Key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n- \n
Common side effects of Adderall include decreased appetite, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, stomach ache, headache, nervousness, weight loss, mood swings, anxiety, agitation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, fast heartbeat, lack of energy, and constipation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Serious side effects of Adderall can include heart-related problems, mental health issues, aggressive behavior, seizures, peripheral vasculopathy, eyesight changes, serotonin syndrome, growth suppression in children, and potentially severe allergic reactions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
Adderall withdrawal symptoms can occur if the drug is stopped suddenly after high doses or prolonged use. Symptoms may include depression, fatigue, increased appetite, agitation, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms typically begin within 24 hours and potentially last for about three weeks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
- \n
To minimize Adderall side effects, it\u2019s recommended to take the medication as directed, avoid late doses to prevent sleeplessness, disclose all medical conditions and medications to the doctor, limit intake of other stimulants, avoid antacids, practice good sleep hygiene, and consider medication holidays under medical advice.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Adderall side effects<\/a> | Serious side effects<\/a> | How long do side effects last?<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | Interactions<\/a> | How to avoid side effects<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nAdderall is a central nervous system stimulant that treats the hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in adults and children as young as 3 years old. It is also prescribed to <\/span>alleviate daytime sleepiness<\/span><\/a> in adults and children 6 years and older diagnosed with narcolepsy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe active ingredients in Adderall are amphetamine salts. Adderall XR contains the same mixture of amphetamine salts in an extended-release oral capsule. Like all stimulants, Adderall has several side effects, warnings, restrictions, and drug interactions that patients or their caregivers should be familiar with when taking or administering this medication.<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about Adderall<\/strong><\/p>\nCommon side effects of Adderall<\/span><\/h2>\nThe most common side effects of Adderall are:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Decreased appetite<\/span><\/li>\n
- Dry mouth<\/span><\/li>\n
- Trouble sleeping<\/span><\/li>\n
- Stomach ache<\/span><\/li>\n
- Headache<\/li>\n
- Nervousness<\/span><\/li>\n
- Weight loss<\/span><\/li>\n
- Mood swings<\/span><\/li>\n
- Anxiety<\/span><\/li>\n
- Agitation<\/span><\/li>\n
- Nausea<\/span><\/li>\n
- Vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n
- Dizziness<\/span><\/li>\n
- Diarrhea<\/span><\/li>\n
- Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Lack of energy<\/span><\/li>\n
- Constipation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Weight loss<\/span><\/h3>\nLoss of appetite and weight loss are possible side effects of Adderall. Because of these side effects, some physicians prescribe Adderall off-label for weight loss, and some people acquire the drug illegally for the same purpose. However, Adderall is not approved by the FDA as a weight-loss medication and can have serious side effects that outweigh the benefits of weight loss.<\/span><\/p>\nAnxiety<\/span><\/h3>\nIn Adderall XR clinical trials, anxiety was reported in <\/span>8% of adults<\/span><\/a>, but not reported for children or adolescents. Anxiety is also a possible sign of Adderall abuse. Severe anxiety or panic attacks may require the discontinuation of Adderall treatment.<\/span><\/p>\nSerious side effects of Adderall<\/span><\/h2>\nBecause Adderall changes how the brain works, the drug can produce several serious side effects even at recommended doses. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Heart-related problems such as increased blood pressure and heart rate, which can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and sudden death (mostly in people with heart problems or heart defects)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Mental health problems such as the worsening or emergence of psychosis, mania, or tics<\/span><\/li>\n
- Aggressive behavior<\/span><\/li>\n
- Seizures<\/span><\/li>\n
- Peripheral vasculopathy (blood vessel damage), including Raynaud\u2019s disease<\/span><\/li>\n
- Eyesight changes<\/span><\/li>\n
- Serotonin syndrome, or a rare but potentially life-threatening condition when drugs like Adderall are combined with other drugs that increase levels of serotonin in the brain<\/span><\/li>\n
- Growth suppression in children and adolescents<\/span><\/li>\n
