Vyvanse and Alcohol: Is It Safe to Drink While Taking Lisdexamfetamine?

Many people who take Vyvanse, whether it has been prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or binge eating disorder, question whether it is safe to occasionally consume alcohol. 

Vyvanse and alcohol each affect the body differently, and combining them comes with a higher likelihood of certain health and safety risks. Whether you are currently using Vyvanse or discussing the option with your doctor and wondering how it will impact your routine, this article will walk you through how both substances affect your body, what happens when combined, and when medical support is likely needed.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Vyvanse?

There is no “safe” amount of alcohol that can be combined with Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine). 

Most healthcare providers advise patients to avoid or limit alcohol intake when taking lisdexamfetamine.[1] Due to various interactions between both substances’ differing effects on the body, the outcome can be unpredictable and is based on individual factors such as the specific dose taken and the amount of time since your last drink. Because of this, each patient needs individual medical advice regarding their treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) rather than relying solely on generalized guidelines about what is considered safe. 

What Happens When You Mix Vyvanse and Alcohol?

Lisdexamfetamine is converted into dextroamphetamine, which increases activity of dopamine and other neurotransmitters to produce its stimulant effects.[2] Alcohol affects the central nervous system and can produce sedation while impairing judgment, coordination, balance, and other brain functions.[3]

Lisdexamfetamine can reduce feelings of drowsiness or sedation created by alcohol without removing impairments in judgment, coordination, and reaction time.[4] Many times the stimulating properties of lisdexamfetamine cause people to consume more alcohol than they originally planned because of a false sense of security caused by feeling more alert than they normally do after drinking.

Why Mixing Stimulants and Alcohol Can Be Risky

Combining a stimulant like lisdexamfetamine with alcohol can increase heart rate and cause high blood pressure, placing additional strain on the cardiovascular system and potentially increasing the risk of serious events such as a heart attack or stroke, particularly in susceptible individuals.[5] 

Another concern related to the interaction of stimulants and alcohol is how the combination of both masks the sedative effects produced by alcohol, which can potentially delay the realization of how intoxicated one truly is.

But feeling less “drunk” and more alert does not alter actual blood-alcohol levels.[6] What happens is that the stimulant provides temporary relief from some of the sedating properties produced by alcohol, but the depressant effects on the body from the alcohol continue unaffected.

Does Alcohol Interfere With Vyvanse?

Drinking alcohol does not neutralize lisdexamfetamine’s efficacy; however, it will alter how you perceive the interaction of both drugs. 

People who drink alcohol while taking lisdexamfetamine may not realize how intoxicated they are due to lisdexamfetamine’s stimulation that masks the typical warning signs. Many users note an increase in ADHD-related symptoms as well, such as irritability and restlessness, as the alcohol and stimulant effects wear off.

How Long After Taking Vyvanse Can I Drink Alcohol?

The time frame of a safe waiting period varies significantly, as lisdexamfetamine’s effectiveness and how long it stays active in the system depend on many different factors. Because of this, there is no established waiting period to ensure safety. 

Lisdexamfetamine’s effect lasts approximately 10-14 hours, though this varies by different factors, including:[7]

• Dose taken
• Individual metabolism
• Overall health
• Amount of alcohol consumed

Since each variable listed above differs greatly from person to person, it is highly recommended that anyone taking lisdexamfetamine follow their prescribing clinician’s specific guidelines regarding their particular circumstances.

Common Side Effects of Mixing Vyvanse and Alcohol

Using both lisdexamfetamine and alcohol may cause an array of adverse reactions including:

• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Anxiety
• Restlessness
• Impaired decision-making skills
• Dizziness
• Dehydration
• Insomnia
• Risk-taking behavior

The severity of adverse reactions to lisdexamfetamine and alcohol will vary depending on the amount of both substances used.

Can Mixing Vyvanse and Alcohol Increase the Risk of Overdose or Alcohol Poisoning?

Yes. 

Since Vyvanse can mask the sedating effects of alcohol, people may consume larger amounts of alcohol than they would otherwise without realizing the extent of their intoxication, increasing their risk of alcohol poisoning.

Using both substances together also increases the risk of cardiovascular-related issues, including a faster heart rate or increased blood pressure, placing excessive strain on the heart.[8] 

In addition, when other substances are included, the overall risk of overdose escalates. Recognizing emergency warning signs like disorientation, vomiting, convulsions, and inability to remain awake is crucial since they can rapidly develop into life-threatening conditions,

What Should You Do If You’ve Taken Vyvanse and Consumed Alcohol?

If you are researching this because you have already combined lisdexamfetamine and alcohol, stop drinking right away and start monitoring yourself for any concerning symptoms such as chest pain, disorientation, respiratory distress, hallucinations, delusions, or severe paranoia, and seek immediate medical care if they occur.[9] 

Stay with someone in case symptoms begin to escalate, since you may not be able to seek help for yourself if they do. Immediately seek emergency medical assistance if you exhibit severe symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, seizures, loss of consciousness, or any evidence of alcohol poisoning. Once the immediate issue is resolved, consult with your prescribing clinician regarding any questions or concerns about what occurred.

Who May Be at Greater Risk?

Specific groups include higher-risk individuals for combining Vyvanse and alcohol, including anyone with:

• Diagnosed heart disease or hypertension
• Anxiety disorders
• History of a substance use disorder
• Additional prescription medications that may interact with either drug
• A habit of binge drinking, since the combination of stimulants and heavy alcohol use can compound quite quickly

Tips for Staying Safe While Taking Vyvanse

Using lisdexamfetamine (or any medication) appropriately is the best way to keep yourself safe. Keep the following rules in mind:

• Because Vyvanse is a controlled substance, use lisdexamfetamine only as directed by your prescribing physician and never share your prescription with others. 
• Read all label instructions about any potential interactions with alcohol. 
• Discuss your alcohol use with your prescribing physician to get the best guidance for developing the safest recommendations for your unique needs. 
• Do not use lisdexamfetamine recreationally or use anyone else’s prescription
• Avoid mixing lisdexamfetamine with other stimulant prescriptions (such as Adderall or Concerta). 
• Do not mix lisdexamfetamine with illegal substances 

Understanding when to seek medical help rather than waiting for a serious situation to develop is a major component of keeping yourself and your loved ones safe.

When Alcohol and Vyvanse Use May Signal a Larger Problem

If you find yourself starting to take lisdexamfetamine to keep yourself awake while drinking, unable to control your drinking despite knowing it will interact with your medication regimen, or taking more lisdexamfetamine than you are prescribed, those are all good signs that there is a deeper issue than just accidentally having a drink with medication in your system.

And there are options available for you. There are multiple ways stimulant and alcohol misuse can be addressed, including outpatient support programs, medically supervised detoxification programs, and inpatient rehabilitation programs. There are differing levels of care as well, based on the severity of your addiction and how long the issue has been going on.