Should I take magnesium with Vyvanse? An Analysis of Safety, Interactions, and Benefits

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Recent studies have indicated that individuals with ADHD often have lower magnesium levels, which can contribute to symptoms like poor focus and anxiety. This has led many to question, 'should I take magnesium with Vyvanse?' to address this potential deficiency.

Quick Summary

Taking magnesium with Vyvanse can pose serious risks, as some forms of magnesium, particularly antacids, can intensify Vyvanse's effects, leading to amphetamine toxicity. The potential benefits of certain non-alkalizing magnesium forms for alleviating stimulant-related side effects must be weighed against these risks under medical supervision.

Key Points

Not all magnesium is safe: Antacid forms of magnesium, such as magnesium oxide and citrate, can increase Vyvanse's absorption and lead to intensified side effects or amphetamine toxicity.
Consult a doctor first: It is critical to discuss any supplement regimen with a healthcare provider to ensure safety and avoid potential interactions.
Consider non-alkalizing forms: Magnesium glycinate or threonate are considered safer alternatives that do not typically interfere with Vyvanse absorption.
Benefits may include reduced side effects: Non-antacid magnesium may help mitigate some stimulant side effects like anxiety, jaw clenching, and sleep issues.
Timing is important: If supplementing, taking magnesium at a different time of day than Vyvanse can help minimize any potential for interaction.
ADHD and low magnesium levels: There is some evidence suggesting individuals with ADHD often have lower magnesium levels, which may be addressed with safe supplementation under medical supervision.

Understanding the Complex Interaction Between Magnesium and Vyvanse

The decision of whether to combine magnesium supplements with Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) is not straightforward. It depends critically on the type of magnesium, the timing of the dose, and your overall health. While research has identified a potential connection between low magnesium levels and ADHD symptoms, certain magnesium types can have dangerous drug interactions with Vyvanse. Consulting with a healthcare provider is the most critical step before starting any new supplement regimen.

The Danger of Alkalinizing Agents

The most significant risk of combining magnesium with Vyvanse comes from specific magnesium formulations that act as alkalinizing agents, raising the pH in the gastrointestinal tract. This change in acidity can dramatically increase the body's absorption of amphetamines, including lisdexamfetamine from Vyvanse, leading to a higher concentration of the drug in the bloodstream.

Intensified Side Effects: This increased absorption can amplify the common side effects of Vyvanse, such as insomnia, increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and anxiety.
Amphetamine Toxicity: In severe cases, the elevated amphetamine concentration can lead to amphetamine toxicity. Symptoms may include psychosis, severe fatigue, heart arrhythmia, and extreme blood pressure fluctuations, and can be life-threatening.
Specific Forms to Avoid: Antacid products containing magnesium oxide or magnesium hydroxide are particularly problematic due to their potent alkalinizing properties. Magnesium citrate can also have this effect.

Potential Benefits and Safer Alternatives

Not all magnesium is created equal. The forms of magnesium that do not act as potent alkalinizing agents are less likely to cause a major drug interaction and may offer potential benefits for some individuals with ADHD. Research has identified that magnesium deficiency is common in ADHD patients and can worsen symptoms like irritability and inattention.

Some potential benefits of non-antacid magnesium supplements for individuals with ADHD include:

Reduction of Side Effects: Some healthcare professionals and patients have observed that magnesium supplementation can help mitigate certain stimulant side effects, such as jaw clenching (bruxism), muscle restlessness, and anxiety.
Improved Sleep Quality: Magnesium's calming effects can promote better sleep, a common problem for people taking stimulants.
Neurotransmitter Support: Magnesium plays a vital role in regulating neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. Supplementing may help support these brain functions, which are often affected in ADHD.

Comparing Different Forms of Magnesium

To better understand the risks, it is helpful to differentiate between various magnesium supplements. While not exhaustive, the table below compares some common forms based on their potential interaction with Vyvanse, and it should not be considered medical advice.


Feature	Magnesium Oxide / Antacids	Magnesium Citrate	Magnesium Glycinate	Magnesium Threonate
Primary Use	Laxative, antacid	Constipation, general supplement	Sleep, relaxation, anxiety	Cognitive function
Alkalinizing Effect	High - generally to be avoided with Vyvanse.	Moderate to high - may increase Vyvanse absorption.	Minimal to none	Minimal to none
Absorption Risk with Vyvanse	High risk of increased absorption and toxicity.	Potential risk of increased absorption.	No reported direct interaction risk.	No reported direct interaction risk.
Primary Function with Vyvanse	Not recommended due to significant risk.	Exercise caution and consult a doctor.	May help with anxiety and sleep.	May support brain health.

How to Safely Combine Magnesium and Vyvanse

For those interested in exploring magnesium supplementation, safety is paramount. Follow these steps, always under a doctor's guidance:

Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Before beginning any supplement, discuss the potential risks and benefits with your prescribing physician. They can help determine if magnesium is right for you and recommend an appropriate type and dosage.
Separate the Doses: If your doctor approves a non-alkalizing form of magnesium, timing is crucial. Take the magnesium at a different time of day than your Vyvanse. For example, taking magnesium glycinate in the evening can promote relaxation without interfering with the morning Vyvanse dose.
Choose a Non-Interacting Form: Focus on supplements with high bioavailability and minimal to no alkalinizing effects, such as magnesium glycinate or threonate.
Monitor for Side Effects: Pay close attention to your body and any new or intensified side effects. Report any changes to your doctor immediately.

Conclusion: A Cautious Approach is Essential

While the concept of using magnesium to supplement Vyvanse treatment seems promising, especially given the link between ADHD and magnesium deficiency, the potential for dangerous drug interactions cannot be ignored. The most significant risk comes from alkalinizing magnesium forms like antacids, which can dangerously increase the effects of Vyvanse. On the other hand, non-alkalizing forms like magnesium glycinate may offer therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stimulant-related anxiety and improving sleep, with less risk of interaction. Ultimately, the safest and most responsible path is to discuss any potential supplementation with your healthcare provider. They can help you navigate the complexities of this interaction and ensure your treatment is both effective and safe.

For more detailed information, the Drugs.com interaction checker provides specific warnings for combining magnesium oxide with lisdexamfetamine.

Frequently Asked Questions

It is crucial to consult your doctor before taking magnesium with Vyvanse. Certain forms of magnesium, especially those in antacids, can cause a dangerous drug interaction. Other forms may be safer, but require medical supervision.

Magnesium supplements that act as alkalinizing agents, like magnesium oxide and magnesium citrate (often found in antacids), can increase the absorption of Vyvanse and significantly increase its effects and potential for side effects.

Combining Vyvanse with an antacid-based magnesium can lead to intensified side effects such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and anxiety. In severe cases, it can cause amphetamine toxicity.

Magnesium glycinate is generally considered a safer option as it does not have the same alkalinizing effect as antacid-based magnesium. However, you should still consult your healthcare provider before taking it with Vyvanse.

Under a doctor's guidance, certain magnesium supplements may help manage side effects like anxiety, irritability, bruxism (teeth grinding), and sleep problems that can be associated with stimulant medication use.

To be safe, it is best to take any magnesium supplement at a different time of day than your Vyvanse, especially if your doctor has concerns about any potential interaction. Taking it in the evening might help with relaxation and sleep.

Yes, it is possible to get magnesium from magnesium-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, and legumes. This is often a safer alternative than supplements, but those with severe deficiency may still need supplementation under medical guidance.