- Potentially severe allergic reactions<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Adderall withdrawal<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen Adderall is taken in high doses over a prolonged period, stopping the drug suddenly can cause adverse effects such as depression, fatigue, increased appetite, agitation, slowness, sleeping too much, or trouble sleeping. Nicknamed \u201cAdderall crash,\u201d these symptoms are actually amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. Initial withdrawal symptoms typically begin <\/span>within 24 hours<\/span><\/a> of stopping amphetamines and can persist as less severe symptoms for about three weeks. To avoid withdrawal, a prescribing physician or healthcare professional may steadily reduce the Adderall dose until the drug can be safely discontinued.<\/span><\/p>\nAnxiety<\/span><\/h3>\nIn Adderall XR clinical trials, anxiety was reported in <\/span>8% of adults<\/span><\/a>, but not reported for children or adolescents. Anxiety is also a possible sign of Adderall abuse. Severe anxiety or panic attacks may require the discontinuation of Adderall treatment.<\/span><\/p>\nOther side effects<\/span><\/h2>\nSexual side effects<\/span><\/h3>\nAmphetamines can decrease sex drive and even cause impotence (erectile dysfunction). Both effects were reported by 2% to 4% of adults participating in Adderall XR clinical trials. Alternative medications, such as <\/span>Ritalin<\/span> (methylphenidate) for ADHD and the narcolepsy drugs modafinil and armodafinil may be less likely to cause a decrease in libido. <\/span>Vyvanse<\/span> (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) can cause similar sexual side effects as Adderall, and <\/span>Strattera<\/span> (atomoxetine), another ADHD drug, <\/span>may also cause<\/span><\/a> sexual side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nDependency, abuse, and misuse<\/span><\/h3>\nAdderall and Adderall XR are both <\/span>Schedule II controlled substances<\/span><\/a> because of their potential for drug abuse and dependency. Adderall is sometimes misused as a weight loss aid or \u201c<\/span>study drug<\/span><\/a>\u201d by high-school and college students. Prolonged high doses of Adderall can cause dependency and withdrawal symptoms when withdrawn suddenly.<\/span><\/p>\nHow long do Adderall side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\nSide effects of Adderall are usually temporary, and they often go away with consistent use of the medication or when the medicine is discontinued. Some severe side effects such as heart-related problems could lead to life-threatening events like heart attacks and strokes. Although rare, the effects of growth suppression in children and adolescents could last a lifetime if the drug is not discontinued.<\/span><\/p>\nThe long-term use of Adderall may lead to heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), brain chemistry changes, or drug abuse. Heart and brain damage <\/span>have been well-documented<\/span><\/a> in people abusing amphetamines over a prolonged period but have not been well-studied in people taking amphetamines at therapeutic doses. There is some concern that long-term therapeutic use of amphetamines may be a \u201cgateway\u201d to illicit drug use, but <\/span>the evidence is not conclusive<\/span><\/a>. Taking Adderall under the supervision of a doctor and with a valid prescription generally does not result in brain damage or substance abuse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAdderall contraindications & warnings<\/span><\/h2>\nLike all prescription drugs, Adderall and Adderall XR are not appropriate or safe for everyone. The amphetamines in Adderall can worsen existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and psychotic disorders, such as bipolar disorder or Tourette\u2019s syndrome. For these reasons, Adderall and Adderall XR are contraindicated for people with:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Advanced arteriosclerosis<\/span><\/li>\n
- Moderate to severe high blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n
- Symptomatic cardiovascular disease<\/span><\/li>\n
- Glaucoma<\/span><\/li>\n
- Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Agitated states<\/span><\/li>\n
- Patients with a history of drug abuse\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- Know hypersensitivity to amphetamines<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Adderall should be used with caution in people with:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- A history of seizures or who have had an abnormal brain wave test (EEG)<\/span><\/li>\n
- Mental health conditions such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, or Tourette syndrome<\/span><\/li>\n
- High blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n
- Kidney problems<\/span><\/li>\n
