Does Lexapro make Vyvanse less effective? (+5 foods that do)

This article will discuss whether Lexapro can make Vyvanse less effective and explore the interaction between these two drugs.

We will also look into what research says and factors that contribute to decreasing the effect of Vyvanse during treatment with Lexapro, as well as discuss what to do if you think Vyvanse is losing its effectiveness.

Does Lexapro make Vyvanse less effective?

No, Lexapro does not make Vyvanse less effective. Lexapro and Vyvanse are different medications used for different mental health conditions.

Lexapro, also known as escitalopram, is a serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used for major depressive disorder. Simultaneously, Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) is a stimulant amphetamine approved to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and binge eating disorders.

Although Lexapro does not decrease Vyvanse’s effect, it is essential to monitor the concomitant use of these medications closely due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Serotonin syndrome is an uncommon but dangerous condition that can occur when there is an excess of serotonin in your brain. It’s important to note that this side effect is relatively unusual, and most people can safely use these medications together under medical supervision.

How do Vyvanse and Lexapro interact?

Lexapro is an SSRI that primarily affects the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain, while Vyvanse is a stimulant medication that works on norepinephrine and dopamine. These medications have distinct mechanisms of action and neurotransmitter targets.

Lexapro and Vyvanse increase the effects of each other by affecting your neurotransmitter balance. When taken improperly, it may cause serotonin syndrome, a rare but dangerous condition where the amount of serotonin in your body becomes toxic (1).

Serotonin syndrome manifests as symptoms including disorientation, hallucination, seizures, significant fluctuations in blood pressure, elevated heart rate, fever, profuse sweating, tremors or shivering, impaired vision, muscle rigidity, lack of coordination, abdominal cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

In severe cases, it can even lead to loss of consciousness or death. If you have any of these symptoms during your treatment, it is imperative to contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Although it is common practice for doctors to prescribe Vyvanse and antidepressants (like Lexapro) together, since depression is frequently associated with ADHD, they will likely start treatment with low doses.

Starting your treatment with lower doses makes it easier to monitor and minimise side effects, as well as tailor the prescription to your specific needs.

What does research say?

Research (2) shows a lack of significant interaction between Lexapro and Vyvanse. Overall, most research and clinical experience suggest that escitalopram, when taken as prescribed, does not diminish the effectiveness of Vyvanse.

Vyvanse primarily works on norepinephrine and dopamine levels, while escitalopram primarily affects serotonin levels. These medications have different mechanisms of action and neurotransmitter targets, reducing the likelihood of significant interaction.

However, it’s essential to recognise that individuals can react differently to medications. While most people do not experience a significant decrease in Vyvanse’s effectiveness when taking Lexapro, there may be exceptions.

Factors such as individual variability, genetics, and other medications being taken concurrently can influence how these medications interact. You need to be open and transparent with your healthcare provider so they can assess the best treatment possible for you.

Which factors reduce Vyvanse’s effectiveness during Lexapro treatment?

Research shows that the consumption of acidic or vitamin C-rich products has the potential to interfere with the body’s process of converting Vyvanse into its active amphetamine form.

Like vitamin C, acidifying foods such as tomatoes, citrus fruits, grapes, plums, and oranges can influence the body’s medication absorption mechanism and potentially reduce Vyvanse’s effectiveness during your treatment with Lexapro.

The same works for acidifying medications like Cytra-K, potassium citrate, citric acid, Urocit K, and all supplements that contain vitamin C (3).

It is recommended to wait at least one hour before and after taking Vyvanse to ingest acidic foods and medication. The interference results not only in a shortened duration of Vyvanse’s effectiveness but also in a reduction of its capacity to manage ADHD symptoms.

What to do if you think Vyvanse is losing its effectiveness?

If you are taking Lexapro and Vyvanse and suspect a decrease in the effect of Vyvanse, it is recommended that you reach out to your healthcare provider, as they possess the expertise to assess your situation and make adjustments if necessary.

Other than that, you should make sure you are taking these medications in the best and most correct way possible to make sure they can reach their full potential.

To ensure the effectiveness of your treatment, it’s essential to take Vyvanse and Lexapro precisely as your doctor prescribes. Make sure you follow the instructions carefully.

Maintaining a well-balanced diet, staying hydrated, ensuring good sleep, and minimising stress are strategies that can improve the effectiveness of your medication.

To optimise the efficacy of Vyvanse, it is recommended that you keep a one-hour separation between taking vitamin C-rich foods or any other medications like vitamin C supplements that make the urine more acidic both before and after taking Vyvanse.

Conclusion

In this brief article, we have answered the question “Does Lexapro make Vyvanse less effective?” and other questions like “How do Lexapro and Vyvanse interact?” as well as discussed what research says about it and factors that can contribute to the decreased effectiveness of Vyvanse during treatment with Lexapro.

References