Diagnosed With ADHD. Taking Vyvance And Focalin. Can I Have Vitamin C And Dairy Products?

Posted on Sat, 2 Mar 2013

Question: My 13 year old son was recently diagnosed with ADHD and has been called "Twice Exceptional XXXXXXX because his IQ starts around 150. He is currently taking 30 mg of Vyvance and 15 mg of Focalin (not at the same time). The results have been outstanding. Recently I have read that certain foods (vitamin C and dairy) can prevent the medicine from having full affects. How can I know when he can take these, since some of his favorite food is cheese and fruit juice?

Answered by Dr. Ashish Mittal (6 hours later)

Hello,
Thanks for your query.

I appreciate your efforts for medical consultation in current situation.

Important aspects of your query are:
•     13 year old
•     Known case of ADHD
•     Responding well to Vyvance (30mg) and Focalin (15mg)
•     Concern related to effect of medicine in presence of certain food like vitamin C and dairy.

Food product can affect any medicine effect by following means:
-By affecting its absorption
-Causing reaction in presence of medicine
-Having effect opposite to medicine

Food like vitamin C and dairy affect the absorption of medicine used for ADHD specially Vyvance.

As your son responding well with medicine which indicate adequate absorption of medicines, so there is no need to worry. Just keep gap of 1-2 hours with medicines and these foods (vitamin C and dairy) to have maximum absorption of medicines.

I hope this information has been both informative and helpful for you. In case of any doubt, I will be available for follow ups.

Wish you good health.
Regards,

Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar