Mixing Vyvanse and Alcohol: Is It Safe?

Introduction

Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is a trademarked medication prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and for treating binge eating disorder. Vyvanse is classified as a controlled substance and can be misused or lead to dependence or addiction. If your clinician prescribes it, they’ll monitor your use closely.

Controlled drugs like Vyvanse require careful handling. Read on to find out whether it’s safe to consume alcohol while taking Vyvanse.

Risks of Vyvanse with alcohol

The maker of Vyvanse does not provide explicit warnings that drinking alcohol is hazardous while on Vyvanse. Likewise, there are no definitive studies proving that combining alcohol with Vyvanse is dangerous. That means the formal medical literature doesn’t offer specific prohibitions. Nonetheless, there are several reasons to think twice before mixing these substances.

Heart risks

Vyvanse belongs to the same family of medications as amphetamine. One study  indicates that co-use of amphetamine and alcohol elevates blood pressure and cardiac activity. This can increase the chance of cardiovascular complications. Since heart issues are already a potential risk with Vyvanse alone, this added strain is a concern for anyone considering alcohol while on Vyvanse.

Risk of alcohol poisoning

Another issue is that Vyvanse is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. Combined with alcohol, CNS stimulants can mask the subjective signs of intoxication. That may lead you to consume more alcohol than intended without sensing how drunk you are. This raises the likelihood of alcohol poisoning and of injury related to intoxication, such as falls.

Other warnings for Vyvanse

Beyond potential problems when Vyvanse is used with alcohol, Vyvanse carries additional risks and adverse effects.

Risk of misuse

Certain individuals face a higher chance of complications from Vyvanse. If you have a history of alcohol misuse, dependence on prescription medications, or use of illicit drugs, you may be more vulnerable to misuse of Vyvanse. Make sure to inform your prescriber if you’ve had these issues in the past. In many cases, your clinician may decide not to prescribe this medication.

Side effects

Vyvanse can produce a range of side effects. Some of the more frequent ones include:

• anxiety
• difficulty falling or staying asleep
• reduced appetite
• dry mouth
• irritability

More serious adverse effects associated with Vyvanse can include:

• new or worsening behavioral or thought disturbances
• onset or worsening of bipolar disorder
• hallucinations (perceiving things that aren’t real)
• delusions (fixed false beliefs)
• paranoia (excessive mistrust)
• elevated blood pressure and heart rate
• impaired blood circulation in fingers or toes
• unexpected stroke, heart attack, or death

Talk with your doctor

If Vyvanse has been prescribed for you, it’s essential to weigh other drugs or substances you use, including alcohol. In some situations, combining alcohol with Vyvanse is hazardous. Discuss this with your clinician before using them together. Useful questions to ask your doctor include:

• Is it acceptable for me to consume alcohol while taking Vyvanse?
• Do any of the medicines I take contain alcohol?
• Is there an alternative medication for ADHD or binge eating that might be safer in my case?

Keep in mind that alcohol isn’t confined to beer, wine, and spirits. It’s present in many cough syrups, cold remedies, and some mouthwashes. If your provider advises avoiding alcohol while on Vyvanse, carefully read labels of other products you use. Watch for the terms alcohol or ethanol, another name for alcohol. Above all, take Vyvanse exactly as directed by your healthcare professional.

Also see more about the vyvanse crash and how it may affect you.