Propranolol And Adderall: What Happens When You Mix These Drugs?

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Propranolol and Adderall are two strong medications. Though taken for different causes, they are both known to alleviate the condition they are taken for. What about taking them together? Can it be beneficial in any way? We must know what happens.

Through this article, we aim to give a clear picture of what would happen if you mix Propranolol and Adderall. Our discussion might also give you answers about its use for anxiety and ADHD. If you are someone who likes answers, this might just be what you are looking for. Read on to find out more about this.

What is Propranolol?

Propranolol

Before we look into both Proponalol and Adderall interactions, we might just want to see what each of them is. Propranolol belongs to a class of drugs known to relieve pains in angina, heart rhythm disorders, and cardiovascular troubles. Often classified as beta-blockers, these are sometimes prescribed to curb other conditions like anxiety, shivering, and migraines.

Propranolol is a prescription drug but its sale is not restricted. We will tell you why. That is because it has no stimulating properties like the latter which is extremely helpful when it comes to awakening your brain cells and the system. In any case, it cannot be taken without a proper doctor’s advice. 

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a mixture of two medicines including Ampehtamines and dextroamphetamine. They are primarily from a class of medications that stimulate the nervous system when you have narcolepsy or ADHD. Many also use it recreationally, making it a controlled substance in many areas of the world. 

Adderall stimulates the way your body’s receptors may react to certain stimuli. People with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Deficit find it difficult to concentrate and therefore taking Adderall in a regulated manner can be helpful for them. Narcolepsy patients also experience the same effect.

Drug interactions between Adderall and Propranolol

Propranolol and Adderall are known to have strong side effects when used together. They both work from opposite sides of the healing wheel which makes them counter interactive. This could pose a little problem for those who take both medications. However, why are they on opposite sides anyway?

Firstly, both medications, have very different effects on the heart. While propranolol can decrease blood pressure and prevent the heart from stopping, Adderall is known to stimulate it further and cause the blood pressure to rise. When this happens, the heart could go haywire and the problems can be more than anticipated.

Secondly, taking propranolol and Adderall together could give rise to cardiovascular problems like unregulated heart rhythms and severe chest pain. Those with pre-existing conditions could be vulnerable more than others who are not. Furthermore, their interaction with each other cannot be discounted as it can vary. Lastly, we might want to pay a little attention to what may affect our thinking system.

Propranolol and Adderall for ADHD

Adding Propanolol and Adderall as medication for ADHD cannot be considered the right course of treatment for ADHD. ADHD is a mental condition where the person finds themselves unable to pay attention to something. They cannot seem to concentrate on a particular topic or subject for that matter.

According to the researchers, this happens when the brain is not able to decipher the correct nerve signals and therefore needs a stimulant at play which Adderall is. But when it comes to Propranolol, things change a lot. On the other hand, it prevents the neurotransmitters from secreting unwanted hormones as they are beta blockers.

Propranolol and Adderall for anxiety

Propranolol and Adderall together cannot be considered for managing anxiety either. However, certain conditions do compel the doctor to prescribe each of them individually. Propranolol can help individuals with anxiety to overcome their fear by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the receptors. Adderall on the other hand, is sometimes prescribed to manage anxiety by increasing alertness and focus.

To give it a better perspective, anxiety is a mental disorder that makes it difficult for the person to attend any social event or personal conversation. Their adrenaline level shoots through the roof and this shuts their mind. But with the right amount of Propranolol in your body your anxiety could be covered effectively.

Propranolol and Adderall together: Is it safe?

No. Propranolol and Adderall shouldn’t be taken together under any circumstance. Propranolol and Adderall affect the central nervous system but in different ways. While the former makes you sleepy the latter is known to awaken you. This means they are working in opposite directions.

Propranolol and Adderall could also be harmful as they can increase the potential of side effects in each case. This includes frequent episodes of dizziness and insomnia combined with fatigue and gastrointestinal problems. Although this could show up when the medicines are eaten in isolation, the degree could be multiplied when they are taken together.

Even when the doctor suggests taking Propranolol and Adderall together, it is important to keep the patient under constant observation. They should be closely monitored for any changing symptoms including heart health and anxiety which is often aggravated. Any side effect should warrant an immediate stoppage of the medications.

Bottom Line

Propranolol and Adderall are known to be effective for their respective troubles. Propranolol can help alleviate the symptoms of heart attack and Adderall treats ADHD. However, certain people would like to mix both of them.

But as expected mixing them is not the right way to go. It could open a whole bag of new problems. It is mostly because both of them belong to very different classes of medicines and their effect on our body is also relatively altered. That is why it is important to know what you are eating when you do.

To make it effective the way it did, you should always follow the instructions given by your doctor. Self-medication is not an option here as it could be harmful as stated above. So any side effect should be talked to a professional We mean, who would want to get that ill?

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Dr. David G Kiely is a distinguished Medical Reviewer and former General Medicine Consultant with a wealth of experience in the field. Dr. Kiely's notable career as a General Medicine Consultant highlights his significant contributions to the medical field.

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