Vardenafil and Lisdexamfetamine: Can They Be Taken Together?
Learn about the interaction, what your prescriber checks, and how to use both medicines safely.
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Vardenafil and Lisdexamfetamine: Understanding the Interaction
Published: 1 November 2026
Many men wonder whether vardenafil and lisdexamfetamine can be taken together safely. Vardenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor used to treat erectile dysfunction, while lisdexamfetamine is a stimulant medication prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). No major direct interaction between these two medicines is commonly reported in clinical practice, but both can affect your cardiovascular system, so a prescriber must review your individual circumstances before confirming they are suitable for you together.
At a glance
What Is Vardenafil?
Vardenafil (the generic form of Levitra) is a prescription medicine licensed in the UK to treat erectile dysfunction in adult men [5]. It belongs to a group of medicines called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, which work by relaxing blood vessels in the penis, allowing increased blood flow when you are sexually aroused [5].
Vardenafil is available in 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg tablets and is usually taken about 25 to 60 minutes before sexual activity [5]. The effect can last for several hours, but you should not take it more than once in 24 hours. Like all PDE5 inhibitors, vardenafil requires sexual stimulation to work—it does not cause an automatic erection [5].
Common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, and indigestion. Vardenafil must never be taken with nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or recreational drugs known as 'poppers', as this combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure [5]. Your prescriber will check your medical history and current medicines to ensure vardenafil is safe for you.
What Is Lisdexamfetamine?
Lisdexamfetamine (brand name Elvanse in the UK) is a prescription-only stimulant medicine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children aged six years and over, adolescents, and adults [12]. It is a prodrug of dexamfetamine, meaning it is converted in the body into the active substance.
Lisdexamfetamine works by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters—particularly dopamine and noradrenaline—in the brain, which helps improve concentration, reduce impulsivity, and manage hyperactivity. It is usually taken once daily in the morning, and the effect lasts throughout the day.
Because lisdexamfetamine is a central nervous system stimulant, it can raise heart rate and blood pressure. Your prescriber will monitor your cardiovascular health regularly while you are taking it. Common side effects include decreased appetite, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, headache, and increased heart rate. Lisdexamfetamine is not licensed for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and should only be used for its approved indication under specialist supervision.
Why Men with ADHD May Seek ED Treatment
Some men taking lisdexamfetamine for ADHD may also experience erectile dysfunction. ED can have many causes, including psychological factors such as anxiety or stress, physical conditions like diabetes or cardiovascular disease, or as a side effect of certain medications [1]. ADHD itself, or the stress associated with managing the condition, may contribute to sexual difficulties in some men.
If you are experiencing ED while taking lisdexamfetamine, it is important to discuss this with your GP or prescriber. They can help identify the underlying cause and determine whether treatment with a PDE5 inhibitor such as vardenafil is appropriate for you. Do not stop taking your ADHD medication without medical advice, as this could affect your condition.
How Vardenafil and Lisdexamfetamine May Interact
There is no major direct pharmacological interaction between vardenafil and lisdexamfetamine that would make them absolutely contraindicated together. However, both medicines can affect your cardiovascular system, which means careful assessment is essential before they are used in combination.
Vardenafil works by dilating blood vessels, which can cause a modest reduction in blood pressure [5]. Lisdexamfetamine, as a stimulant, can increase heart rate and blood pressure. In theory, these opposing effects might balance each other out, but in practice the interaction is not predictable and varies between individuals. The concern is that the cardiovascular effects of both medicines together could lead to unwanted changes in blood pressure or heart rhythm.
Your prescriber will review your full medical history, current medications, and cardiovascular health before deciding whether it is safe for you to take vardenafil and lisdexamfetamine together. They may check your blood pressure, ask about any history of heart problems, and ensure that both medicines are clinically necessary and appropriately dosed. If you have any pre-existing heart condition, the combination requires particularly careful evaluation.
What you need to know
- No major direct interaction is reported between vardenafil and lisdexamfetamine, but both affect your cardiovascular system.
- A prescriber must review your heart health and blood pressure before confirming the combination is safe for you.
- Watch for dizziness, chest pain, or palpitations and report them promptly to your prescriber or GP.
- Never take vardenafil with nitrates, nicorandil, riociguat, or poppers—this is dangerous.
- Prescription medicines are only supplied after an online consultation reviewed by a UK prescriber.
What Your Prescriber Will Check
Before prescribing vardenafil to someone taking lisdexamfetamine, a UK prescriber will carry out a thorough clinical assessment. They will ask about your cardiovascular history, including any previous heart attack, stroke, angina, abnormal heart rhythms, or high blood pressure. They will also want to know about all your current medicines, including over-the-counter products and supplements.
Your prescriber will check your blood pressure and may ask about symptoms such as chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, or fainting. If you have any significant cardiovascular risk factors, they may recommend further tests or refer you to a specialist before starting vardenafil. The goal is to ensure that sexual activity itself is safe for you and that the combination of medicines does not pose an unacceptable risk [2].
You must be honest and complete in your answers during the consultation. Do not withhold information about recreational drug use, other medications, or health conditions, as this could lead to an unsafe prescription. If your prescriber decides that vardenafil is not suitable for you while taking lisdexamfetamine, they may suggest alternative treatments for erectile dysfunction or refer you back to your GP for further assessment.
Monitoring and Follow-Up
If you are prescribed vardenafil while taking lisdexamfetamine, your prescriber may recommend regular monitoring, particularly in the first few weeks. This might include checking your blood pressure and asking about any new symptoms such as dizziness, chest discomfort, or palpitations.
Report any unusual symptoms to your prescriber or GP promptly. If you experience chest pain during or after sexual activity, stop and seek urgent medical help. Do not adjust the dose of either medicine on your own—always follow the prescriber's instructions and attend any follow-up appointments as recommended.
