Medications to treat ADHD are stimulants, a broad class of drugs that increase the activity of the central nervous system. Alcohol, on the other hand, has the opposite effect—it’s a sedative. Mixing the two together can make it more likely that you will have an overdose.
Other side effects of mixing alcohol and ADHD medications together include dizziness, impaired concentration, liver damage, and heart problems.2
Talk with a doctor before mixing these medications with alcohol:
- Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine)
- Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
- Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
- Concerta/Ritalin (methylphenidate)
- Strattera (atomoxetine)
- Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
