ADHD Medications and Alcohol Interactions

Medically reviewed by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD. Last updated on July 10, 2025.

Key Takeaways

• Stimulant drugs (like Adderall, Ritalin, or Vyvanse) or central alpha agonists (Kapvay, Intuniv) used to treat ADHD can interact with alcohol and may cause side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, heart problems or further trouble with concentration. You should avoid drinking alcohol or using medicine that contains alcohol while taking these medications.
• Teenagers and young adults may be especially at risk of drug interactions with ADHD medications if they drink alcohol or have a history of drug abuse.
• Due to central nervous system side effects, avoid driving, operating hazardous machinery or engaging in other dangerous activities until you know how any ADHD medicine affects you, and never drink and drive.

What is ADHD?

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a mental health disorder that can affect adults, teens, and children. Symptoms can include:

• trouble paying attention
• restlessness
• hyperactivity
• impulsive behavior

Children can have difficulties with homework, may be disruptive in the classroom setting, and have trouble getting along with others. Adult ADHD can lead to unstable relationships, poor work performance, and a low self-esteem. Genetics and the environment both appear to have a causative role in ADHD.

What are the common treatments for ADHD?

Treatments for ADHD typically involve medication, education, training and counseling. A combination of these options is often the most effective treatment. These treatments can relieve many symptoms of ADHD, but ADHD is a lifelong condition that can be managed, but not cured.

Stimulant medications, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and the mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall XR, Mydayis) are often used as treatment options for ADHD, but other classes are available and may be used in combination. Azstarys (dexmethylphenidate and serdexmethylphenidate) is a combination agent approved for patients 6 years of age and older. Stimulants, used for decades for the treatment of ADHD, are effective in roughly 80% of patients.

The central alpha agonists such as clonidine (Kapvay) or guanfacine (Intuniv) are other options.

Atomoxetine (Strattera) and viloxazine (Qelbree), are non-stimulant adrenergic reuptake inhibitors approved to treat ADHD. Qelbree is used patients 6 years of age and older.

Alcohol use and teens with ADHD

According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), alcohol is the most common drug used by people ages 12 to 20 years of age in the U.S. Teenagers and young adults may be especially at risk of drug interactions with ADHD medications if they drink alcohol or have a history of drug abuse. Plus, young people who drink alcohol are more likely to develop conditions affecting their safety, health and overall well-being.

Amphetamine-containing medicines and methylphenidate (also called CNS stimulants) have a high risk for abuse and can cause physical and psychological dependence. You should discuss your (or your child's) present and past use of alcohol with your healthcare provider before starting treatment for ADHD.

Can alcohol be used with ADHD medications?

Stimulants for ADHD

In general, you should NOT use alcohol or medications that contain alcohol while taking a CNS stimulant (for example: any form of methylphenidate or the mixed amphetamine salts). If you are not sure if your medicine is a stimulant or has an interaction with alcohol, ask your doctor or pharmacist before you mix the two.

Certain stimulants can cause a variety of negative central nervous system side or heart side effects when mixed with alcohol. Dizziness, drowsiness, impaired concentration or coordination, anxiety, depression and seizures may occur. Driving or operating equipment may be hazardous.

An elevated risk for heart problems like a rapid heart rate, chest pain, or a heart attack may occur when alcohol is mixed with the amphetamine derivatives (which include amphetamine, dextroamphetamine and lisdexamfetamine). Avoid alcohol with amphetamine derivatives, especially if you have a history of heart disease.

Long-acting ADHD medicines

A serious interaction may occur with certain long-acting stimulants used for ADHD (for example, Metadate CD or Ritalin LA) if combined with alcohol. Alcohol may cause the medication to be released too quickly into your body and can lead to dangerous side effects and overdose. Avoid alcohol while using a long-acting stimulant. 

In studies, when Ritalin LA was combined with alcohol at a concentration of 40%, there was a 98% release of methylphenidate in the first hour. With Metadate CD, 84% of the methylphenidate was released within the first hour when combined with alcohol.

Non-stimulants for ADHD

Non-stimulants are an option for people who do not respond well to stimulants or cannot use them due to side effects. They might be selected as a first-line option for people who have a history of drug abuse. Non-stimulants include medicines like atomoxetine (Strattera), clonidine (Kapvay), guanfacine (Intuniv) and viloxazine (Qelbree).

Central alpha agonists like clonidine or guanfacine treatment should be avoided with alcohol. Although these products are not stimulants, side effects when combined with alcohol can include central nervous system (CNS) depression, low blood pressure, headache, changes in heart rate or pulse, drowsiness, dizziness, fainting or injuries from falls.

Atomoxetine (Strattera) is an adrenergic reuptake inhibitor that is not classified as a stimulant. The manufacturer states that consumption of alcohol with atomoxetine did not change the intoxicating effects of alcohol. Discuss the combined use of atomoxetine (Strattera) with alcohol with your doctor before you mix them.

Related: How does Strattera work and what's its MOA?

Table of Common ADHD Medications

Learn more: View drug interactions (in more detail) between ADHD medications and alcohol (ethanol)

*Note: This is not a complete list of ADHD medicines. Always check with your pharmacist or other healthcare provider for possible drug-alcohol interactions. Tell them about all the other medications you use, including prescription, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements and herbal products.

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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