Coffee and Vyvanse are two stimulant medications commonly found in people’s diets. But can these two stimulants be taken together? That is a question that many people are asking and the truth is that, depending on the individual, taking coffee alongside Vyvanse( or any stimulant for that matter) may cause more harm than good. So before you dive into drinking coffee alongside taking Vyvanse, it’s important to understand the effects that these two stimulants have on the body.
Effects of Coffee
Coffee is considered a stimulant, meaning that it can have a physical and mental effect on the individual. Caffeine— the stimulant found in coffee— is known to increase alertness and help with physical activity. The effects of caffeine can be felt almost immediately and peak at thirty minutes after its consumption.
Coffee is also known to give people more energy, reduce fatigue and make them more alert and able to focus on tasks for longer. It can even result in improved physical performance on exercise if taken in the right amount.
However, it is important to note that coffee can have some side effects. For example, it can cause jitteriness, irritability, headaches, nausea, and an elevated heart rate. Too much caffeine can negatively affect one’s concentration and mental health, as well as put a strain on the body.
Effects of Vyvanse
Vyvanse is a stimulant medication that contains lisdexamfetamine, a substance that is commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This medication works by affecting the levels of chemicals in the brain, in particular dopamine and norepinephrine. It is believed that these chemicals help modulate the activity of the neural pathways.
Vyvanse is known to have a long-lasting effect on the individual, with its effects being felt for hours after being taken. Some of the effects that it can have include improved focus, increased energy levels, improved motivation, and better memory. It can also reduce long-term symptoms of ADHD, such as impulsivity and hyperactivity.
However, just like coffee, there are some side effects associated with Vyvanse too. These include irritability, nausea and headaches, as well as an increased heart rate and blood pressure. It can also lead to dependency over time and can cause withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped abruptly.
Can I Drink Coffee with Vyvanse?
Although there is not much information available on the effects of taking Vyvanse and coffee together, experts recommend that individuals should not mix these two stimulants. The reason for this is that they will both have synergistic effects on the body, meaning that the combined effects could be greater than the sum of the individual effects.
Coffee can already have some side effects on its own, and when consumed in conjunction with Vyvanse, these side effects could be further exacerbated. This could lead to an increased risk of hypertension, palpitations, and even anxiety. Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking coffee if you are taking Vyvanse – or any other stimulant for that matter.
Alternatives to Coffee
Although it might be difficult for someone who is used to having a cup of coffee or two every morning, there are some alternatives available for those who wish to stay away from caffeine without compromising on the effects of stimulating their body.
If someone wants to reduce caffeine and potentially enjoy lower doses of stimulants, they can consume green tea, which is also known to have energising effects but with much lower doses of caffeine. Green tea can also have a calming effect, as it contains compounds known as l-theanine and catechins. Additionally, consuming whole fruits and vegetables will give the boost of energy needed and will also provide the body with helpful vitamins and minerals.
Exercise, mindfulness and yoga are also great alternatives to stimulants for those who wish to get a natural energy boost. These activities are known to increase energy levels and improve mental focus without having to rely on chemicals or stimulants.
Final Thoughts
It is important to remember that everyone’s body is different and what might be fine for one person might not be the same for the other. It is therefore important to listen to your body and find out what works for you. If you find that mixing Vyvanse and coffee is not working for you, be sure to look for alternatives that work better for you.
Conclusion
Taking coffee alongside Vyvanse can have potential risks. The effects of the two stimulants together can be greater than the sum of their individual effects, leading to increased risk of hypertension, palpitations, and anxiety. Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking coffee if one is taking Vyvanse. There are other alternatives to coffee that can be explored, such as green tea and whole foods, and even activities such as exercise, mindfulness and yoga that can provide an energy boost naturally. It is important to remember to listen to your body and find out what works for you.
