It is not safe to mix weed and Vyvanse. Mixing these substances can lead to complex interactions, particularly concerning heart health, mental health, and cognitive ability.
The Different Effects of Weed and Vyvanse
You might rely on Vyvanse to focus during the day, but also wonder what will happen if you smoke weed at night. It’s a real concern, since the two drugs work in opposite ways and can cause unexpected effects on your health.
Vyvanse, a stimulant prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating disorder, works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) to improve focus and attention. On the other hand, weed (derived from the cannabis plant) can have a wide range of effects depending on the strain, dose, and individual response, ranging from relaxation and euphoria to anxiety and impaired cognitive function.
It’s important to be aware of the risks of combining these substances. In this article, Avenues Recovery will look at how Vyvanse interacts with cannabis, including marijuana (weed), THC, and CBD, drawing on our daily experience assisting individuals trying to stop using these drugs.
Can I Smoke Weed on ADHD Medication?
It can be unsafe to smoke weed while on ADHD medication. You may want to take weed to improve your sleep or feel calmer whilst taking Vyvanse for ADHD, however it might not work the way you want it to.
ADHD meds like Vyvanse are stimulants, while weed has unpredictable effects, and mixing them can put extra stress on your body. Below, we’ll explain the specific risks and why doctors recommend avoiding this combination.
Why Is It Dangerous to Mix Vyvanse and Weed?
Mixing Vyvanse and weed can be dangerous, as it can lead to serious heart problems. Vyvanse raises heart rate and blood pressure, and when taken with weed, these effects only multiply.
Another downside of combining these substances is while Vyvanse enhances focus and reduces hyperactivity, cannabis can cause problems with focus and ruin the benefits of Vyvanse.
Given the limited research on their combined use, it is crucial to consult healthcare providers before mixing these substances to avoid potentially harmful consequences.
If you or a loved one are mixing weed and Vyvanse to get through daily life and would like guidance on how to stop, reach out to us at Avenues Recovery for a compassionate, judgment-free conversation.
What Is Vyvanse?
Vyvanse is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. It is mainly used to treat ADHD in children and adults, and moderate to severe binge eating disorder (BED) in adults. Vyvanse affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Common side effects of Vyvanse can include:
- Decreased appetite
- Dry mouth
- Sleep disturbances
- Faster heartbeat
What is Weed?
"Weed" is a common slang term for marijuana, a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant. Marijuana has chemical compounds known as cannabinoids, with the two most well-known being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the psychoactive effects or "high" associated with marijuana use, while CBD is known for its potential therapeutic effects without causing a high. Marijuana can be eaten, smoked, vaped, and used as a tincture or ointment. The effects of marijuana can vary based on the strain, dosage, and individual tolerance.
Common effects of marijuana include:
- Euphoria
- Relaxation
- Altered perception of time and space
- Increased appetite ("the munchies")
- Impaired memory and coordination
Medically, marijuana is used to treat a variety of conditions, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Nausea
- Nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
- Muscle spasms in multiple sclerosis
- Some types of epilepsy
What Is the Legal Status of Weed?
The legal status of weed varies by country and, within the United States, by state. Some places have legalized weed for recreational and/or medical use, while others maintain strict prohibitions. While weed can have therapeutic benefits, it also carries risks, including impaired cognitive and motor function, anxiety and paranoia, potential for addiction (cannabis use disorder), and respiratory issues from smoking.
What Are the Side Effects of Mixing Weed and Vyvanse?
Smoking weed while on Vyvanse is always risky. Below are some of the common side effects that you should be aware of if considering mixing the drugs:
- Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure: Both Vyvanse and marijuana can increase heart rate and blood pressure. Mixing Vyvanse and weed can exacerbate this, leading to an increased risk of heart problems like a fast heart rate, increased blood pressure, and in severe cases, a heart attack or stroke.
- Mental Health Effects: Vyvanse is a stimulant, while marijuana has psychoactive properties. Mixing them can lead to unpredictable effects on mood and mental state. This combination can increase anxiety, paranoia, and agitation, and may exacerbate symptoms of mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder.
- Cognitive Difficulties: Vyvanse is intended to improve focus and attention in individuals with ADHD, but marijuana can make it harder to focus and think. Mixing the two can result in decreased efficacy of Vyvanse as well as overall cognitive impairment, making it harder to concentrate and complete daily activities.
