Drug interactions
Dextroamphetamine + Ethanol
Severity: Moderate
Dextroamphetamine and Ethanol: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Amphetamine can mask the subjective sedation and intoxication of alcohol, so people may drink more and underestimate impairment. Alcohol's depressant effects and motor impairment persist, while the combination adds cardiovascular strain.
What this interaction means in plain words
Dextroamphetamine and Ethanol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Opposing central nervous system effects, with the stimulant masking perceived alcohol impairment; additive cardiovascular stress.
What to do
Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking amphetamines and not to rely on feeling alert when judging fitness to drive. Counsel about the risk of overconsumption and cardiovascular effects.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Dextroamphetamine
- Dextroamphetamine + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Linezolid Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Methylene blue Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Rasagiline Contraindicated
- Dextroamphetamine + Safinamide Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Dextroamphetamine with Ethanol?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Dextroamphetamine and Ethanol can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Amphetamine can mask the subjective sedation and intoxication of alcohol, so people may drink more and underestimate impairment. Alcohol's depressant effects and motor impairment persist, while the combination adds cardiovascular strain.
How serious is the interaction between Dextroamphetamine and Ethanol?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Advise patients to avoid alcohol while taking amphetamines and not to rely on feeling alert when judging fitness to drive. Counsel about the risk of overconsumption and cardiovascular effects.
What other medicines interact with Dextroamphetamine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Dextroamphetamine with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Methylene blue. The full list is on the Dextroamphetamine page.
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