and adolescents. Pharmacol Ther. 2022 Feb;230:107940. doi: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107940. Epub 2021 Jun 23. PMID: 34174276. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34174276/
6.-
Reddy DS. Current pharmacotherapy of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Drugs Today (Barc). 2013 Oct;49(10):647-65. doi: 10.1358/dot.2013.49.10.2008996. PMID: 24191257. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24191257/
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