Adderall and Caffeine: Can you take Adderall with your Morning Coffee?
Adderall is a prescription drug containing amphetamine salts. It is a central nervous system that increases serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels in the brain.
Most people start their day with a cup of coffee containing caffeine, a stimulant. You must be thinking, can you take Adderall and caffeine together? The answer is yes, in limited amounts only. If you ask your doctor, they may say no to high amounts of caffeine with Adderall as both affect the brain and when taken together, they intensify the effect. Learn more about whether you can take Adderall and caffeine together.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for online consultation for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, why don’t you get started now with Therapy Fleet? You are just an Adderall prescription away.
What Happens When You Combine Adderall and Caffeine?
As we just mentioned, both Adderall and caffeine are central nervous system stimulants. Therefore, when taken together, Adderall and caffeine raise
- the nervous system activity in the brain
- leading to alertness
- increased or enhanced focus and concentration.
Caffeine Effect on ADHD
Caffeine works like a CNS stimulant, improving the symptoms of ADHD. A cup of coffee makes you feel more alert and focused, improves motivation, and enhances intellectual reasoning. Among many other over-the-counter Adderall alternatives, caffeine is the most commonly used. You can find caffeine in coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, chocolate espresso, etc.
Caffeine Interaction with Adderall
As the old saying goes, ‘excess of everything is bad.’ If you can’t get away without a morning cup of caffeine, that’s ok, as one cup won’t do much harm.
However, experts recommend limiting your caffeine intake when taking Adderall. Adderall and caffeine together increase the unpleasant effects, and you don’t want to end up feeling jittery all day long. So, Can you take Adderall with your morning coffee? Yes, but only in low doses.
How Does Caffeine Affect Adderall?
Yes, all stimulants are affected when combined with caffeine. Regardless of whether it’s Adderall or any other ADHD drug, the unpleasant effects are enhanced. So, be wary when using the following ADHD medications;
- Focalin
- Ritalin
- Vyvanse
- Zenzedi
If you want, you can ask about Strattera; it is a non-stimulant and as effective as Adderall. There are many effective alternatives to Adderall. If, for some reason, you see that Adderall generic or brand Adderall is not working, you can always shift to other medications after consultation with your doctor. At times, Adderall does not work, and there are many reasons why, so instead of just waiting for symptoms to subside, try another drug.
Adderall and Caffeine Side Effects
Some common side effects you may notice when coffee and Adderall are taken together are;
- Anxiety
- Digestive problems
- Nervousness
- Headaches
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate or heart palpitations
- Insomnia
How Much Caffeine Is Safe with Adderall?
Now that we know caffeine with Adderall is safe in small amounts, what if someone asks, ‘Can I take 300 mg caffeine and Adderall dosage in a day? That’s about 3 cups. Yes, you can as 400 mg of caffeine with Adderall is safe. The only issue is an enhanced Adderall and caffeine side effects. Do not exceed 300 mg of caffeine with a standard dose of Adderall.
Whether you drink coffee before or after the Adderall dose, as long as caffeine is in the body, it will interact with any stimulant you take. You can try drinking coffee after Adderall wears off, but then again, the point is to keep the caffeine intake low. Shift to 1 cup of coffee and the Adderall dosage.
Caffeine and Adderall XR
Keep in mind that the dosage of Adderall XR is different from Adderall because it stays in the body for longer; thus, one capsule per day is enough. How long Adderall stays in the body depends on what form of Adderall you use; however, it can last anywhere from 4 to 12 hours.
Use of Adderall and Caffeine with other Health Conditions
However, individuals with additional health conditions like cardiovascular disease, anxiety disorders, or hypertension must always consult their doctors first before combining Adderall with caffeine because of Adderall and caffeine interaction with other prescription medications.
Note: Do not use higher dosages of caffeine. The FDA only approves 4 to 5 cups of coffee per day, which is equivalent to 400 MG only. Any amount more than this may cause severe side effects. Please consult Therapy Fleet Certified healthcare practitioners if you have been using Adderall and caffeine.
Adderall Misuse; Get Help Today!
Using Adderall and caffeine together is like using higher dosages of Adderall. Because of increased focus and concentration, many people end up misusing Adderall, which is a common thing among college students. Adderall is a Schedule 2 controlled substance, and long-term usage is habit-forming. Adderall is FDA-approved for ADHD and narcolepsy only. Using it otherwise is not safe, and when Adderall and caffeine pills are combined, the side effects increase.
Caffeine and Adderall Experience. Why to Contact Therapy Fleet?
I am addicted to coffee. Recently, I was diagnosed with ADHD, and the doctor put me on 20 MG of Adderall twice a day. My doctor asked me to reduce my coffee intake, so I’m now taking only 3 cups per day, equal to 300 MG of caffeine. I noticed if I increase my coffee intake, it leads to palpitations and insomnia. In my experience, I would ask you to limit your caffeine intake if you are on Adderall, and caffeine alone is not a remedy for ADHD. Prescription medications are a must. Why don’t you get started now and connect to the Therapy Fleet to grab a prescription for Adderall?
The Bottom Line
Both Adderall and caffeine are central nervous system stimulants, and taking them together only results in caffeine and Adderall anxiety or other unpleasant side effects. If you are a coffee lover, try decaf coffee with Adderall, which doctors consider safe. However, it’s always best to consult your doctor before taking Adderall and caffeine.
Adderall may be the best drug for ADHD, but it is expensive, and people without insurance find it hard to get hold of it. However, many local Pharmacies offer Adderall coupons. Check with your nearest Pharmacy.
Medical Disclaimer:
At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.
You’re stronger than you feel right now—take it step by step, and know that brighter days are ahead.
FAQs
1. What happens if you take Adderall with caffeine?
Consuming both in smaller dosages is safe; however, larger doses of Adderall and caffeine lead to insomnia, palpitations, and agitation.
2. Can you work out on Adderall and caffeine?
Most gym enthusiasts love having coffee once done with the gym. Combining coffee after a workout is not recommended as it leads to serious side effects like heart palpitations, dizziness, and shallow breathing. If you want to work out on Adderall, make sure you take the age of Adderall before hitting the gym.
3. Can you drink coffee after taking Adderall?
A small cup of coffee is not harmful when combined with Adderall. However, precautions must be taken if you are addicted to drinking coffee. High levels of caffeine and Adderall together can intensify the side effects and lead to palpitations, shallow breathing, dizziness, and insomnia.
4. How long after Adderall can I drink coffee?
As a rule of thumb, wait 30 to 40 minutes to have your first cup of coffee after you take Adderall. For further details and more accurate answers, contact your healthcare practitioner.
5. Does caffeine make Adderall less effective?
Yes, many studies suggest that taking caffeine with Adderall at the same time reduces the effectiveness of the drug.
Additional Resources
ADHD Mood Swings in Adults and Children
Does Caffeine Help ADHD Symptoms?
Adderall interacts with vitamin C
How to Get Prescribed Adderall
Blue Adderall Pill Withdrawal Effects
How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System
Ultimate Guide to Normal Adderall Dosage for Adults & Children
Best and Effective Alternatives to Adderall
Signs Your Adderall for ADHD Dose is Too Low
Review of Top Over-the-counter Adderall Alternatives
6 Common Reasons for Adderall Not Working
Compare Adderall Coupons and Prices
Can Adderall for ADHD Cause Depression?
How Long Do Adderall Headaches Last?
Common Adderall Effects on Personality
References
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6709674/
https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2016/adderall-misuse-rising-among-young-adults
https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much