- A history of circulation problems in the fingers and toes<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Adderall withdrawal<\/span><\/h3>\nWhen Adderall is taken in high doses over a prolonged period, stopping the drug suddenly can cause adverse effects such as depression, fatigue, increased appetite, agitation, slowness, sleeping too much, or trouble sleeping. Nicknamed \u201cAdderall crash,\u201d these symptoms are actually amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. Initial withdrawal symptoms typically begin <\/span>within 24 hours<\/span><\/a> of stopping amphetamines and can persist as less severe symptoms for about three weeks. To avoid withdrawal, a prescribing physician or healthcare professional may steadily reduce the Adderall dose until the drug can be safely discontinued.<\/span><\/p>\nOverdose<\/span><\/h3>\nAdderall carries the risk for overdose in part because of its potential for drug abuse or misuse. The maximum recommended daily dose of Adderall is 40 mg a day for ADHD and 60 mg a day for narcolepsy, but symptoms of an overdose can occur at lower doses. These symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n\n- Restlessness<\/span><\/li>\n
- Tremor<\/span><\/li>\n
- Fast breathing<\/span><\/li>\n
- Overactive reflexes<\/span><\/li>\n
- Confusion<\/span><\/li>\n
- Aggression<\/span><\/li>\n
- Hallucinations<\/span><\/li>\n
- Panic<\/span><\/li>\n
- High fever<\/span><\/li>\n
- Nausea and vomiting<\/span><\/li>\n
- Abdominal cramps<\/span><\/li>\n
- Muscle pain\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
- High or low blood pressure<\/span><\/li>\n
- Irregular heartbeat<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
A fatal overdose is often preceded by convulsions and coma. If an overdose is suspected, call a poison helpline or go to an emergency room.<\/span><\/p>\nChildren<\/span><\/h3>\nAdderall has been FDA approved for children between the ages of 3 and 17 for the treatment of ADHD and for children older than 6 diagnosed with narcolepsy. Adderall XR, however, is only approved for children between the ages of 6 and older. Unfortunately, the long-term effects of the pediatric use of amphetamines have not been well-studied.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nOne significant and common side effect of Adderall is the suppression of growth in children. Over time, children taking Adderall may gain less weight and height than <\/span>other children<\/span><\/a>. Falling behind on growth is one reason Adderall may be discontinued in children.<\/span><\/p>\nPregnancy<\/span><\/h3>\nThe safety of Adderall in pregnant women has not been fully established, but the drug may<\/span> cause<\/span><\/a> premature birth, low birth weight, and amphetamine withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should discuss the benefits and possible risks of taking Adderall during pregnancy. Pregnant women taking Adderall or Adderall XR may choose to join the <\/span>National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications<\/span><\/a> to help track Adderall\u2019s effects on pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\nBreastfeeding<\/span><\/h3>\nNursing women <\/span>should avoid taking Adderall or Adderall XR<\/span><\/a> while breastfeeding. The amphetamines in Adderall can be present in breast milk at anywhere from <\/span>2% to 14%<\/span><\/a> of the dose taken. Adverse effects on nursing babies have not been well-documented, but there is a possibility the infant may experience serious cardiovascular side effects or other adverse effects.<\/span><\/p>\nSenior citizens<\/span><\/h3>\nThe use of Adderall in people older than 65 has not been studied.<\/span><\/p>\nAdderall interactions<\/span><\/h2>\nAdderall has several drug interactions patients or caregivers should review before taking or administering Adderall.<\/span><\/p>\n\n
Common side effects of Adderall include decreased appetite, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, stomach ache, headache, nervousness, weight loss, mood swings, anxiety, agitation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, fast heartbeat, lack of energy, and constipation.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Serious side effects of Adderall can include heart-related problems, mental health issues, aggressive behavior, seizures, peripheral vasculopathy, eyesight changes, serotonin syndrome, growth suppression in children, and potentially severe allergic reactions.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
Adderall withdrawal symptoms can occur if the drug is stopped suddenly after high doses or prolonged use. Symptoms may include depression, fatigue, increased appetite, agitation, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms typically begin within 24 hours and potentially last for about three weeks.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
