Best Supplements to Take with Adderall
When taking Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine), it is generally not recommended to combine it with supplements without medical supervision due to potential interactions and side effects.
Understanding Adderall's Effects and Side Effects
- Adderall is a psychostimulant medication commonly prescribed for ADHD, containing a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine 1
- Common side effects include decreased appetite, sleep disturbances, increased blood pressure and heart rate, headaches, irritability, and stomach pain 2
- Long-term use may be associated with cardiovascular effects, including potential cardiomyopathy in some cases 3
Potential Supplement Considerations
- There is limited high-quality evidence specifically addressing supplements to take with Adderall, but certain considerations can be made based on Adderall's known effects and side effects 2
- Nearly 25% of adults report taking prescription medications concurrently with dietary supplements, highlighting the importance of understanding potential interactions 4
Supplements to Consider with Caution
- Many herbal supplements may interact with medications based on in vitro studies, though these interactions haven't always been confirmed in human clinical trials 4
- Supplements like St. John's wort and goldenseal should be avoided as they are known to cause clinically important drug interactions with many medications 4
- Supplements with stimulant properties (such as caffeine-containing herbs or extracts) may compound Adderall's cardiovascular effects and should be avoided 2, 3
Timing Considerations
- Adderall XR's absorption can be affected by food intake - a high-fat breakfast can significantly lower early drug exposure of amphetamine compared to taking it in a fasted state 5
- Consistency in timing of medication relative to meals may help maintain more predictable drug levels 5
Monitoring and Management
- Regular monitoring of blood pressure and pulse is essential when taking Adderall due to its cardiovascular effects 2, 6
- If considering any supplement while on Adderall, consultation with a healthcare provider is strongly recommended to assess potential interactions 4
- Developing a trusting relationship with healthcare providers that encourages disclosure of supplement use is crucial, as most patients do not disclose supplement use to clinicians 4
Special Populations
- For pregnant individuals, Adderall appears not to be associated with major congenital malformations, though there may be small increased risks for certain conditions like preeclampsia and preterm birth 6, 7
- For breastfeeding individuals, amphetamines are excreted in human milk but therapeutic use during breastfeeding does not appear to adversely affect infants in most cases 6
Conclusion
- The decision to combine any supplement with Adderall should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider who can assess individual risks and benefits 4
- Reliable dietary supplement resources or clinical pharmacists should be consulted to help assess the safety of specific supplement-drug combinations 4