Could Combining Stimulants and Antidepressants Increase Substance Abuse Risk?

An animal study shows that methylphenidate and an SSRI act synergistically to mimic the effects of cocaine.

Methylphenidate (MPH) and serotonin reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine, are widely used medications in children with ADHD and mood disorders, respectively. These researchers hypothesized that because MPH and cocaine act similarly on some neurotransmitters and that cocaine also affects serotonin pathways, the combination of fluoxetine and MPH would mimic cocaine's effects on the central nervous system. If so, the combined drugs might increase risk for substance use disorders (SUDs).

To test the combined effect of fluoxetine and MPH, the investigators gave rats a single injection of vehicle only, vehicle plus MPH, vehicle plus fluoxetine, or vehicle plus both MPH and fluoxetine. Gene expression of c-fos and zif 268, which are enhanced wit…

Reviewing Author

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Barbara Geller, MD

Disclosures

Nothing to disclose

Could Combining Stimulants and Antidepressants Increase Substance Abuse Risk?

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Reviewing Author