This article describes possible interactions with Vyvanse. 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.
Vyvanse comes as oral capsules and chewable tablets.
Boxed warning: Risk of misuse and addiction
Vyvanse 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 Vyvanse
The drugs in the list below may interact with Vyvanse. This article doesn’t include all drugs that may interact with Vyvanse.
Drug classes or drugs that may interact with Vyvanse include:
- ergot alkaloids:
- drug examples: dihydroergotamine (Migranal, Trudhesa), ergotamine (Ergomar)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Vyvanse and the ergot alkaloid
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs):
- drug examples: rasagiline (Azilect), linezolid (Zyvox)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Vyvanse and the MAOI
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs):
- drug examples: sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Vyvanse and the SSRI
- serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs):
- drug examples: duloxetine (Cymbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Vyvanse and the SNRI
- tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs):
- drug examples: doxepin (Silenor), amitriptyline
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Vyvanse and the TCA
- triptans:
- drug examples: sumatriptan (Imitrex, others), rizatriptan (Maxalt, others)
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Vyvanse and the triptan
- codeine and treatments that contain it:
- drug examples: codeine/chlorpheniramine (Tuxarin ER), acetaminophen/codeine
- what might happen: can increase the risk of side effects of Vyvanse
- ritonavir and treatments that contain it:
- certain drugs for pulmonary hypertension:
- drug examples: riociguat (Adempas), selexipag (Uptravi)
- what might happen: can make riociguat less effective
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Get free cardQuestions about Vyvanse and interactions
Here you’ll find answers to some common questions about Vyvanse and possible interactions.
What medications can you not take with Vyvanse?
You shouldn’t take Vyvanse together with an MAOI, such as phenelzine (Nardil) or linezolid (Zyvox). Taking these medications together increases your risk of side effects. These include serious side effects, such as dangerously high blood pressure. You also should not take Vyvanse if you’ve taken an MAOI within the past 14 days.
To learn more about what medications you should not take with Vyvanse, see the “Other drugs and Vyvanse” section above. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can review any medications or supplements you take and any other medical conditions you have. This review helps your doctor or pharmacist determine if Vyvanse is safe for you to take.
Is there an interaction between Vyvanse and amoxicillin?
No, there doesn’t appear to be. An interaction between Vyvanse and amoxicillin wasn’t reported in studies of Vyvanse. And there haven’t been reports of this interaction since Vyvanse was approved for use. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about taking Vyvanse with amoxicillin.
Other interactions and Vyvanse
Interactions can occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, and some lab tests. Below, you can learn whether Vyvanse has these interactions.
The information below doesn’t include all other possible interactions with Vyvanse.
Vyvanse and supplements
Before taking Vyvanse, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any herbs you take, as well as vitamins and supplements. Doing so may help you avoid interactions.
Vyvanse can interact with sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) supplements or supplements that contain it. Sodium bicarbonate supplements may be used for athletic performance. Taking Vyvanse and using a sodium bicarbonate supplement may increase the risk of side effects of Vyvanse. This interaction isn’t expected if you consume sodium bicarbonate used in cooking or foods.
Vyvanse can also interact with tryptophan supplements and supplements that contain it. Tryptophan supplements may be used to help with sleep and mood. Taking Vyvanse and using a tryptophan supplement may increase the risk of side effects of Vyvanse and tryptophan. This interaction isn’t expected if you consume foods high in tryptophan, such as chicken, fish, and turkey.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Vyvanse interactions with vitamins
Vyvanse may interact with vitamin C. This vitamin is often used for it’s antioxidant properties, which may help support your immune system.
Taking Vyvanse and vitamin C may lower the level of Vyvanse in your blood, making the drug less effective.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products while taking Vyvanse.
Vyvanse interactions with herbs
Vyvanse may interact with St. John’s wort. This herb is often used for supporting mood.
Taking Vyvanse and St. John’s wort can increase the risk of side effects of Vyvanse and St. John’s wort, specifically serotonin syndrome. With serotonin syndrome, you have high levels of the chemical serotonin, which can cause serious effects on your brain and muscles.
