Can You Take Propranolol And Adderall Together?
In our latest question and answer, the pharmacist discusses whether propranolol interacts with Adderall (amphetamine salts).
I am prescribed propranolol 10mg. My doctor has also prescribed Adderall 10mg. Can these medications be taken together?
Sep 29, 2022- Propranolol and Adderall have conflicting effects on heart rate and blood pressure, with Adderall potentially counteracting propranolol's benefits.
- Both medications can be used together when necessary, but only under direct supervision of your doctor to monitor for side effects like high blood pressure or irregular heart rate.
- It is important to monitor your response to the medications if you are taking both together.
Answer
Thanks for reaching out to us! Propranolol and Adderall don't necessarily interact with one another, but they do have some conflicting effects.
Propranolol is a beta-blocker and is used for a variety of indications, including high blood pressure and anxiety. Adderall works on a number of different receptors in the body and can increase blood pressure, increase heart rate, and overall, antagonize the effects of propranolol. This could potentially lead to some side effects, such as:
- High blood pressure
- increased or decreased heart rate
- Heart block (rare)
Propranolol and Adderall should be used in combination cautiously, under the direct supervision of a health care provider. There are certainly cases where both are used together and represent the best therapy for someone, but again, it should be under the direction of your doctor.
What Is Propranolol?
Propranolol is a beta blocker that is used most commonly for hypertension, migraine prophylaxis, and atrial fibrillation. It can also help with symptoms of anxiety. Propranolol should be given with meals and at bedtime when taking the immediate-release formulation. The extended-release formulation should be taken at bedtime. Common side effects associated with taking propranolol include but are not limited to:
- Bradycardia
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Upset stomach
- Hypotension
- Palpitations
What Is Adderall?
Adderall is a combination stimulant that is most commonly used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Both regular-release tablets, as well as extended-release capsules, should be given in the morning immediately after waking.
If additional doses of regular release tablets are to be taken during the day, they should be given at least 6 hours before bedtime to avoid insomnia. Common side effects associated with taking Adderall include but are not limited to:
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Abdominal pain
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Nausea
Final Words
If Adderall and propranolol are used together, it is important to monitor your response to the medications.
Thanks for reaching out to us! Please do so anytime!
References & sources
Glossary — Terms in This Answer
- Beta-blocker
- A medication that slows heart rate and reduces blood pressure by blocking certain nerve signals in the heart.
- Antagonize
- To work against or oppose the effects of something else.
- Hypertension
- High blood pressure, a condition where blood pressure is consistently elevated.
- Migraine prophylaxis
- Treatment taken to prevent migraines from occurring rather than treating them after they start.
- Atrial fibrillation
- An irregular heartbeat where the upper chambers of the heart beat abnormally fast and out of rhythm.
- Bradycardia
- An abnormally slow heart rate, typically below 60 beats per minute.
- Hypotension
- Low blood pressure, a condition where blood pressure falls below normal levels.
- Palpitations
- A sensation of feeling your heartbeat, which may feel rapid, fluttering, or pounding.
Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Doctor of Pharmacy, board certified clinical pharmacist (BCPS), American Herbalist Guild, Medication Therapy Management certified
Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS, is a licensed pharmacist with more than 13 years of experience across retail pharmacy, clinical pharmacy, medication safety, pharmacy program development, and healthcare administration. He is the founder of HelloPharmacist.com, where he helps patients...
More answers from Brian →