Can You Take Workout Supplements While on Adderall?

Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) can be a godsend for people who have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but this prescription drug may complicate things for serious athletes who take workout supplements.

Competitive athletes frequently use supplements to stay in peak performance mode, and taking Adderall as well may cause problems. Some supplements may affect how well Adderall is absorbed in the body, while others may cause dangerous side effects. To be safe, don't take any supplement without first discussing it with your healthcare providers.

Energy Supplements

Any supplement that’s meant to boost your energy is not recommended if you're taking Adderall. Adderall is an amphetamine and can cause side effects like nervousness, insomnia, rapid heartbeat, mania, and irritability on its own, according to MedlinePlus.

Adding another layer of stimulation from some of the ingredients commonly found in exercise supplements, such as caffeine, increases your risk of these side effects, according to the Attention Deficit Disorders Association.

Many sports supplements contain other stimulants meant to enhance performance or promote weight loss, so read the labels of all of your supplements carefully. Better yet, take each of your supplements to your pharmacist so they can make sure they won't react with Adderall.

Amino Acids

Amino acid supplementation is common among athletes, and it's another example of why it's so important to tell your doctor about everything you're taking.

Amino acids may seem harmless — they're the building blocks of protein, after all. But the amino acid L-glutamine, commonly found in supplements, may interact with Adderall, according to MedlinePlus.

Don't use any amino acid supplement without consulting with your doctor.

Protein Supplements

Although amino acid supplements should be used with caution, whole protein shakes are usually fine to use with Adderall. A whey protein shake, for example, has a much lower concentration of each amino acid than an individual amino acid supplement, and doesn't typically contain L-glutamine.

Protein shakes can help you avoid unwanted weight loss and retain muscle mass while you're taking Adderall; weight-gain formulas can help you combat the loss of appetite by packing a lot of calories into a single, compact beverage.

Still, it's important to tell your healthcare providers if you’re drinking protein shakes. Again, it’s a good idea to read the ingredients on the label to make sure there are no “extras” that may cause interactions or possibly affect how well your body absorbs Adderall.