Because of this, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any of these products while taking Vyvanse.
Vyvanse and food
Vyvanse may interact with foods or drinks containing caffeine, such as coffee, green tea, and chocolate. Taking Vyvanse and consuming foods or drinks with caffeine may increase the risk of side effects of Vyvanse and caffeine. These include fast heart rate and nervousness. These risks increase if you consume large amounts of caffeine.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist about what foods you should avoid while taking Vyvanse. They can further discuss Vyvanse and food interactions with you.
Vyvanse and vaccines
Vyvanse 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 Vyvanse.
Vyvanse and lab tests
Vyvanse isn’t known to interact with lab tests. But this doesn’t mean interactions with lab tests can’t happen or won’t be identified later.
Because of this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist before having any tests while taking Vyvanse.
Vyvanse and cannabis or CBD
Vyvanse 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 Vyvanse.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
When to avoid Vyvanse
Certain health conditions or other factors could increase some risks with Vyvanse. Because of this, doctors may not prescribe Vyvanse in these cases. These health conditions or other factors are called contraindications.
Here’s a list of contraindications for Vyvanse:
- Currently taking an MAOI drug or have used one within the past 14 days: If you take or have taken an MAOI drug in the past 14 days, taking Vyvanse may cause serious side effects. See the “Other drugs and Vyvanse” section to see examples of MAOI drugs. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more.
- Past allergic reaction to Vyvanse: If you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to Vyvanse, taking it again may cause another allergic reaction.
Before you start taking Vyvanse, tell your doctor if anything listed above relates to you. They can recommend whether you should take Vyvanse.
Alcohol and Vyvanse
Vyvanse is not known to interact with alcohol.
However, if you have alcohol use disorder, your doctor may not prescribe Vyvanse. This is because Vyvanse has a boxed warning about the risk of misuse and addiction. To learn more, see the “Boxed warning for Vyvanse” section below.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it while taking Vyvanse.
Health factors and Vyvanse
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may increase the risk of interactions with Vyvanse. Keep in mind that interactions could lead to side effects or affect how well the drug works. Before taking Vyvanse, tell your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether Vyvanse is right for you.
These health conditions or other factors might interact with Vyvanse:
- circulation problems in your fingers or toes, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon
- fast heart rate
- heart disease or congenital heart defect
- high blood pressure
- kidney conditions, such as chronic kidney disease
- mental health conditions, such as depression, bipolar disorder, or suicidal thoughts
- Tourette syndrome or tics
- pregnancy or breastfeeding
- past allergic reaction to Vyvanse
Suicide prevention
If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:
- Call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
- Text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.
- Not in the United States? Find a helpline in your country with Befrienders Worldwide.
- Call 911 or your local emergency services number if you feel safe to do so.
If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.
If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.
Preventing Vyvanse interactions
You may be able to help avoid certain interactions with Vyvanse. 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 Vyvanse.
Taking Vyvanse exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about Vyvanse and possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Does Vyvanse have similar interactions as Adderall or Concerta?
- Does my Vyvanse dosage affect my risk of interactions?
- If I take Vyvanse and have certain health conditions, will you be monitoring me more closely during treatment?
- If I drink coffee or green tea every day, is it safe for me to take Vyvanse?
Boxed warning for Vyvanse
Vyvanse has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Treatment with Vyvanse carries a risk of misuse and addiction. With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it. With addiction, you continue taking a drug or substance despite it causing harm.
Due to these risks, Vyvanse is a Schedule II controlled substance. This means Vyvanse has a high risk of misuse and addiction, but it also has approved medical uses. Controlled substances have special rules and regulations in place for how these medications are prescribed and dispensed. These rules are in place to help prevent misuse and addiction.
Because of the risk of misuse and addiction, your doctor may not prescribe Vyvanse if you have a substance use disorder, such as opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder.
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.