Adderall interactions: Alcohol, medications, and other factors

When to avoid Adderall

Sometimes, a factor or condition could prevent your doctor from prescribing Adderall due to the risk of harm. This is known as a contraindication. The contraindications of Adderall include the ones mentioned below.

If you have had an allergic reaction to Adderall or any of its ingredients: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Adderall or any of its ingredients, taking the drug could cause another such reaction. You could also have an allergic reaction to Adderall if you’ve had such a reaction to other drugs called amphetamines. (Adderall is a type of amphetamine.)

If you have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor drug: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are an older class of antidepressant drugs. Typically, you should not take Adderall within 14 days of taking an MAOI drug. Doing so can cause dangerous side effects, including kidney failure, heart attack, and unsafe rises in blood pressure.

If you’ve taken an MAOI recently, be sure to let your doctor know. They may still prescribe Adderall. However, they’ll likely have you wait at least 14 days from your last dose of the MAOI before you start Adderall treatment.

To learn more, see “Drug interactions in depth” below.

Note: Before you start treatment with Adderall, it’s important to tell your doctor if any of these factors apply to you. They can determine whether to prescribe Adderall.

Adderall interaction with alcohol

Adderall may interact with alcohol. For example, drinking alcohol with Adderall can reduce the effects of alcohol, so you may drink more than you usually would. This can have dangerous results, such as loss of consciousness.

Drinking alcohol while taking Adderall may also increase the risk of certain side effects of the drug. These can include increased blood pressure and a fast or irregular heartbeat. Such side effects can increase your risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Drinking alcohol can also worsen symptoms of ADHD, which Adderall treats.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe to drink with Adderall. However, in general, it’s safest to avoid drinking alcohol while you take the medication.

For more information about how alcohol may interact with Adderall, see this article.

Adderall interactions with other medications

Before you start treatment with Adderall, tell your doctor and pharmacist which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Here’s a chart of drugs that can interact with Adderall. Keep in mind that this chart does not include all drugs that may interact with Adderall. Some of these interactions are described in detail below in “Drug interactions in depth.”

* For more information about Adderall’s side effects, see this article.
† Buspar, a brand-name version of buspirone, used to be available but has been discontinued.

Drug interactions in depth

Here’s a closer look at certain drug interactions with Adderall.

Serotonergic drugs

Serotonergic drugs increase levels of the chemical serotonin in your body.

Interaction result: Increased risk of serotonin syndrome.

Interaction explained: Adderall and serotonergic drugs can increase levels of serotonin in your body. Taking Adderall with a serotonergic drug can cause your serotonin level to rise too much, leading to serotonin syndrome.

Examples of serotonergic drugs: Here are some serotonergic drugs:

• SSRIs, such as fluoxetine (Prozac)
• SNRIs, such as venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
• tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
• certain other antidepressants, such as mirtazapine (Remeron)
• triptans for migraine, such as sumatriptan (Imitrex)
• the anxiety drug buspirone
• lithium (Lithobid)
• certain opioids, such as fentanyl (Fentora, Actiq)

Steps you or your doctor may take: If you take Adderall with a serotonergic drug, your doctor may prescribe a dosage of Adderall that’s lower than usual. See your doctor right away if you have symptoms of serotonin syndrome while taking Adderall with a serotonergic drug.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include dry mouth, dilated pupils, hallucinations, and sweating more than usual. Other symptoms can include a very high body temperature, stiff muscles, and delirium (sudden confusion about what’s real).

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Adderall has a serious interaction with drugs called MAOIs. These include MAOI antidepressants and certain drugs for Parkinson’s disease or infections.

Interaction result: Risk of dangerous side effects.

Interaction explained: Taking Adderall with an MAOI can cause a hypertensive crisis (a dangerous increase in blood pressure), heart attack, or stroke. The drug combination can also cause serotonin syndrome. This is a serious condition caused by a buildup of the chemical serotonin in your body. (To learn about symptoms of serotonin syndrome, see “Serotonergic drugs” above.)

Examples of MAOI drugs: Here are some MAOIs:

• isocarboxazid (Marplan)
• linezolid (Zyvox)
• methylene blue (ProvayBlue)
• phenelzine (Nardil)
• selegiline (Emsam, Zelapar)
• tranylcypromine (Parnate)

Steps you or your doctor may take: Typically, you should not take Adderall within 14 days of taking an MAOI drug. If you’ve taken an MAOI recently, be sure to let your doctor know. They may still prescribe Adderall. However, they’ll likely have you wait at least 14 days from your last dose of the MAOI before starting Adderall treatment.

