The latest Canadian Alcohol and Drugs Survey (CADS) reported alcohol and drug use rates throughout the nation. According to CADS, at least 1% of Canadians over 15 have a problem with stimulants like Vyvanse. Meanwhile, at least 18% of Canadians over 15 have high-risk alcohol use patterns. Vyvanse and alcohol use is becoming increasingly common, in part due to the prevalence of these substances. Drug manufacturers do not warn about drinking while on Vyvanse, so many assume it is safe. Still, can you drink alcohol on Vyvanse? We are deeply diving into the answer to this question in this post. Read on to learn the dangers of using prescription stimulants and alcohol.

What Is Vyvanse?

Vyvanse is a prescription stimulant doctors prescribe to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). ADHD is a mental health disorder characterized by trouble focusing, being easily distracted, and hyperactivity.

Stimulants like Vyvanse increase activity in the central nervous system (CNS). Increased CNS activity explains this drug’s main effects: increased energy, better focus, and improved attention span.

Health Canada categorizes Vyvanse as a Schedule III drug. People need a prescription to use it legally due to its high potential for abuse. Unfortunately, many people obtain and abuse Vyvanse without a prescription.

How Does Vyvanse Work?

Vyvanse works by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters in the CNS. These neurotransmitters are norepinephrine and dopamine.

Dopamine is involved in many functions, including the brain’s reward centre. Vyvanse increases dopamine levels in the brain. When dopamine rises, people feel pleasurable and are more likely to take Vyvanse again.

Norepinephrine is an excitatory neurotransmitter. Excitatory neurotransmitters increase communication between brain cells and make something more likely to happen. This neurotransmitter plays a role in arousal, alertness, and attention.

Vyvanse Side Effects

Vyvanse is safe for people to use with a valid prescription. However, it may still present side effects, such as:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Anxiety
• Irritableness
• The jitters
• Shortness of breath
• Circulatory issues
• Elevated blood pressure
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite

In rare cases, this drug can lead to more serious side effects. Severe fatigue, extreme anxiety with panic attacks, mania, paranoia, and even hallucinations and delusions are also possible.

Using Vyvanse, according to a doctor’s recommendation, is the best way to reduce the risk of having these symptoms. Conversely, misusing someone else’s prescription can increase the risk of Vyvanse side effects.

Is Vyvanse Addictive?

Yes, Vyvanse is addictive. However, drug manufacturers produce it in extended-release (XR) format to reduce the potential for dependence. XR tablets release small amounts of Vyvanse into the body throughout the day.

Unfortunately, people can and do still get addicted to this prescription drug. People addicted to Vyvanse experience increased tolerance, cravings, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of use.

Vyvanse’s effects on the brain’s reward system explain its potential for addiction. When this drug increases dopamine levels, the brain feels pleasure. Over time, users will learn to associate Vyvanse use with those pleasurable feelings, leading to dependence.

Unfortunately, many people struggle to stop using Vyvanse once they are addicted. They may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include sweating, insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and depression.

Can You Drink on Vyvanse?

No, you can’t drink on Vyvanse. People with a Vyvanse prescription may know that Shire LLC, the maker of Vyvanse, does not warn patients against drinking with their prescription. However, that does not mean it is safe.

Little research has been done on the effects of Vyvanse combined with alcohol. More studies have looked at the dangers of mixing alcohol and other types of stimulants like nicotine, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

For example, a 2016 review compiled research about alcohol and stimulant use in humans and non-human animals. The review found significant long- and short-term adverse effects of co-abusing alcohol and these stimulants.

Another thing to remember is that alcohol can counteract stimulants like Vyvanse’s effects. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it decreases CNS activity. Meanwhile, Vyvanse is a stimulant that increases CNS activity.

When used together, a depressant can reduce a stimulant’s effects. So, people who use Vyvanse prescription may not feel the benefits of their medication when they drink.

Alcohol and Vyvanse Side Effects and Risks

Many people take Vyvanse and later consume alcohol because they are unaware of the risks. Others co-abuse these substances to increase the pleasurable feelings Vyvanse and alcohol cause on their own.

Vyvanse and alcohol each increase dopamine levels in the brain when used alone. When used together, these substances cause an even larger surge of dopamine. This effect can up the risk of addiction to either or both substances.

Other side effects of drinking with Vyvanse may include:

• Chest pains
• Pupil dilation
• Dry mouth
• Dry sinuses
• Hyperactivity
• Irritability
• Aggression
• Confusion
• Paranoia
• Mood swings
• Seizure
• Delusions
• Hallucinations

There is also a risk of long-term side effects. For instance, one study examined the long-term effects of alcohol and prescription ADHD medication abuse. Note that this study did not investigate Vyvanse specifically.

In this study, the most severe long-term consequences were learning and memory disruptions, cerebral circulatory issues, and decreased anti-oxidative activity.

Cardiovascular issues, alcohol poisoning, and Vyvanse overdose are possible symptoms of combining alcohol and ADHD medications. Learn more about each of these risks next.

Cardiovascular Issues

Stimulants impact the cardiovascular system without throwing alcohol into the mix. When people combine alcohol and stimulants like Vyvanse, these effects are even more pronounced.

For example, people may experience dramatic blood pressure fluctuations and heart rate fluctuations. Alcohol and stimulant co-abuse also change the rate of oxygen uptake by the heart (i.e., myocardial oxygen consumption).

