Can You Take Magnesium with Adderall? Understanding Interactions and Benefits

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Research indicates that people with ADHD often have lower magnesium levels than those without the condition, leading many to ask, "Can you take magnesium with Adderall?" as a potential co-treatment. While supplementing magnesium may offer benefits, certain forms can interact with stimulants like Adderall, making careful consideration essential.

Quick Summary

Taking certain forms of magnesium with Adderall is generally safe and potentially beneficial, but antacid forms and magnesium oxide should be avoided due to potential absorption issues and increased amphetamine effects. Always consult a healthcare provider.

Key Points

Safety Depends on the Form: Most magnesium supplements, like glycinate and L-threonate, do not negatively interact with Adderall, but magnesium oxide and antacids can increase its absorption and effects.
Potential for Symptom Improvement: Many with ADHD have lower magnesium levels, and supplementation may help reduce symptoms like inattention, hyperactivity, and emotional dysregulation.
Side Effect Mitigation: Magnesium's calming properties can help manage common stimulant side effects, such as increased anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.
Consult a Healthcare Provider: Always speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting a magnesium supplement to determine the right form and approach for your specific health needs.
Consider a Gradual Increase: To minimize potential side effects like digestive upset, discuss starting with a lower amount of magnesium and increasing gradually as tolerated with your doctor.
Optimal Forms for ADHD: Magnesium L-Threonate is noted for its brain-penetrating ability, while magnesium glycinate is favored for its calming and highly absorbable properties.

The Crucial Interaction: What to Know First

For many individuals with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Adderall is an effective medication for managing symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Simultaneously, a growing body of research suggests a link between low magnesium levels and ADHD, leading many to consider adding a magnesium supplement to their daily regimen. The key to combining these is understanding that not all forms of magnesium are created equal, and some can have significant interactions with Adderall's active ingredients, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

The primary concern is with specific types of magnesium, particularly magnesium oxide and antacid formulations. Magnesium oxide is commonly used as a laxative, and when taken with Adderall, it can increase the absorption of the amphetamine salts, potentially intensifying the medication's effects. This can lead to serious side effects, including increased restlessness, tremors, irregular heartbeat, and panic. Similarly, antacid forms of magnesium, such as magnesium carbonate and magnesium hydroxide, can alter the stomach's pH and affect how much of the medication is absorbed.

On the other hand, many other forms of magnesium, including magnesium glycinate, magnesium L-threonate, and magnesium citrate, have not been shown to have a significant negative interaction with Adderall. It is these specific forms that many healthcare providers and patients explore for their potential benefits.

Why People Consider Taking Magnesium with Adderall

For those with ADHD, a magnesium supplement is often considered an adjunctive therapy to address potential nutritional gaps and manage certain symptoms. Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, including many that influence neurological function.

Regulation of Neurotransmitters: Magnesium plays a critical role in the production and regulation of key neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, and GABA. Since Adderall works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters, balancing this with a foundational mineral like magnesium can be beneficial. Magnesium can help modulate dopamine levels and increase GABA activity, which acts as the brain's main inhibitory neurotransmitter, promoting a calming effect.
Mitigating Side Effects: Stimulant medications can sometimes increase anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. Magnesium's calming properties and role in regulating the nervous system can help counteract some of these side effects. Anecdotal evidence from clinical settings suggests that magnesium supplementation has been reported to reduce or eliminate jaw clenching, tooth grinding, and body restlessness, which can be worsened by stimulants.
Improved Sleep Quality: Many people with ADHD and those on stimulants struggle with sleep. Magnesium supplementation can help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality, making it a valuable addition for managing the sleep disruptions often associated with ADHD and its treatment.
Emotional Regulation: Studies in children and adults with ADHD have shown improvements in emotional regulation, including decreased irritability, anxiety, and mood swings, with magnesium supplementation.