Acid-reducing drugs

Acid-reducing drugs reduce the level of acid in your stomach. The medications treat conditions such as indigestion, heartburn, or stomach ulcers.

Interaction result: Increased risk of side effects from Adderall.

Interaction explained: Acid-reducing drugs can increase the absorption of Adderall into your body. This can raise the level of Adderall in your blood, which can increase the likelihood of side effects from Adderall.

Examples of acid-reducing drugs: Here are some acid-reducing drugs:

• antacids, such as calcium carbonate (TUMS)
• H2 blockers, such as famotidine (Pepcid AC)
• proton pump inhibitors, such as esomeprazole (Nexium)

Steps you or your doctor may take: If you take Adderall with an acid-reducing drug, your doctor may prescribe a dosage of Adderall that’s lower than usual. Also, keep in mind that you should not take antacids at the same time of day as Adderall.

Adderall and other interactions

Adderall may have other interactions, such as with supplements, herbs, or foods. You’ll find details below.

Adderall interactions with supplements

Before you start treatment with Adderall, tell your doctor and pharmacist which supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. By sharing this information with them, you may help prevent possible interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Adderall interaction with supplements

Certain supplements can raise the level of the chemical serotonin in your body. Taking Adderall with one of these supplements can increase your risk of serotonin syndrome. This is a serious condition caused by a buildup of serotonin in your system.

Examples of these supplements include tryptophan and 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan).

Adderall interactions with herbs

An herb called St. John’s wort can increase the level of serotonin in your body. Taking Adderall with St. John’s wort can increase your risk of serotonin syndrome.

Adderall interactions with vitamins

Taking Adderall with vitamin C can reduce the absorption of Adderall into your body. This could make Adderall less effective than usual. You should take vitamin C and Adderall at least 1 hour apart.

Adderall interactions with food

Adderall has stimulant effects. If you consume caffeine with Adderall, this may increase the stimulant effects of the drug. This could cause or worsen Adderall side effects, such as trouble sleeping, anxiety, and increased heart rate.

You should avoid consuming large amounts of caffeine with Adderall. Caffeine is found in several foods and drinks, such as:

• tea, including green tea
• coffee
• chocolate
• cola drinks

It’s also important to avoid citrus fruits and juices for at least 1 hour before and after each dose. This could make Adderall less effective than usual.

Adderall and cannabis or CBD

Cannabis (marijuana) and cannabis products, such as cannabidiol (CBD), have not been specifically reported to interact with Adderall. However, as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before taking cannabis in combination with Adderall. The impact of cannabis may affect how well you stick to your Adderall treatment plan.

Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.

Adderall and health-related interactions

Certain medical conditions and other factors may increase the risk of interactions with Adderall. Before you take Adderall, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. Adderall may not be the right treatment option if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

• High blood pressure: Adderall can increase your blood pressure. If you have mildly high blood pressure, Adderall could worsen it. If you have moderately or severely high blood pressure, your doctor will likely not prescribe Adderall. To learn more, see “When to avoid Adderall” above.
• Heart conditions: Adderall can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. If you have a heart condition, Adderall could worsen it. Your doctor may check your heart function before prescribing Adderall to make sure the drug is safe for you. If you have a serious heart condition, your doctor will likely not prescribe Adderall. To learn more, see “When to avoid Adderall” above.
• Circulation problems: Adderall can decrease blood flow to your fingers and toes. If you have a circulation problem such as Raynaud’s disease, taking Adderall could worsen your symptoms.
• Mental health conditions: If you have a mental health condition such as bipolar disorder, anxiety, psychosis, or schizophrenia, taking Adderall could worsen your symptoms.
• Tourette syndrome or tics: If you have Tourette syndrome or tics affecting movements or speech, taking Adderall could worsen your symptoms.
• Seizures: If you have a seizure disorder, taking Adderall could increase your risk of having a seizure.
• Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Adderall or any of its ingredients, taking the drug could cause such a reaction. You could also have an allergic reaction with Adderall if you’ve had such a reaction to other drugs called amphetamines. (Adderall is a type of amphetamine.)
• Hyperthyroidism: Taking Adderall can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland) can also cause these symptoms. If you have hyperthyroidism, Adderall could worsen your symptoms.
• Glaucoma: Adderall can increase the pressure in your eyes. If you have glaucoma, taking Adderall could worsen your condition.
• Agitation: If you regularly experience agitation, taking Adderall could worsen it. Agitation refers to feeling restless, nervous, or annoyed. Sometimes it can be due to a mental health condition.
• Past drug misuse or dependence: Adderall has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and dependence. If you’ve experienced drug misuse or dependence in the past, you may have a higher risk of these problems with Adderall. To learn more, see this article about Adderall’s side effects.
• Pregnancy: It is unknown whether Adderall is safe to take during pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding: You should not take Adderall if you’re breastfeeding. The drug can pass into breast milk and cause side effects in a child who is breastfed.

