Im 47 and need help with this also.
Citalopram - Will this help with adult A.D.H.D.?
Question posted by TIGERLGREEN on 30 Jan 2011
Last updated on 10 June 2019
Added 30 Jan 2011:
The Dr. said this would help me with all of it instead of putting me on multiple meds. Citalopram for my anger, depression, anxiety and A.D.H.D. which is a big concern for me with my job. Will this help? Im tired of being a sad angry dummy, Thank you.
Added 31 Jan 2011:Thanks for your comments. Its nice to know there's still people who care.
The information on this page reflects personal experiences shared by our community members. It is not reviewed for medical accuracy and should not replace professional medical advice.
5 Answers
Loboler
10 June 2019
I have been a diagnosed adult ADD (a subcategory of adult ADHD) and bipolar 2 sufferer for over 25 years. My bipolar is VERY slow-cycling and usually expresses itself as serious depression (at various levels). 25 years ago I also had a 5cm astrocytoma removed from my right frontal lobe followed by 5,000 RADS of directed radiation. [I listed all this stuff because IMHO often it is the combinations of problems meeting combinations of meds that lead me to be even more confused than I already am. <grin>]
For most of my diagnosed life, I’ve been prescribed Adderall (at various dosages) for my ADD. The bipolar (originally diagnosed as clinical depression) has been treated with Lamotrigine (Lamictal) at maximum dosage (200mg x 2 per day), plus a second med - an anti-depressant. After some searching we settled on Venlafaxine (Effexor XR).
Several years ago it felt like the Ven wasn’t working as well so I was taken off it (a major PIA!) and we went back to search and test mode. Among meds we tested was Citalopram. It worked better than most, but was insufficient FOR ME - causing more side effects than Ven with fewer benefits.
After going through almost every anti-depressive they have [I refused Lithium and Thorozine]. I went back on Ven but they added Abilify 2mg (which we had tried as a stand-alone at 20mg) at the same time as Ven (300mg in morning) as an enhancer for it. So far, so good. We’ll see…
As far as I understand [and I’m sure many of you understand it better than me] adult ADHD (or its subcategory adult ADD) is a serious problem to solve and maintain. None of us ‘go back to _normal_’ but most are able to work through the majority of their problems. Obviously, none of us are as sharp as we used to be [H-ll! I’m 73 and still sharp as a pillow!], but the ADD adds some really original complications.
Around 15 years ago I had to close down my small PR agency because I had so many problems with _completion_ of projects. Still had/have good ideas, but I had to drop out of the leadership role.]
caringsonbj
30 Jan 2011
Maso tell me if I am wrong (I just happen my eyes caught the word citalopram from what I found that is celexa I would think from what I have read about this medication it would be worth trying, just remember this takes some time in order for it to have it's full effect I do hope this helps you a lot, Tigergreen you take care and keep us posted best wishes,
Cathleen186
30 Jan 2011
My husband has huge anger and OCD issues. He takes celexa (same as what you're taking) and has improved a lot. I mean one day i'm ready to leave him, now he's so much better. As far as depression, I used to take Celexa for depression and it worked pretty good for 10 years. I switched to Lexapro. As for the ADHD, is this a big problem in your life? Or are the depression, anxiety, etc worse for you? I wonder why your doctor didn't precribe something for ADHD a long with Celexa. My son has ADHD in a big way!! He takes Ritalin and it helps him soooo much. The poor little guy also has anxiety, OCD(from hubby) and temper tantrums and takes Prozac, which is basically like Celexa. So can you take Celexa and Ritalin? you might want to ask your doctor so you can cover all your issues. I heard adults with ADHD take Strattera. just a thought, cathleen
Loboler
10 June 2019
I took Adderall along with Citalopram (Celexa) as the doctor felt I’d be doing that in the long run if we chose it. As to whether an individual needs to be medicated simultaneously (as opposed to serially) for ADD and depression is really something to be worked out between patient (us) and doctor. In the case of my adult daughter they decided to deal with her panic attacks before messing with her ADHD treatment. THEN they realized she was diabetic - which is now being concentrated on, while they are dabbling at improving her ADHD solutions.
OTOH, even 70 years ago people like us would have been placed in “institutions” for our own good. [If I look out a window on our third floor I can see the semi-mothballed Norristown State Hospital campus of over 53 buildings - able to warehouse up to 5,000 patients.]
I like this way better.
Dog Talker
30 Jan 2011
They tried using that med. on me for Depression at the same time they put me on methylphenidate for ADHD, so I am confused as to their use of it in your case- have you looked in the "drugs A to Z" dept. of this site? They have a great set up and many options to explore the info for these drugs-one of the best I have come across on a website! I hope this helps alittle w/ your question. Take care.
Inactive
30 Jan 2011
Can you please name the medication, so we can try to help you?
Thanks
TIGERLGREEN
30 Jan 2011
Will citalopram help adult A.D.H.D. This is what my Dr. put me on.
Inactive
30 Jan 2011
Citalopram is frequently used off-label to treat anxiety, panic disorder, ADHD, PMDD, Body dysmorphic disorder and OCD.
caringsonbj
30 Jan 2011
sorry Maso I only saw your first writing where you asked the name of the medication, then as I scrolled down I saw your answer my eyes aren't working as well as they should today best wishes,
Inactive
30 Jan 2011
I am sorry about your eyes, best wishes to you too buddy.
Related topics
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (adhd), citalopram
Further information
- Citalopram uses and safety info
- Citalopram prescribing info & package insert (for Health Professionals)
- Side effects of Citalopram (detailed)
Similar questions
Search for questions
Still looking for answers? Try searching for what you seek or ask your own question.