High blood pressure and heart rate put stress on the cardiovascular system. Over time, they may increase someone’s risk for cardiovascular diseases like heart attack, stroke, and heart failure.

Alcohol Poisoning

The increased risk of alcohol poisoning is one of the biggest dangers of drinking while on prescription stimulants. Using stimulants like Vyvanse can make someone feel less drunk. Here’s how.

Recall that we mentioned how Vyvanse is a stimulant and alcohol is a depressant. Alcohol leads to less activity in the CNS, while Vyvanse increases CNS activity.

Just as alcohol can reduce Vyvanse’s effects, using Vyvanse can make it harder to feel the effects of alcohol. However, just because someone can’t feel the effects of alcohol does not mean they can’t overdose on these substances.

Alcohol overdose is also known as alcohol poisoning. Alcohol poisoning can be deadly. Signs that someone may be overdosing on alcohol include:

• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Seizures
• Slow or irregular breathing
• Pale, grey, or blue skin colour
• Hypothermia (i.e., low body temperature)
• Difficulty maintaining consciousness

It is critical to call emergency services if someone shows symptoms of an alcohol overdose. When left untreated, alcohol poisoning can lead to death.

If someone doesn’t get alcohol poisoning, co-abusing it with Vyvanse can lead to binge drinking. People may consume alcohol heavily in one session. Also known as binge drinking, regularly consuming large amounts of alcohol increases the risk of developing an alcohol use disorder.

Overdose

People who drink and use Vyvanse are also at a higher risk of stimulant overdose. Scientists are not sure exactly why this happens. However, one study suggests it could be due to alcohol’s impact on stimulant blood concentrations.

Specifically, alcohol may increase concentrations of stimulants in the bloodstream. This effect may, in turn, make someone more likely to overdose. However, the study did not investigate Vyvanse, specifically, so we need more research to know for sure.

In the meantime, people who use alcohol and Vyvanse together must be aware of the potential risk of toxicity. Look out for Vyvanse overdose symptoms, which may include:

• Shaking
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Aggression
• Panic attacks
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Convulsions or seizures

If someone is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately. Overdose can cause fatalities without medical attention.

How Long After Taking Vyvanse Can I Drink Alcohol?

You can drink alcohol 24 hours after consuming Vyvanse. 24 hours gives the Vyvanse enough time to clear your system. That way, you will not experience the potential side effects and risks we mentioned.

The active ingredient in Vyvanse, dextroamphetamine, has a half-life of 12 hours. A substance’s half-life refers to the time it takes the body to eliminate it by half.

Dextroamphetamine can linger in the bloodstream for up to 60 hours. However, its levels are so reduced by this point that there is little to no risk of consuming alcohol.

People with a Vyvanse prescription can consult with their physician if they are worried about drinking. Doctors can offer advice tailored to an individual’s unique lifestyle and factors like age or weight.

Treatment for Addiction to Vyvanse and Alcohol

People who develop an addiction to Vyvanse, alcohol, or both need treatment. Treatment can help these individuals overcome their addiction(s). The right programme will also address any underlying issues that may have led to addictive behaviour in the first place.

For some, outpatient treatment may be the best strategy. People with mild substance use disorders often benefit from these programmes. They allow enrollees to live at home while receiving care.

Inpatient addiction programmes require participants to live at the facility where they receive treatment. People with moderate to severe disorders can get the help they need away from the temptations of the real world.

Simcoe Addiction and Mental Health is a treatment centre in Ontario, Canada. We specialize in treating substance use disorders, including addiction to alcohol and prescription stimulants like Vyvanse.

Many patients wonder what to expect from our inpatient programme. Below, we will describe the types of treatments people with Vyvanse and alcohol addictions can expect to receive.

Detox

The first step in any treatment programme for moderate to severe substance use disorders is medically-supervised detox. During detox, patients will experience withdrawal symptoms.

A medical professional supervises this process to ensure it is as safe as possible. Drugs for withdrawal management may also be available to make detoxing more comfortable.

Some rehab centres provide treatment but not detox. At Simcoe, we make it simple. We offer detox services for all participants in our inpatient programme.

Counselling and Group Therapy

A comprehensive addiction treatment programme will incorporate therapy or counselling. The goal is to help individuals understand what personal issues may have caused or exacerbated their disorder.

Addicts can also learn new coping skills. They may take up exercise or a fun hobby. These activities aim to support recovery and prevent relapse after rehab.

Group therapy is also highly effective. Addicts can attend group therapy with their family members. Group therapy with fellow addicts is also available, where addicts can talk to peers dealing with substance use disorders.

Simcoe offers individual and group counselling and therapy sessions. Our therapists and counsellors are trained in a variety of treatment methods, including CPT, DBT, CBT, and REBT.

Aftercare

Re-integrating into the real world after rehab is one of the most significant challenges recovering addicts face. At Simcoe, we don’t want you to be alone, so we offer free lifetime aftercare and transition services for all our clients.

Vyvanse and Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Ontario

Vyvanse and alcohol co-abuse is dangerous and can even be deadly. These substances can counteract each other, increasing the risk of overdose. Drinking with Vyvanse can also make someone more likely to develop a substance use disorder.

Are you or someone you love addicted to alcohol, Vyvanse, or both? Simcoe offers Vyvanse and alcohol treatment programmes in Ontario. Contact us for more information and get started on your recovery journey.