FAQs about Adderall and interactions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Adderall and possible interactions.

Does Adderall interact with ibuprofen?

No, Adderall isn’t known to interact with ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). Most people can safely take these drugs together.

However, it’s important to note that ibuprofen belongs to a class of drugs called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Both NSAIDs and Adderall can increase blood pressure. If you have unmanaged high blood pressure, taking an NSAID in combination with Adderall can make it even harder to manage your condition.

If you take Adderall and have high blood pressure, talk with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you to take ibuprofen or other NSAIDs. They may recommend acetaminophen (Tylenol) instead. They may also recommend monitoring your blood pressure more often than usual while you’re taking both medications.

Does Adderall interact with antihistamines?

No, Adderall is not known to interact with antihistamines (medications that treat allergies, among other conditions). However, some antihistamines can make you feel drowsy. Examples include chlorpheniramine and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Adderall tends to make you more alert than usual. So if you take it with one of these antihistamines, Adderall may reduce drowsiness from the antihistamine.

It’s generally considered safe to take Adderall with antihistamines. If you have additional questions about taking these medications together, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can you take gabapentin and Adderall together?

Adderall is not known to interact with gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant). Gabapentin is a seizure medication that’s also prescribed for nerve pain.

However, if you take gabapentin to help prevent seizures, it’s important to note that Adderall can increase your risk of having a seizure. This means that gabapentin may not work as well as usual to help prevent seizures if you take it with Adderall.

Your doctor and pharmacist can help answer other questions you have about Adderall and gabapentin.

Are there interactions between Adderall and Ativan or Klonopin?

There are no known interactions between Adderall and lorazepam (Ativan) or clonazepam (Klonopin). They can be used together safely if you take them as your doctor prescribes.

Ativan and Klonopin belong to a class of drugs called benzodiazepines and are used to relieve anxiety. Sometimes, doctors prescribe Adderall with these drugs for people who have both anxiety and ADHD.

Klonopin is sometimes also used to help prevent certain types of seizures. It’s important to note that Adderall can increase your risk of having a seizure. This means Klonopin may not work as well as usual to help prevent seizures if you take it with Adderall.

If you’re interested in taking Adderall with Ativan or Klonopin, talk with your doctor. They can advise you on the right treatment plan for you.

Preventing interactions

You can take certain steps to help prevent interactions with Adderall. Your doctor and pharmacist are key resources, so reach out to them before starting treatment. For example, you should plan the following:

• Let them know if you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
• Tell them about any other medications you take, as well as any supplements, herbs, and vitamins.
• Create a medication list, which your doctor and pharmacist can help you fill out.
• Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medications, supplements, herbs, or vitamins while you’re taking Adderall.

It’s also important to read the label of Adderall and other paperwork that comes with the drug. The label may have colored stickers that mention an interaction. And the paperwork, sometimes called the prescribing information, may contain details about interactions. If this information is difficult to understand, ask your doctor or pharmacist to help explain it.

You can also help prevent interactions with Adderall by taking it exactly as your doctor prescribes.

Other resources

Besides learning about interactions, you may want to find out more about Adderall. These resources might help:

• Overview of Adderall: For a general overview of Adderall, you can see this article.
• Side effects: If you’re interested in the side effects of Adderall, see this article. Another option is to refer to the prescribing information for Adderall and Adderall XR.
• Cost: If you’d like to learn about Adderall and cost, see this article.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.