What medications can you not take with Vyvanse?

According to the manufacturer and medical resources, Vyvanse is contraindicated for use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), making it critical to know what medications can you not take with Vyvanse to prevent potentially fatal side effects. This vital knowledge helps patients and caregivers navigate prescription and over-the-counter drug choices safely.

Quick Summary

Taking Vyvanse with certain medications can lead to dangerous or life-threatening interactions, including hypertensive crisis with MAOIs and serotonin syndrome with serotonergic drugs. Other stimulants and substances that alter urinary pH also require avoidance or careful management. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining medications.

Key Points

• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): Taking Vyvanse with or within 14 days of an MAOI is contraindicated and can cause a life-threatening hypertensive crisis.

• Serotonergic Drugs: The combination of Vyvanse with SSRIs, SNRIs, triptans, or other serotonergic medications significantly increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.

• Other CNS Stimulants: Combining Vyvanse with other stimulants like Adderall, weight-loss drugs (phentermine), and decongestants can dangerously elevate heart rate and blood pressure.

• Urinary pH-Altering Agents: High-dose Vitamin C can reduce Vyvanse's effectiveness, while urinary alkalinizers like sodium bicarbonate can increase its potency and risk of side effects.

• Alcohol and Caffeine: Consuming alcohol with Vyvanse can mask intoxication and increase cardiovascular risk, while excessive caffeine can worsen anxiety and heart rate side effects.

• Consult a Professional: Always inform your healthcare provider about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements before starting or combining them with Vyvanse.

Critical Interactions to Avoid

When starting Vyvanse, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant used to treat ADHD and binge eating disorder, understanding potential drug interactions is paramount for patient safety. Some combinations can lead to severe or life-threatening conditions, while others can alter the medication's effectiveness.

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)

The most critical interaction is with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Combining Vyvanse with or within 14 days of taking an MAOI can cause a hypertensive crisis, a life-threatening medical emergency. Examples of MAOIs include isocarboxazid, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and selegiline, as well as certain other drugs like linezolid and methylene blue.

Serotonergic Drugs and the Risk of Serotonin Syndrome

Combining Vyvanse with medications that increase serotonin levels can lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition. This includes many antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs), opioid pain relievers like tramadol, migraine medications (triptans), lithium, and the herbal supplement St. John's wort.

Other Significant Interactions

Combining Vyvanse with other CNS stimulants can dangerously increase heart rate and blood pressure. Vyvanse may also interact with blood pressure medications and requires careful monitoring. Additionally, substances that change urine pH can impact Vyvanse levels; for example, high-dose Vitamin C can reduce effectiveness, while urinary alkalinizers can increase levels and potential side effects.

Consult your doctor for a detailed list of potential interactions, including a comparison of key interactions with different drug classes or substances {Link: SingleCare https://www.singlecare.com/blog/vyvanse-interactions/}.

Substances to Avoid with Vyvanse

Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine while taking Vyvanse. Alcohol can mask intoxication and increase cardiovascular risk, while caffeine can worsen stimulant side effects like anxiety and increased heart rate. The interaction of Vyvanse with marijuana or CBD is less clear but should be discussed with a doctor.

Conclusion

To ensure safety and effectiveness while taking Vyvanse, it is essential to avoid specific medications and substances. Critically, avoid MAOIs due to the risk of hypertensive crisis and serotonergic drugs due to the risk of serotonin syndrome. Other stimulants and substances affecting urinary pH should also be avoided or used with caution. Always have a complete discussion with your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all medications, supplements, and substances you use to prevent dangerous interactions. Do not change doses or combine medications without medical guidance.

For more information on drug interactions, consult authoritative sources like Drugs.com, which provides a comprehensive interaction checker tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take Tylenol (acetaminophen) or ibuprofen (Advil) with Vyvanse?

Yes, there are no known interactions between Vyvanse and common over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). However, always check with your doctor or pharmacist to be certain, especially if you have other medical conditions.

How do I recognize serotonin syndrome?

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include confusion, agitation, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, muscle twitching, or rigidity. If you experience any of these, especially after combining Vyvanse with a serotonergic drug, seek immediate medical attention.

What should I do if I accidentally take a medication that interacts with Vyvanse?

If you suspect a dangerous interaction, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor or seek emergency medical help immediately. Be prepared to provide details about the medications and dosages you have taken.

Is it safe to drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages with Vyvanse?

Caffeine is a stimulant, and combining it with Vyvanse can heighten stimulant effects, increasing the risk of side effects such as nervousness, irritability, and elevated heart rate. It is best to limit or avoid caffeine while on Vyvanse.

Are there cold and flu medicines that are safe to take with Vyvanse?

Over-the-counter cold medicines containing decongestants like pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine should be avoided due to their stimulant effects. Some cold medicines, like NyQuil, contain alcohol. Always read labels and consult your pharmacist for suitable alternatives.

Can I use antacids for heartburn relief while on Vyvanse?

Some antacids, particularly those with calcium carbonate or magnesium hydroxide, can increase Vyvanse absorption and raise the risk of side effects. It is often recommended to take antacids at a different time of day than Vyvanse, and you should always check with your doctor.

Is it possible to take Vyvanse with any antidepressant?

Taking Vyvanse with many types of antidepressants, particularly SSRIs, SNRIs, and TCAs, can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. A healthcare provider might cautiously manage certain combinations on a case-by-case basis, but it requires close monitoring. Always inform your doctor of all your medications.