Mixing Adderall & Effexor | Effects & Risks

When mixed, the drug interaction of Adderall and Effexor can be quite serious. Effexor can amplify the side effects of Adderall, and this combination can also lead to a rare disorder called serotonin syndrome.

Adderall/Adderall XR is the brand name for dextroamphetamine and amphetamine and Effexor/Effexor XR is the brand name for venlafaxine. 

Adderall is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy while Effexor is used to treat mental health disorders like major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and panic disorder.

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant and works by binding to a few neurotransmitter receptors in the brain. It increases the amount of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. 

Effexor is a serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) and antidepressant that also increases the amount of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. 

Effects Of Mixing Adderall & Effexor

There are quite a few side effects that can occur if you take Adderall and Effexor together. 

Because Effexor can amp up the side effects of Adderall, some of the following effects can be heightened:

• dry mouth
• constipation
• diarrhea
• weight loss
• sleepiness
• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• stomach pain
• loss of appetite
• frequent urination
• anxiety
• racing thoughts

Risks Of Mixing Adderall & Effexor

Mixing Adderall and Effexor can also increase the risk of issues such as serotonin syndrome, overdose, and substance abuse and addiction. These risks can ultimately be life-threatening.

Serotonin Syndrome

Combining these medications increases the risk of a rare but serious condition called serotonin syndrome. 

This can occur when you take two medications that increase the levels of serotonin in your brain. If the levels of serotonin increase high enough, they can be deadly, which is why prompt treatment is vital. 

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include:

• confusion
• psychosis
• high blood pressure
• increased heart rate
• fever
• blurred vision
• tremors
• stomach cramps
• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• seizures
• coma

You should also be aware of the medical conditions that these two medications can worsen. For example, when you mix them together, they can negatively affect any heart conditions you may have, increasing the risk of heart attack and high blood pressure. 

Drug Interactions

Beyond the interactions that Effexor and Adderall have with each other, there are also other medications that shouldn’t be mixed with either drug as the combination can be very dangerous.

Some of the drugs that shouldn’t be mixed with Adderall or Effexor include:

• selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors like escitalopram (Lexapro), paroxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft)
• other stimulants like Concerta
• serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like Cymbalta and Effexor
• tricyclic antidepressants
• anticoagulants like warfarin
• benzodiazepines like Ativan and Xanax
• buspirone
• opioids like fentanyl
• sedatives
• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft)
• SNRIs like duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Overdose

When taking Adderall and Effexor in high doses, there is a very real chance of overdosing on the mixture. Adderall is such a strong amphetamine and overdose may occur if you abuse it or take it not as prescribed. 

While it’s not as strong or addictive, you can also overdose on Effexor.

Signs of an Adderall and/or Effexor overdose may include:

• dizziness
• nausea
• vomiting
• dilated pupils
• muscle pain
• sedation
• irregular heartbeat
• panic attacks
• hallucinations
• fast breathing
• uncontrollable shaking
• fever
• blurred vision
• seizures
• coma

Substance Abuse & Addiction

Abusing Adderall and Effexor can also lead to serious consequences including psychological and physical dependence and addiction. 

Although Effexor is not controlled, Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the FDA. This means that it has a high potential for abuse and can lead to dependence and substance use disorder. 

If you become dependent on Adderall and stop taking it, you may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms.

Because these symptoms can be unpleasant, it’s recommended you go through a detox program either through your healthcare provider or at a detox center. During these programs, healthcare professionals help ease the symptoms and make the whole process a lot more comfortable.

To learn how we treat prescription drug addiction, please contact us today.