Practical Advice for Taking Vardenafil and Lisdexamfetamine Together
If your prescriber has confirmed it is safe for you to take vardenafil and lisdexamfetamine together, follow their dosing instructions carefully. Take lisdexamfetamine in the morning as prescribed, and take vardenafil about 25 to 60 minutes before you plan to have sex, but no more than once in 24 hours [5].
Avoid heavy alcohol when taking vardenafil, as it can worsen erectile dysfunction and increase the risk of dizziness or low blood pressure. Grapefruit juice can raise vardenafil levels in your blood and should be avoided. Stay well hydrated, especially if lisdexamfetamine reduces your appetite or causes dry mouth.
Be aware of how you feel when taking both medicines. If you notice dizziness, light-headedness, unusual tiredness, or a rapid or irregular heartbeat, sit or lie down and contact your prescriber or GP for advice. Do not drive or operate machinery if you feel unwell. Keep all your medicines in their original packaging, store them safely, and never share them with others.
When to get urgent help
- Erection lasting more than 4 hours (priapism)—call 999 or go to A&E immediately
- Chest pain during or after sex—stop activity and seek urgent medical help; do not take nitrates
- Sudden loss of vision or hearing—seek immediate medical assessment
- Severe dizziness, fainting, or very fast/irregular heartbeat—call 999 or go to A&E
- Signs of allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, throat, or difficulty breathing)—call 999
Call 999 or go to A&E in an emergency, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.
When to Seek Medical Help with Vardenafil and Lisdexamfetamine
Certain symptoms require urgent medical attention. If you develop chest pain, severe dizziness, fainting, or an erection lasting more than four hours (priapism) after taking vardenafil, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. Priapism is a medical emergency that can cause permanent damage if not treated promptly [5].
Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, or sudden decrease or loss of hearing (sometimes with ringing in the ears or dizziness), are rare but serious side effects of PDE5 inhibitors and require immediate medical assessment [5]. If you experience a very fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat, severe headache, or signs of an allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, or difficulty breathing), seek emergency help.
If you have any concerns about taking vardenafil and lisdexamfetamine together, or if you develop new symptoms after starting treatment, contact your prescriber or GP as soon as possible. Do not stop taking lisdexamfetamine suddenly without medical advice, as this can affect your ADHD management. Your healthcare team is there to support you and ensure your treatment is both safe and effective.
Alternatives to Vardenafil
If vardenafil is not suitable for you while taking lisdexamfetamine, other PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil or tadalafil may be considered, depending on your individual circumstances [3][4]. Your prescriber will assess which option is safest and most appropriate.
Non-drug treatments for erectile dysfunction, such as vacuum erection devices, psychological therapy, or lifestyle changes (including exercise, weight management, and reducing alcohol), may also be helpful [2]. Discuss all available options with your prescriber or GP to find the best approach for you.
Tell Your Prescriber Everything
Always declare all your current medicines, including lisdexamfetamine, during your consultation. Honest disclosure ensures your prescriber can assess safety accurately and prescribe the right dose for you.
Scientific References
- NHS. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction (impotence). NHS website. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 1 November 2026]
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. (n.d.). Erectile dysfunction. Clinical Knowledge Summaries. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/erectile-dysfunction/ [accessed 1 November 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Sildenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sildenafil/ [accessed 1 November 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Tadalafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/tadalafil/ [accessed 1 November 2026]
- Joint Formulary Committee. (n.d.). Vardenafil. British National Formulary. NICE. https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/vardenafil/ [accessed 1 November 2026]
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. (n.d.). Summaries of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflets. https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/ [accessed 1 November 2026]
Information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Prescription treatments require clinical assessment by a UK-registered prescriber. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting or changing any medication.
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Start My Assessment Log in to Your AccountYour Questions Answered
Can I take vardenafil if I'm on lisdexamfetamine for ADHD?
There is no absolute contraindication, but both medicines affect your cardiovascular system. A prescriber must review your individual health, blood pressure, and heart history before confirming it is safe for you.
Will lisdexamfetamine make vardenafil less effective?
There is no evidence that lisdexamfetamine reduces the effectiveness of vardenafil. However, individual responses vary, so discuss any concerns with your prescriber.
What side effects should I watch for when taking both medicines?
Be alert for dizziness, light-headedness, chest pain, palpitations, or an unusually fast or irregular heartbeat. Report any of these symptoms to your prescriber or GP promptly.
Do I need to take vardenafil and lisdexamfetamine at different times of day?
Lisdexamfetamine is usually taken in the morning, and vardenafil is taken about 25 to 60 minutes before sex. Follow your prescriber's instructions for both medicines.
Can I drink alcohol while taking vardenafil and lisdexamfetamine?
Heavy alcohol can worsen erectile dysfunction and increase the risk of dizziness or low blood pressure with vardenafil. It is best to limit alcohol intake.
What should I do if I get chest pain after taking vardenafil?
Stop sexual activity immediately and seek urgent medical help by calling 999 or going to A&E. Do not take nitrates for chest pain if you have used vardenafil.
Are there alternatives to vardenafil if it's not suitable for me?
Yes, other PDE5 inhibitors such as sildenafil or tadalafil may be options, or non-drug treatments like vacuum devices or psychological therapy. Your prescriber will advise on the best choice for you.
How do I get vardenafil from Cured Pharmacy?
Complete an online consultation, which will be reviewed by a UK-registered prescriber. If approved, your medicine will be dispensed by our GPhC-registered pharmacy and delivered discreetly to your door.
Medically reviewed by
Tarun Kumar, Superintendent Pharmacist (GPhC 2233073)