Does CBD Interact With Amphetamine (Adderall)?

Other Names for Amphetamine

Amphetamine is sold under many names, all of which share the same risk and potential interactions.

The most common brand name amphetamine is sold under is Adderall — which is made by Teva Pharmaceuticals. 

Other names for amphetamine include:

• Adderall
• Mydayis
• Dyanavel XR
• Adzenys XR-ODT 
• Evekeo

Similar Medications: CBD & Amphetamine (Adderall)

Amphetamine (Adderall) is classified as a nervous system stimulant. CBD and stimulants all share the same risk for interaction and side effects.

Here’s a list of similar medications that share a similar level of risk when combined with CBD:

• Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate (Vyvanse)
• Dextroamphetamine Sulfate (Zenzedi & Dexedrine)
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
• Atomoxetine (Strattera)
• Modafinil (Provigil & Nuvigil)
• MDMA (3,4-Methyl​enedioxy​methamphetamine)

Is It Safe to Take CBD & Amphetamine (Adderall) Together?

CBD and amphetamine (Adderall) are generally safe at a low therapeutic dose but can be hazardous when used in high doses for recreational use (not recommended). It could also become dangerous over time if both substances are taken together on a regular basis. 

You should, however, always consult your doctor if you’re on any medication before adding any other drug — even a natural one — to avoid possible interactions.

Is CBD a Viable Alternative to Amphetamine (Adderall)?

A few clinical trials show evidence of some benefits of using CBD for ADHD and its comorbidities, but the improvements were not significant enough for CBD to be an alternative to amphetamine [5].

These substances share very little in common and are not suitable as alternatives for one another. 

What Is Amphetamine (Adderall)?

Amphetamine (Adderall) is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that increases the release of excitatory neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine from the presynaptic terminals.

Amphetamine is prescribed for ADHD and increases attention span and focus, and helps control behavior problems. It may also help with organization and listening skills. It’s illegal to use amphetamine for recreational purposes.

Amphetamine is available in three forms:

• Oral tablets
• Extended-release orally disintegrating tablets 
• Extended-release oral liquid

Amphetamine specs:

What Does Amphetamine (Adderall) Do?

Amphetamine (Adderall) exerts its stimulatory effects by increasing the release of dopamine and norepinephrine, and to a lesser extent, increases serotonin.

Amphetamine enters the presynaptic axon terminal by diffusion or uptake by the monoamine transporters DAT, NET, and SERT [6]. It displaces other stored neurotransmitters through vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) into the cytoplasm. From the cytoplasm, neurotransmitters are transported to the synaptic cleft by a retro-transport process resulting in the release of the stored neurotransmitters.

Another mechanism of amphetamine is by inhibiting the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), which is the chief enzyme responsible for the breakdown of neurotransmitters.

These mechanisms lead to increased neuronal transmission and hence stimulation.

What Are the Side Effects of Amphetamine (Adderall)?

Amphetamine (Adderall) has its benefits as well as side effects. The main factor that determines the severity of side effects is the dosage. 

Some of the common side effects of amphetamine are:

• Sweating
• Palpitation
• Chest pain 
• Shortness of breath 
• Increased body temperature
• Abdominal pain 
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia 
• Difficulty in urination 
• Prolonged erection
• Mood swings
• Agitation 
• Restlessness
• Psychosis 
• Addiction 

When to Avoid Amphetamines (Adderall)?

Amphetamines (Adderall) can be beneficial but should be avoided in certain circumstances. Anyone with the following conditions should not use it.

• Hypersensitivity to amphetamines or their derivatives
• Cardiovascular disease
• Hypertension
• Hyperthyroidism
• Glaucoma
• History of certain psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder and motor or verbal tics
• Recent use of MAO Inhibitors

Key Takeaways: Is It Safe to Take Amphetamines With CBD?

Amphetamine (Adderall) is available with a doctor’s prescription to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Its use for any other purpose is illegal.

It is usually safe to take CBD with amphetamine within the therapeutic dose; however, it’s always best to talk to your doctor. Some animal studies have suggested that CBD may attenuate unwanted side effects of amphetamine, such as drug dependence or relapse. 

References

1. Daldegan-Bueno, D., Maia, L. O., Glass, M., Jutras-Aswad, D., & Fischer, B. (2021). Co-exposure of cannabinoids with amphetamines and biological, behavioral and health outcomes: a scoping review of animal and human studies. Psychopharmacology, 1-20. 
2. Renard, J., Loureiro, M., Rosen, L. G., Zunder, J., de Oliveira, C., Schmid, S., … & Laviolette, S. R. (2016). Cannabidiol counteracts amphetamine-induced neuronal and behavioral sensitization of the mesolimbic dopamine pathway through a novel mTOR/p70S6 kinase signaling pathway. Journal of Neuroscience, 36(18), 5160-5169. 
3. Metz, V. G., da Rosa, J. L. O., Rossato, D. R., Milanesi, L. H., Burger, M. E., & Pase, C. S. (2021). Cannabidiol prevents amphetamine relapse and modulates D1-and D2-receptor levels in mesocorticolimbic brain areas of rats. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 50, 23-33.
4. Yamaori, S., Okamoto, Y., Yamamoto, I., & Watanabe, K. (2011). Cannabidiol, a major phytocannabinoid, as a potent atypical inhibitor for CYP2D6. Drug Metabolism and Disposition, 39(11), 2049-2056.
5. Ayyash, H. F., Ogundele, M., Cartas, B. C., & Dahabra, M. (2020). G632 Effectiveness of Cannabidiol oil in the management of ADHD and its comorbidities: Review of the evidence. Archives of Disease in Childhood, 105(Suppl 1), A228-A228.
6. Sitte, H. H., & Freissmuth, M. (2015). Amphetamines, new psychoactive drugs, and the monoamine transporter cycle. Trends in pharmacological sciences, 36(1), 41-50.