Vitamin C?

Will taking Vitamin C or drinking fruit/vegetable juice reduce the effectiveness of Adderall XR?

• In my prescription pamphlet it says Vitamin C and fruit juice could reduce the absorption of Adderall XR. I'm guessing this is because of the acidic properties of Vitamin C. Does this mean if I take Vitamin C or drink juice at all while I am on Adderall it will reduce the absorption? Will the Adderall be far along enough in my body to drink juice or take Vitamin C later in the day? Also, I know coffee is pretty acidic, so would coffee do the same thing? Thanks.

• Answer:

  You should be fine drinking juice, just don't over-do it. The absorption and elimination of Adderall is affected by stomach and urine pH. Things like anti-acids can increase active levels of the amphetamines in your blood. Taking a few tums can cause over dose symptoms. The reverse is true for more acidic things like juice. However, your stomach pH is generally already low (acidic.) Since it is already leaning in that direction (acidic) things which are alkaline (basic, opposite of acidic) have a greater effect. You should be ok with a glass of juice taken with breakfast or later in the day. Coffee is actually significantly less acidic than most fruit juices. Also, most drinks like Coke and Pepsi products are very acidic. If you've had a carbonated drink while taking that medication then fruit juices won't be much different. Coffee should have the least effect on absorption.