Which Drugs Interact With Adderall?

Adderall is the brand name for an amphetamine medication frequently prescribed to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

In recent years, Adderall addiction has become increasingly common among college students and adolescents due to the stimulating effects of the medication.

While Adderall is relatively safe when taken as directed, people may be faced with dangerous side effects if they mix the drug with other medications.

Drugs That May Interact With Adderall

Below are some of the most common substances taken alongside Adderall that may increase the risk for serious, potentially life-threatening side effects.

Adderall And Alcohol

The stimulant effects of Adderall may counter the depressant effects of alcohol. This may result in a person drinking more to feel more intoxicated and may lead to alcohol poisoning.

A person may also be compelled to take more Adderall to feel the euphoric effects of the drug while they’re drinking, which can result in an overdose.

Find out more about what happens when you mix Adderall and alcohol.

Mixing Adderall And Weed

When a person uses Adderall and weed at the same time, it’s difficult to predict what may happen.

This is due to marijuana’s ability to act as a stimulant, depressant, or hallucinogen.

As a result, the interaction may counterbalance Adderall or enhance its effects depending on the type of weed.

Learn more about the effects of combining Adderall and weed.

Adderall And Caffeine

Healthcare professionals recommend limiting caffeine intake while taking Adderall. Each substance can interfere with sleep, and taking them in tandem may lead to sleep disorders.

Additionally, enhancing the stimulant effects of Adderall with caffeine may increase the risk of dangerously high blood pressure (hypertension), stroke, or high heart rate.

Read more about the drug interactions of Adderall and caffeine.

Mixing Adderall And Vitamin C

Eating foods that contain high levels of ascorbic acid can interfere with the absorption of both Adderall IR (immediate release) and Adderall XR (extended release) in the body.

It is recommended that beverages or foods high in vitamin C should be avoided an hour before and after taking any Adderall formulation.

Learn about what happens when you mix Adderall and vitamin C.

Other Health-Related Interactions With Adderall

While drug interactions with Adderall can be serious, there are an array of other health interactions to be wary of while using stimulant medications such as Adderall.

Medical conditions and other substances that may interact with Adderall include:

• people with heart disease
• circulation problems
• mental health disorders
• tics from Tourette’s syndrome
• lithium medications for bipolar disorder
• acetazolamide drugs and other diuretics
• people on MAO inhibitors such as selegiline
• hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
• antibiotics such as linezolid
• other medications for ADHD including dextroamphetamine
• people taking tricyclic antidepressants
• glaucoma
• pregnant or breastfeeding women
• people taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

People may also want to avoid taking Adderall if they’re currently using a class of prescription drugs called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as tranylcypromine, phenelzine, or isocarboxazid.

Using an MAOI with Adderall can cause kidney failure, heart attack, and dramatic increases in blood pressure.

How To Prevent Adderall Drug Interactions

There are several safety measures people using Adderall can put into practice that will lower the likelihood of a dangerous drug interaction.

Measures may include creating a medication list and talking to your doctor about any over-the-counter drugs or other substances you’re using, including St. John’s Wort, marijuana, and caffeine.

Side Effects Of Adderall Abuse

While Adderall drug interactions are oftentimes dangerous, there are many other potentially severe side effects of misusing Adderall.

Serious side effects of Adderall abuse may include:

• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• urinary tract infections
• nausea and vomiting
• dizziness
• severe headache
• chest pain
• nervousness
• trouble sleeping
• dry mouth
• blurred vision
• heart palpitations
• serious cardiovascular reactions
• seizures
• psychosis
• serotonin syndrome
• sudden death

Treatment Services For Adderall Addiction

If you or a loved one are battling Adderall addiction or any other type of substance use disorder involving central nervous system stimulants, help is available.

The healthcare providers at Bedrock Recovery Center can help with our evidence-based addiction recovery programs.

Treatment options for an Adderall addiction may include:

• medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
• cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
• medical detox
• group therapy
• support groups
• dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring disorders

Find Substance Abuse Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

You don’t have to face substance abuse alone. Call our helpline at Bedrock Recovery Center today for more information on our addiction treatment center.

Our team can answer your questions, or refer you for additional medical advice about drug contraindications.