- Risk of Substance Abuse: Both Vyvanse and marijuana have the potential for abuse. Mixing them can increase the risk of developing a dependency or addiction to one or both substances. This can be a significant problem for people with a history of substance abuse.
- Unpredictable Side Effects: The combination of Vyvanse and weed can lead to unpredictable side effects, as each person's body reacts differently to specific drugs. These side effects can include nausea, dizziness, headaches, and stomach problems.
- Psychiatric Effects: Mixing Vyvanse and weed can lead to severe psychiatric effects such as hallucinations, delusions, and extreme mood swings. These effects can be dangerous, especially if they result in harmful thoughts or behaviors.
- Interactions with Other Medications: If you are taking other medications in addition to Vyvanse, adding marijuana to the mix can increase the risk of drug interactions, leading to additional side effects or reduced effectiveness of the medications.
What Is the Treatment for Vyvanse and Weed Abuse?
Treating Vyvanse and weed abuse involves a comprehensive approach that addresses both the physical and psychological aspects of substance use.
Here are the key steps in the treatment process:
- Comprehensive Assessment: A thorough evaluation by a healthcare provider to assess the extent of substance use, underlying mental health conditions, and overall physical health.
- Diagnosis: Identifying any co-occurring disorders, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, is crucial for effective treatment.
- Medical Detox: In some cases, medically supervised detox in a facility like Avenues Recovery may be necessary to safely manage withdrawal symptoms, from Vyvanse in particular. This process can help prevent complications and provide support during the initial phase of stopping Vyvanse.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps individuals understand and change their patterns of thinking and behavior related to substance use.
- Medications: In some cases, medications may be prescribed to manage withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, or treat co-occurring mental health conditions. For example, non-stimulant medications might be used for ADHD to avoid the risk of Vyvanse abuse.
- Individual Counseling: One-on-one sessions with a therapist to address personal issues related to substance use and develop coping strategies.
- Group Therapy: Participating in group therapy sessions can provide peer support and a sense of community, which can benefit recovery.
- Healthy Habits: Engaging in regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep to improve overall well-being.
- Stress Management: Learning techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation exercises.
- Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding people, places, and situations that trigger substance use.
- Support Networks: Building a strong network of friends, family, and peers who encourage and support sobriety.
Vyvanse and Weed Addiction Treatment at Avenues Recovery
If you’re taking Vyvanse and thinking about using weed, getting informed is the first step toward safety. Avenues Recovery offers treatment and support for individuals dealing with substance use, helping you take control and make choices that protect your health and wellbeing.
Our highly professional staff have helped over 40,000 individuals break free of their addictions, and they can help you too. Contact Avenues Recovery today to join our vibrant recovery community and to begin your journey to the sober future of your dreams.
You can find your way home today.
FAQs About Mixing Weed and Vyvanse
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Can you mix CBD and Vyvanse?
Even though CBD is non-psychoactive and interactions with ADHD stimulants are rare, CBD oil can slightly affect how your body metabolizes Vyvanse. This may increase jitteriness or sleep disturbances. Always check with a healthcare provider before combining them, and monitor for any unusual side effects.
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Can THC affect Vyvanse?
THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, works by interacting with receptors in the brain and nervous system. While it does not directly change how Vyvanse is metabolized, THC can counteract Vyvanse’s focus-enhancing effects and may increase heart rate, blood pressure, anxiety, or mood changes.
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What substances should you avoid mixing with Vyvanse?
It is advisable to avoid mixing Vyvanse with recreational substances that affect the brain and heart, such as weed, cocaine, or MDMA. Combining these with Vyvanse can increase heart rate and blood pressure, worsen anxiety or mood changes, and cause unpredictable effects on focus and cognitive function.
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What medications should you not take with weed?
It’s best to avoid using weed with medications that may interact, including stimulants (like Vyvanse), blood thinners, antidepressants, seizure medications, and certain heart medications. These interactions can reduce effectiveness or increase side effects, so always consult a healthcare professional.
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Can mixing weed and Vyvanse increase the risk of dependency?
Yes, mixing weed and Vyvanse increases the risk of dependency as both substances have the potential for abuse. Using them together can also make it harder to manage ADHD symptoms safely.