Fluoxetine for ADHD

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).

Fluoxetine has no specific effect on ADHD symptoms and should therefore only be used in cases of genuine comorbid anxiety disorder or depression.¹ SSRIs showed no effect on ADHD²
Since tricyclic antidepressants are also helpful for anxiety disorders and depression and can also significantly reduce ADHD symptoms, we believe they have an advantage in relation to ADHD.

Fluoxetine is said to be the only SSRI with a drive-enhancing effect.

Hyperactivity induced by the amphetamine drugs MDMA or MDBS by means of (a dosage 10-20 times higher than the dosage of amphetamine drugs (here: Elvanse) as a drug) 5 mg and 10 mg per kilogram of body weight could be prevented by prior administration of 2.5 and 10 mg per kilogram of body weight of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluoxetine. Fluoxetine had the same effect on the interactive effect of MDMA and P-chloroamphetamine. This confirms that amphetamines and amphetamine drugs have a serotonergic effect and that motor hyperactivity can be caused by excess serotonin at correspondingly high doses. There were also indications that an increased release of serotonin indirectly increases the dopamine level.³

Fluoxetine and its metabolite norfluoxetine induce apoptotic death of microglia, which may be the mechanism by which release of glutamate and D-serine from activated microglia is reduced. Citalopram, phenelzine or imipramine showed no such effect.⁴

ATTENTION:
There are concerns about the use of the entire group of serotonin reuptake inhibitors in ADHD.
See also ⇒ Comments on serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for ADHD In the article ⇒ Medication for ADHD - overview.