Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a stimulant medication prescribed for conditions like attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and certain eating disorders. People taking Vyvanse may question whether it’s safe to drink alcohol as well. In general, mixing these substances is not recommended due to possible negative outcomes that can occur when they’re used at the same time.
Can You Drink While Taking Vyvanse?
There are significant reasons to avoid mixing Vyvanse and alcohol. While alcohol slows down overall brain and bodily activity, Vyvanse speeds these functions up. Because these two effects are essentially opposites, combining them can lead to potentially harmful reactions. As a result, most doctors advise against using Vyvanse and alcohol concurrently.
When Can I Safely Drink After Taking Vyvanse?
Vyvanse typically leaves the bloodstream within about 24 hours. This means that someone who has only taken a single dose of Vyvanse can generally consume alcohol safely if more than a day has passed.
However, if you take Vyvanse daily, it’s generally best to avoid alcohol altogether. Everyone’s situation can differ, so talk to your healthcare provider about whether there is any safe interval for alcohol use in your specific case.
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Why Do People Mix Vyvanse and Alcohol?
Vyvanse, as a stimulant, can counteract some of the depressive effects of alcohol. This sometimes appeals to those who want to feel less intoxicated while drinking or who may seek a particular type of “high.” However, this practice carries substantial risks and can mask how much alcohol is actually being consumed.
Dangers of Combining Vyvanse and Alcohol
One primary concern when mixing these substances is that Vyvanse might disguise alcohol’s typical warning signs. A person may not realize how heavily they’re drinking, increasing the chance of dangerous behaviors or alcohol poisoning. Additionally, research has shown that mixing Vyvanse and alcohol can significantly raise blood pressure and heart rate, potentially creating hazardous cardiovascular effects.
Side Effects of Vyvanse and Alcohol
Vyvanse and alcohol each have characteristic side effects that act in different ways within the body.
Vyvanse Side Effects
As a stimulant, Vyvanse boosts bodily functions and may lead to symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea or nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Anyone concerned about these reactions should seek medical guidance.
Alcohol Side Effects
Because alcohol slows down the body’s processes, it often causes:
- Relaxation or reduced inhibitions
- Impaired coordination and motor skills
- Memory or concentration difficulties
- Slowed reflexes
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Decreased alertness
Excessive alcohol use can depress breathing and should be treated as a serious emergency if someone becomes unresponsive or shows signs of an overdose (e.g., difficulty breathing or remaining conscious). If you suspect alcohol poisoning, call 911 immediately.
Further Health Concerns
Mixing Vyvanse and alcohol can pose various threats, some stemming from the combined effects of these two substances and others from the way Vyvanse can obscure alcohol’s impacts.
Risk of Alcohol Poisoning
Perhaps the most significant danger occurs when someone drinks enough alcohol to reach toxic levels yet doesn’t sense how intoxicated they are, thanks to Vyvanse’s stimulative properties. This mismatch raises the potential for dangerously high blood alcohol content, leading to alcohol poisoning, loss of consciousness or even respiratory failure.
High Blood Pressure
Both alcohol and Vyvanse can elevate blood pressure. Studies suggest that pairing them compounds this effect, significantly raising the possibility of sustained hypertension. Chronically high blood pressure can damage blood vessels, heightening the long-term chances of cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke.
Arrhythmias
Irregular heart rhythms, also called arrhythmias, can be triggered by both substances. Using them together may further escalate the possibility of developing these rhythm disturbances, some of which can be life-threatening if they cause the heart to stop effectively pumping blood.
Liver Damage
Over time, both Vyvanse misuse and excessive alcohol intake can harm the liver. When taken in combination, these effects may intensify, especially if Vyvanse’s stimulant properties encourage heavier alcohol consumption than a person would otherwise engage in.
Cognitive Changes
Heavy use of stimulants or alcohol can impair mental functions, and the risk of psychosis increases when they’re combined in substantial quantities. Long-standing or high-dose use can negatively impact cognitive abilities, sometimes intensifying the harm if both drugs are used in tandem.
Depression and Anxiety
Ongoing or extensive alcohol use has been tied to anxiety and depressive symptoms. When alcohol is mixed with Vyvanse, these mental health concerns can become more severe, leading to deepened depressive or anxious episodes.
Vyvanse and Alcohol Misuse
Both alcohol and Vyvanse carry the potential for misuse. Some people choose to mix them in the search for a specific “high” or to counterbalance certain unwanted side effects. Doing so can accelerate the development of substance use disorders. If someone is using both frequently, quitting can be more challenging, increasing their susceptibility to addiction or dependence on either (or both) substances.
Individuals struggling with alcohol and Vyvanse misuse might lie about the frequency or extent of their use, and find it difficult to stop despite knowing the dangers. This is often a sign that professional help is warranted.
Treatment for Alcohol and Vyvanse Addiction
Managing a Vyvanse or alcohol addiction may require professional intervention, and simultaneous addiction to both substances certainly increases the need for specialized care. The first stage of treatment typically involves detox, during which the body clears the substances. In cases where someone is detoxing from alcohol, medically supervised care is recommended due to the potential for severe withdrawal symptoms.
Following detox, a structured rehabilitation program can provide strategies for maintaining sobriety. Methods such as therapy, counseling, medication management and ongoing support groups can help prevent relapse and address the underlying factors contributing to substance misuse.
The Recovery Village Indianapolis offers comprehensive treatment plans tailored to each individual’s needs. From counseling and therapeutic activities to medical support and aftercare, our facility in Indiana strives to help people overcome addiction and rebuild healthier lives. Contact us today if you’re ready to begin your journey to freedom from substance abuse.
