Skip to main content
Drug Info

Can you take Adderall with Viagra?

Adderall and Viagra together may increase your risk of side effects. Explore the risks and alternatives before mixing these medications.
Taneia Surles, MPH
By | Updated on Oct. 3, 2024 Medically reviewed by Sammy Yafai, Pharm.D.
Rx pill bottles: Adderall and Viagra

Key takeaways

  • Adderall is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat symptoms of ADHD, and Viagra is also an FDA-approved drug that healthcare providers prescribe for treating erectile dysfunction in men.

  • It is advised that Adderall is not taken with Viagra, as mixing these drugs can increase your risk of experiencing side effects that affect your heart, such as elevated heart rate and high blood pressure (hypertension).

  • If you do need to take both Adderall and Viagra, it’s best to consult a healthcare provider first.

  • Even if they’re not taken together, Adderall and Viagra have their individual side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions that you should be aware of before taking them.

In this article:

Adderall is a prescription drug containing a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Viagra (sildenafil) is a prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence in men. Medical experts do not recommend mixing Adderall with Viagra, as it can cause adverse side effects. Safety considerations, such as drug interactions and contraindications, must be considered before taking these medicines together.

Can you take Adderall with Viagra?

Adderall belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It works by increasing the amounts of neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the central nervous system (CNS) to reduce overstimulation in people with ADHD. “[Adderall] can help enhance focus, attention, and reduce hyperactivity,” says David Shusterman, MD, a board-certified urologist and the Medical Director of Urology at NY Urology in New York.

Sildenafil, brand-name drug Viagra, is a prescription medication that falls into a group of drugs known as phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5-Is) that are known to help manage and treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). “It works by increasing blood flow to the penis, which can help you get and keep an erection,” Dr. Shusterman says.

It is not recommended that you take Adderall with Viagra. “Combining Adderall and Viagra is not without risks,” says Raj Dasgupta, MD, FACP, FCCP, FAASM, a board-certified physician and Chief Medical Advisor for Fortune Recommends Health in Los Angeles, California. “Both medications can independently cause cardiovascular side effects, such as increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. When used together, these effects may intensify, potentially leading to serious complications such as heart palpitations and chest pain.”

However, if you do need to take these two medications, Dr. Shusterman recommends speaking with your healthcare provider first to discuss the potential risks and benefits and potentially a different medication you can try. “

Adderall with Viagra side effects, interactions, and risks

Mixing the central nervous system stimulant Adderall with Viagra can cause more harm than good, according to medical experts. “Even though they’re meant for different medical conditions, there’s a chance of some pretty bad side effects—especially if you take a lot or have other health issues,” Dr. Shusterman says.

According to Dr. Shusterman, the combination of drugs Viagra and Adderall may cause adverse effects like dizziness, high blood pressure (hypertension), and other heart complications. They also have their own side effects that people should be aware of.

Potential side effects of Adderall can include:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Nervousness
  • Weight loss
  • Mood swings
  • Agitation
  • Anxiety
  • Nausea
  • Stomachache
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Diarrhea
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Lack of energy
  • Constipation 

Possible side effects of taking Viagra include: 

  • Headache
  • Heartburn
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Nosebleeds
  • Flushing (feeling of warmth)
  • Burning, tingling, numbness in the arms, hands, feet, or legs
  • Back, leg, arm, or muscle pain
  • Changes in color vision
  • Light sensitivity
  • Nasal congestion
  • Skin rash
  • Skin redness

There are also some contraindications or situations where people should avoid taking a certain medication that must be taken into consideration before mixing Adderall with Viagra. 

“Factors such as your age, existing medical conditions, and other medications you’re taking can also play a role in how you might feel when mixing both medications,” Dr. Shusterman explains. “For instance, older adults might feel the side effects more, and if you already have certain medical conditions, such as heart problems or liver or kidney issues, you might be at a greater risk for side effects.”

In addition to contraindications, there are drug interactions for Adderall and Viagra that could cause some unwanted side effects. 

Some of the many drugs that interact with Adderall include:

  • Acidifying agents
  • Adrenergic blocker
  • Alkalinizing agents 
  • Antidepressants 
  • Chlorpromazine 
  • Haloperidol 
  • MAO inhibitors
  • Antihistamines
  • Antihypertensives
  • Norepinephrine
  • Propoxyphene
  • Veratrum alkaloids

Viagra drug interactions include:

  • Cimetidine 
  • St. John’s wort
  • Nitrates
  • Alpha-blockers
  • Medications that treat high blood pressure
  • Enzyme inhibitors
  • Enzyme inducers
  • Guanylate cyclase stimulators

“Tell your doctors which prescription, over-the-counter, and other medications you take to help prevent possible interactions,” Dr. Dasgupta says. 

FAQs for Adderall and Viagra

Here are some frequently asked questions about sildenafil and Adderall:

Can I take Viagra with ADHD?

According to medical experts, it’s not recommended that you take ED drugs like Viagra with ADHD. If you’re having ED issues, please consult with your healthcare provider to discuss alternatives to Viagra prescription medication. 

Can you take ED meds with Adderall?

Taking ED meds like Viagra with Adderall may increase your risk of unpleasant side effects, such as increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure. 

What medications should not be taken with ADHD?

If you have ADHD, you may need to avoid any medications that can interact with the prescription drug Adderall. Please consult with your doctor for professional medical advice and information on which medications are safe to mix with Adderall.

Sources