Brand Name: Adderall®, Dexamphetamine
Mixed Amphetamines Information
This drug contains two central nervous system stimulants: amphetamine and
dextroamphetamine. It is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder (ADD) with
hyperactivity.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 May be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Veratrum species
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| May be Beneficial: Side effect
reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or
severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication. |
L-tryptophan*
Vitamin B6
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| May be Beneficial: Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better. |
Magnesium
Tyrosine
|
Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements
when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity
of the medication in the body. |
Lithium
Vitamin C
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|
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. |
Alcohol
Magnesium
|
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Ephedra
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Mixed Amphetamines Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Magnesium
Dextroamphetamine can increase blood levels of magnesium, which causes significant lowering of
the calcium to magnesium ratio in the blood.
The change in this ratio may in part explain the effectiveness of stimulants like
dextroamphetamine in hyperactive boys.1 Another magnesium-amphetamine interaction
involves supplements of magnesium hydroxide,
which are known to cause retention of amphetamines in the body.2 This could
theoretically result in increased blood levels of these drugs. Finally, animal studies have
suggested that magnesium supplements can increase learning and enhance the behavioral response
to stimulants.3 For these reasons, the use of magnesium along with amphetamines may
enhance the effectiveness of these drugs in the treatment of ADD, but controlled studies of this possibility are
needed.
Vitamin
C
Ingestion of some types of vitamin C results in acidification of the intestinal contents and
thus a decreased absorption of amphetamines.4 Supplements containing vitamin C
should be taken an hour before or two hours after taking amphetamines.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an amino acid used by the body to
produce brain chemicals stimulated by amphetamines. Reduced stimulant effects of amphetamines
were observed in individuals who had been made tyrosine deficient.5 It is possible
that a dietary deficiency of tyrosine may reduce the effectiveness of amphetamines. Tyrosine
deficiency is not common unless a protein deficiency exists. Adequate tyrosine intake from
dietary protein or supplements is necessary in individuals taking amphetamines.
Lithium
Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts
to treat mood disorders such as bipolar
disorder (manic depression). Taking lithium at the same time as amphetamines may inhibit
the appetite suppressant and stimulatory effects of the amphetamines.6 Therefore,
people taking amphetamines should take lithium only under the supervision of a doctor.
Vitamin
B6
Occasionally, individuals taking amphetamines develop compulsive behavior and anxiety, even after the drug is discontinued. When
this side effect occurred in an eight-year-old boy,7 supplementation with 200 mg
vitamin B6 each day for one week followed by 100 mg daily, reduced the compulsive behavior and
anxiety within three weeks. The symptoms were eliminated after a few months of treatment.
Controlled research is needed to determine conclusively the usefulness of vitamin B6
supplementation for preventing and treating this side effect.
L-tryptophan
In an uncontrolled study of schizophrenic
patients, 200 mg per day of L-tryptophan reduced disturbances in thinking, as well as
hallucinations caused by dextroamphetamine.8 Symptoms of psychosis rarely occur in
people who take amphetamines and are not schizophrenic. Controlled research is needed to
establish the benefits of L-tryptophan and rel
Mixed Amphetamines Interactions with Herbs
Ephedra
Ephedra sinica contains a compound called ephedrine. A seven-year-old boy who had 12
mg of ephedrine twice daily added to his dextroamphetamine therapy experienced improvement in
hyperactive behavior.9 He also experienced relief from symptoms, such as headaches
and spots before his eyes, that may have been caused by dextroamphetamine. However, concurrent
use of amphetamines with other stimulants such as ephedrine or Ephedra sinica could
cause excessive stimulation of the heart or nervous system. For this reason, such combinations
should be used with great caution, and only under the supervision of a doctor.
Veratrum (Veratrum sp.)
Veratrum (Hellebore) is an herb used by doctors of natural medicine to treat high blood pressure;however, amphetamines can inhibit
this effect.10 Therefore, people taking veratrum to treat hypertension should avoid
amphetamines.
Mixed Amphetamines Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Fruit juices
Fruit juices may acidify the intestinal contents, causing reduced absorption of
amphetamines.11 Therefore, juices should be consumed an hour before or two hours
after administration of amphetamines.
Alcohol
The combination of alcohol and methamphetamine makes the heart work harder and consume more
oxygen, which may produce unwanted effects.12 Alcohol consumption may also suppress
the breakdown of amphetamines, causing elevations in blood levels of the drug.13
Individuals taking amphetamines should avoid alcoholic beverages, especially if they have
known heart problems.
