Can you combine creatine and Adderall?
Adderall should only be taken when prescribed, and supplementing with creatine should be done cautiously. Make sure to monitor your symptoms to see if creatine is altering the effects of Adderall.
What Is Creatine?
Creatine is a naturally occurring amino acid crucial to the body's energy production. Primarily stored in the skeletal muscles as phosphocreatine, creatine generates adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the body's primary energy currency. Creatine is used mainly during high-intensity, short-duration exercises like weightlifting or sprinting, where glucose cannot reach the muscle quickly [1, 2].
Creatine is synthesized in the liver, pancreas, and kidneys. It can also be obtained through dietary sources, mainly from animal products like red meat and fish or supplements [2, 3].
Creatine's metabolite, creatinine, is a standard measure in blood tests. A normal range is between 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL in men and 0.6 to 1.1 mg/dL in women. A value above this can indicate kidney problems, excretion deficits or dehydration.
Creatine supplements, available in powders, liquids, and tablets, are popular among athletes and bodybuilders for their potential to enhance athletic performance. They work by increasing the amount of creatine available in your muscles, which may help generate more energy, increase muscle mass, and improve strength and power [2, 5].
In addition to its role in physical performance, creatine has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits in neurodegenerative diseases, congestive heart failure, and certain metabolic disorders. Preliminary evidence suggests that creatine could support muscle wasting, which would help across these conditions. However, the proof of these benefits is still preliminary, and more research is needed [6, 7].
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription medication that is primarily used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sometimes narcolepsy, a condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness [8, 9, 10, 11]. It is a combination of two drugs, dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, which are central nervous system stimulants [9, 10, 11].
Adderall works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two critical neurotransmitters in your brain [8, 9, 11]. This stimulates your central nervous system, increasing energy levels and alertness and improving concentration, memory, and organization [9, 11].
Adderall is a brand name of the generic amphetamine salt combo, which has the same effects as Adderall [11].
Important
Adderall is a controlled substance that can be highly addictive and has the potential to be abused. It should only be taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
Combining Creatine and Adderall: Pros and Cons
There have not been any direct studies looking at the physiological effects of combining creatine and Adderall, or amphetamines, in humans.
Critically, Adderall is a controlled substance, which would flag positive on doping tests, compared to creatine, which is a nutritional supplement available for widespread use [12].
Creatine supplementation can also have effects on cognitive abilities, but the evidence is mixed. Some studies show potential benefits while others find no significant impact.
Based on the biological effects of creatine and Adderall, there are plausible benefits of supplementing creatine when prescribed Adderall for ADHD.
- Creatine can help prevent unwanted weight loss when taking Adderall through its peripheral properties.
On the other hand, there are disadvantages to combining creatine and Adderall:
- Taking too much Adderall or creatine together can enhance the stimulant effects of Adderall, which can result in accelerated heart rate, high blood pressure and anxiety.
- Creatine is a type of amino acid which could change the way the body metabolises Adderall, which will impact the benefits and side effects of taking Adderall.
- Metamphetamines, which act similarly to Adderall, have been shown to reduce creatine levels in the blood. This indicates that Adderall can make creatine less effective [13].
- In one case study, Adderall increased muscle breakdown, which increased the body’s endogenous creatine levels [14].
What Else Do Adderall And Creatine Interact With?
Adderall can interact with certain other medications or chemicals. For example:
- acidifying agents
- alkalinizing agents
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- opioids [15].
- including SSRIs, SNRIs and bupropion. Antidepressants can exacerbate symptoms of ADHD, so make sure to follow expert advice on this point.
On the other hand, creatine, a nutritional compound, has been shown to influence cognitive processing and neuroprotection. It acts as a neuromodulator and can interact with various receptors in the nervous system [16].
While there is no direct evidence of an interaction between creatine and Adderall, it's important to note that both substances can interact with other medications and substances. Therefore, consulting with a healthcare provider before combining these two substances is crucial to avoid potential adverse effects.
Summary: Creatine and Adderall
In conclusion, both Adderall and creatine can enhance sports performance in isolation. Taking creatine and Adderall together is not recommended, as the side effects outweigh the benefits of combining Adderall and creatine.
It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional first, as they can provide personalized advice based on your health history and prescribed medications.