ADHD Medications (cont.)

Are ADHD medications associated with drug interactions?

As with nearly every other kind of medication, ADHD medications can be associated with certain interactions with other medications. The amount of stimulant ADHD medication in the system can be particularly sensitive to how acidic substances are. Acidic substances like orange juice, tomato juice, and acidic medications decrease the amount of some stimulant medications in the system, and more basic substances like some diuretic antihypertensive medications can increase the levels of some stimulants.

Stimulants may cause blood thinners and antiseizure medications to remain at a higher level for longer and have an additive effect on medications used to treat psychosis. Fortunately, stimulant medications do not tend to change or be changed in terms of how they work or what they do when given with other, nonstimulant ADHD medications, like guanfacine, clonidine, or atomoxetine. However, other substances and medications that stimulate the nervous system can add to the effects of the stimulants. Examples of this are caffeine, ephedrine, and antidepressants like monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Stimulants should not be taken within 14 days of an MAOI.

Because of the way in which guanfacine is eliminated (metabolized) by the body, it can tend to increase the amount of medications like the antiseizure/mood stabilizer medication valproate. As with clonidine, that also is used as a blood pressure (antihypertensive) medication, caution is used when it is being given with other antihypertensives. Since both tend to slow down the nervous system, they also should be used with caution in people taking any sedative.

It is recommended that Wellbutrin never be combined with MAOIs or taken within 14 days of an MAOI because the result can be serious and even fatal reactions such as high body temperature, muscle rigidity, twitching, and agitation, resulting in delirium and coma. If Wellbutrin or Effexor is taken with other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Therefore, it is important that the prescribing doctor be informed of any other medications being taken.

REFERENCES:

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Last Editorial Review: 6/6/2013