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Review Date: 3/11/2007
Medication: Adderall XR -  - Very Good
Medication Type: Brand Name
Length Taken: More than 1 year
Strength: 20 mg X 1 times per day
Side Effects: Anxiety, Headache, Constipation, Tollerance (Need to raise dose), Mood Swings, Gave Me Gas or Made Me Bloated, Loss of Appetite, Loss of Sleep, Increased Irritability, Increase Sex Drive, Gave Me The Shakes
Other Products Taken: Generic NON-extended release adderall
I have studied the effectiveness and side effects of both standard Adderall (mixed Amphetamines) and the XR EXTENDED RELEASE formula.
I have found that the Adderall XR version, works on a much more 'stable' level. One doesn't experience the same high and lows when taking the extended relief formula. The medication seems to works more smoothly and produce less negative side effects, such as restlessness, muscle pain, and headaches.
The down-side is that Adderall-XR is currently not produced generically, which means the Name brand drug costs much more then the non-extended release formula.
Anonymous
Colorado, USA
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Review Date: 5/26/2007
Medication: Adderall XR - - Very Good
Medication Type: Brand Name
Length Taken: Between 6 and 12 months
Strength: 40 mg X 1 times per day
Side Effects: Anxiety, Headache, Dry Mouth, High Blood Pressure, Loss of Sleep, Increased Energy
Other Products Taken: None
I gave Adderall 3 stars but it really is a mixed bag.
This is an excellent ADHD drug. However long term use depletes you. Also the extreme diuretic effect (initially at least) causes your body to excrete potassium and magnesium (purely my opinion) leading to high blood pressure after extended use. Fortunately there is a product called "Natures Calm" that will replenish your magnesium with extended use. I use three teaspoons a day and my blood pressure dropped like a rock after about a week. It is now 100/60. It took a month for the same effect in a friend of mine but I think he was not using it regularly. The Natures Calm also takes the edge off the jittery amphetamine effect. I take three teaspoons daily one in the morning and two at night. More loosens my bowels too much. I can't recomend the Natures Calm too much.
Also use potassium supplements.
Anonymous
Memphis, TN USA
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Review Date: 9/19/2007
Medication: Adderall XR -  - Below Average
Medication Type: Brand Name
Length Taken: Less than 1 month
Strength: 25 X 1 times per day
Side Effects: Anxiety, Headache, Stomach Pain, Constipation, Paranoia, Gave Me Gas or Made Me Bloated, Increased Irritability
Other Products Taken: Wellbutrin, Zantac, Aciphex, Erythromycin, Sonata
I haven't really taken it long enough to see if it helps me. I think I may need a higher dosage. It caused chest pain on the right side of my chest. It also caused tooth pain. My teeth felt like they "ached". It also, surprisingly, gave me a fatigue type feeling, but not drowsiness. As far as side effects go, I seem to have had a different response to this medication than the general population.
Anonymous
NY
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Review Date: 3/15/2008
Medication: Mixed Amphetamines -  - I Love It
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: More than 1 year
Strength: 30 X 3 times per day
Side Effects: Anxiety, Headache, Paranoia, High Blood Pressure, Euphoria, Tollerance (Need to raise dose), Mood Swings, Rapid Heartbeat, Loss of Appetite, Loss of Sleep, Increased Energy, Increase Sex Drive
Other Products Taken: Lamictal, Seroquel, Xanax, Abilify
There are down times...but overall, a wonderful drug!
Anonymous
Portland, OR USA
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Review Date: 8/30/2008
Medication: Adderall XR - - Very Good
Medication Type: Brand Name
Length Taken: More than 1 year
Strength: 30 X 2 times per day
Side Effects: Anxiety
Other Products Taken: Cymbalta 60mg and multi vitamin
Adderall XR is very effective to treat my ADD. Generic Adderall without the extended release effect causes me to grind my teeth. I also do not enjoy the jolt and let down effects that accompany the very short acting Adderall. I am anxious to see the results of the ADD-Cure, as I always like to use natural products first. As a Nurse Practitioner, I would suggest that anyone that experiences chest pain with the use of amphetamine like products, needs to be evaluated by a medical provider ASAP.
Anonymous
Arizona
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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. The "reviews" listed for any medical condition, prescription drug, condition or symtpom is provided specifically from eVitamins and is not associated with healthnotes.
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