This article describes possible interactions with Adderall. Interactions can cause a drug to have a different effect on the body than expected. Interactions can occur due to medications, alcohol, or certain health conditions.
Adderall comes as tablets that you’ll swallow. Adderall XR comes as extended-release capsules that you’ll swallow. These capsules may also be opened and their contents sprinkled onto applesauce to be taken right away. (Extended release means the drug is slowly released into your body over time.) These forms of Adderall have the same interactions, so this article refers to both Adderall and Adderall XR as “Adderall” throughout.
Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction
Adderall has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Other drugs and Adderall
The drugs in the list below may interact with Adderall. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with Adderall.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with Adderall include:
- antacids:
- drug examples: calcium carbonate (Tums), magnesium hydroxide
- what might happen: can increase the effect of Adderall and the risk of its side effects
- certain opioids:
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):
- drug examples: phenelzine (Nardil), linezolid (Zyvox)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of both Adderall and the MAOI
- proton pump inhibitors:
- drug examples: esomeprazole (Nexium), omeprazole (Prilosec)
- what might happen: can make Adderall less effective
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):
- drug examples: fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Brisdelle, Pexeva)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of both Adderall and the SSRI
- serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs):
- drug examples: desvenlafaxine (Pristiq), duloxetine (Cymbalta)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of both Adderall and the SNRI
- triptans:
- drug examples: sumatriptan (Imitrex), rizatriptan (Maxalt)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of both Adderall and the triptan
- bupropion (Wellbutrin XL):
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of bupropion
- buspirone:
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of both Adderall and buspirone
- lithium (Lithobid):
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Adderall and may make Adderall less effective
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Get free cardWhen to avoid Adderall
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with Adderall. Doctors may not prescribe Adderall in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of contraindications for Adderall:
- Currently taking an MAOI drug or using one within the past 14 days: If you use an MAOI, taking Adderall may cause severe side effects, including hypertensive crisis. (With this condition, blood pressure gets very high and is unsafe.)
- Past allergic reaction to Adderall: If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Adderall, taking it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start taking Adderall, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should take Adderall.
Alcohol and Adderall
Adderall is not known to interact with alcohol.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it while taking Adderall.
Other interactions and Adderall
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below you can learn whether Adderall has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions possible with Adderall.
Adderall and supplements
Before taking Adderall, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Adderall interactions with herbs
Adderall may interact with St. John’s wort. This herb is often used to ease symptoms of depression. But taking Adderall and St. John’s wort together may lead to serotonin syndrome. (With this condition, you have a high level of serotonin in your body, which could potentially be life threatening.)
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking Adderall.
Adderall interactions with vitamins
Adderall may interact with vitamin C. This vitamin is often used for supporting overall health and immune function. But taking Adderall and vitamin C together may make Adderall less effective.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking Adderall.
Adderall and food
Adderall may interact with caffeine, which is found in some foods and drinks. Examples include coffee, chocolate, and certain sodas. Caffeine is also found in caffeine supplements, such as caffeine tabs and certain pre-workout supplements.
Taking Adderall and using caffeine together may lead to side effects such as a fast heart rate or anxiety.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods you should avoid while using Adderall.
Adderall and vaccines
Adderall isn’t known to interact with any vaccines. But this doesn’t mean interactions with vaccines can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before receiving any vaccines while taking Adderall.
Adderall and lab tests
Adderall may interact with a urine test that’s used to check corticosteroid levels. Doctors may order this test to check how well your adrenal glands are functioning.
Taking Adderall and having this test may lead to inaccurate test results.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while using Adderall.
Adderall and cannabis or CBD
Adderall isn’t known to interact with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But this doesn’t mean interactions can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
As with any drug or supplement, tell your doctor before taking cannabis with Adderall.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Health factors and Adderall
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with Adderall. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking Adderall, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether Adderall is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with Adderall:
- blood circulation problems, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon
- epilepsy or seizures
- glaucoma
- heart condition, such as high blood pressure or heart disease
- mood disorder, such as bipolar disorder
- hyperthyroidism
- Tourette syndrome or tics
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- past allergic reaction to Adderall
Preventing Adderall interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with Adderall. Before taking this drug, you may want to discuss possible interactions with your doctor and pharmacist.
Things to consider include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications and herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a medication list.
- What to do if you’re prescribed a new drug while taking Adderall.
Taking Adderall exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about Adderall and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- If I take my medications at different times throughout the day, can this help avoid interactions?
- Do other drugs that could treat my condition have similar interactions?
- Should I let you know if I make lifestyle changes, such as changes to my diet or exercise routine?
- Are there treatments for my condition that don’t interact with caffeine or coffee?
Boxed warning for Adderall
Adderall has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Adderall is a stimulant drug, and it has the potential to lead to misuse and addiction. Misuse refers to using a drug in a manner other than how it’s prescribed. Addiction refers to continuing to take a drug despite it causing harm.
Due to these risks, Adderall is a controlled substance. This means there are strict rules and regulations in place for how the drug is prescribed and dispensed. These rules are in place to help prevent misuse and addiction.
To learn more, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.