Different Forms of Magnesium and Their Impact

When exploring magnesium, the form you choose is crucial. Bioavailability—how well the body absorbs and utilizes a substance—varies widely among different magnesium compounds. Here's a breakdown of common types:

Magnesium Glycinate: Highly recommended for its high bioavailability and gentle effect on the stomach. It's especially valued for its calming properties, which can help with anxiety, irritability, and sleep. The presence of glycine also has a relaxing effect on the nervous system.
Magnesium L-Threonate: Known for its unique ability to cross the blood-brain barrier effectively. This makes it particularly beneficial for cognitive functions, such as memory, focus, and learning, and is an excellent option for brain health support alongside ADHD treatment.
Magnesium Citrate: A moderately bioavailable form, often used to aid digestion and bowel regularity. While absorbable, its mild laxative effect means it might not be the best choice for individuals with sensitive stomachs.
Magnesium Oxide: This is the form to avoid when taking Adderall. It has low bioavailability and can significantly increase the absorption of amphetamines, leading to dangerous side effects.

Comparison of Magnesium Forms for Individuals on Adderall


Feature	Magnesium Glycinate	Magnesium L-Threonate	Magnesium Citrate	Magnesium Oxide
Absorption Rate	High	High, especially in the brain	Moderate to High	Poor
Best For	Relaxation, sleep, anxiety	Memory, focus, cognitive function	Digestion, constipation	Laxative use
Stomach Impact	Gentle on the stomach	Mildly stimulating	Can cause laxative effects	Often causes digestive upset
Interaction with Adderall	Safe; no known negative interaction	Safe; no known negative interaction	Safe; no known negative interaction	Avoid; increases amphetamine absorption

Finding the Right Approach and Prioritizing Safety

Before adding any supplement to your treatment plan, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider. Your doctor can help determine if a magnesium supplement is right for you, what approach is appropriate, and which form is safest based on your medical history. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for magnesium varies by age and sex.

Discussing a gradual increase in supplementation with a healthcare provider can help your body adjust and minimizes the risk of side effects like diarrhea, which can occur with some forms. Combining magnesium with a meal can also help improve absorption and reduce the risk of stomach upset.

It is important to remember that magnesium is a supplement, not a replacement for prescribed medication. Always adhere to your doctor's instructions for your Adderall dosage and never stop or change your medication without their guidance. If you experience any unusual symptoms or side effects, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Conclusion

While the prospect of combining magnesium with Adderall is promising for many seeking to manage ADHD symptoms and mitigate medication side effects, it requires a cautious, informed approach. Most forms of magnesium, particularly glycinate and L-threonate, are considered safe and potentially beneficial when taken alongside Adderall. However, it is critical to avoid antacid-based magnesium and magnesium oxide, which can interact dangerously with the medication. Ultimately, consulting a qualified healthcare professional is the most important step to ensure both safety and effectiveness when considering this supplement combination. For more information on magnesium's neurological functions, consult resources like the National Institutes of Health.

Frequently Asked Questions

You should avoid magnesium oxide and antacid products containing magnesium (like magnesium carbonate or hydroxide) if you take Adderall, as these can alter the medication's absorption and potentially increase its effects.

Benefits can include reducing ADHD symptoms like restlessness and anxiety, improving sleep quality, and promoting better emotional regulation. Magnesium also supports neurotransmitter function, which can complement Adderall's effects.

It can be difficult to assess magnesium deficiency accurately through blood tests alone, as most of the body's magnesium is stored in bones and cells. A doctor may assess your dietary intake, symptoms, and medical history, and sometimes order specialized tests.

Yes, magnesium can help with stimulant-induced anxiety. Magnesium activates GABA receptors, which have a calming effect on the nervous system, and helps regulate the body's stress response, potentially lowering overall anxiety levels.

A balanced diet rich in magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and whole grains is the best source of nutrients. However, if your dietary intake is insufficient or you have a deficiency, supplements can help boost your levels under a doctor's guidance.

It is generally recommended to separate the timing of your Adderall and magnesium supplement. Check with your doctor for specific advice, but taking them a few hours apart can help prevent any potential interference with absorption, especially if you are unsure of the specific formulation.

For ADHD, highly absorbable forms like Magnesium L-Threonate (for cognitive benefits) and Magnesium Glycinate (for calming effects) are often recommended. Magnesium citrate is also an option but can have laxative effects.

High amounts of magnesium supplements can lead to side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. In severe cases, particularly for individuals with impaired kidney function, it can cause more serious issues like irregular heart rhythm or lethargy.