To minimize Adderall side effects, it\u2019s recommended to take the medication as directed, avoid late doses to prevent sleeplessness, disclose all medical conditions and medications to the doctor, limit intake of other stimulants, avoid antacids, practice good sleep hygiene, and consider medication holidays under medical advice.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
Adderall side effects<\/a> | Serious side effects<\/a> | How long do side effects last?<\/a> | Warnings<\/a> | Interactions<\/a> | How to avoid side effects<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that treats the hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive symptoms of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in adults and children as young as 3 years old. It is also prescribed to <\/span>alleviate daytime sleepiness<\/span><\/a> in adults and children 6 years and older diagnosed with narcolepsy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The active ingredients in Adderall are amphetamine salts. Adderall XR contains the same mixture of amphetamine salts in an extended-release oral capsule. Like all stimulants, Adderall has several side effects, warnings, restrictions, and drug interactions that patients or their caregivers should be familiar with when taking or administering this medication.<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about Adderall<\/strong><\/p>\n The most common side effects of Adderall are:<\/span><\/p>\n Loss of appetite and weight loss are possible side effects of Adderall. Because of these side effects, some physicians prescribe Adderall off-label for weight loss, and some people acquire the drug illegally for the same purpose. However, Adderall is not approved by the FDA as a weight-loss medication and can have serious side effects that outweigh the benefits of weight loss.<\/span><\/p>\n In Adderall XR clinical trials, anxiety was reported in <\/span>8% of adults<\/span><\/a>, but not reported for children or adolescents. Anxiety is also a possible sign of Adderall abuse. Severe anxiety or panic attacks may require the discontinuation of Adderall treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n Because Adderall changes how the brain works, the drug can produce several serious side effects even at recommended doses. These include:<\/span><\/p>\n When Adderall is taken in high doses over a prolonged period, stopping the drug suddenly can cause adverse effects such as depression, fatigue, increased appetite, agitation, slowness, sleeping too much, or trouble sleeping. Nicknamed \u201cAdderall crash,\u201d these symptoms are actually amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. Initial withdrawal symptoms typically begin <\/span>within 24 hours<\/span><\/a> of stopping amphetamines and can persist as less severe symptoms for about three weeks. To avoid withdrawal, a prescribing physician or healthcare professional may steadily reduce the Adderall dose until the drug can be safely discontinued.<\/span><\/p>\n In Adderall XR clinical trials, anxiety was reported in <\/span>8% of adults<\/span><\/a>, but not reported for children or adolescents. Anxiety is also a possible sign of Adderall abuse. Severe anxiety or panic attacks may require the discontinuation of Adderall treatment.<\/span><\/p>\n Amphetamines can decrease sex drive and even cause impotence (erectile dysfunction). Both effects were reported by 2% to 4% of adults participating in Adderall XR clinical trials. Alternative medications, such as <\/span>Ritalin<\/span> (methylphenidate) for ADHD and the narcolepsy drugs modafinil and armodafinil may be less likely to cause a decrease in libido. <\/span>Vyvanse<\/span> (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) can cause similar sexual side effects as Adderall, and <\/span>Strattera<\/span> (atomoxetine), another ADHD drug, <\/span>may also cause<\/span><\/a> sexual side effects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Adderall and Adderall XR are both <\/span>Schedule II controlled substances<\/span><\/a> because of their potential for drug abuse and dependency. Adderall is sometimes misused as a weight loss aid or \u201c<\/span>study drug<\/span><\/a>\u201d by high-school and college students. Prolonged high doses of Adderall can cause dependency and withdrawal symptoms when withdrawn suddenly.<\/span><\/p>\n Side effects of Adderall are usually temporary, and they often go away with consistent use of the medication or when the medicine is discontinued. Some severe side effects such as heart-related problems could lead to life-threatening events like heart attacks and strokes. Although rare, the effects of growth suppression in children and adolescents could last a lifetime if the drug is not discontinued.<\/span><\/p>\n The long-term use of Adderall may lead to heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), brain chemistry changes, or drug abuse. Heart and brain damage <\/span>have been well-documented<\/span><\/a> in people abusing amphetamines over a prolonged period but have not been well-studied in people taking amphetamines at therapeutic doses. There is some concern that long-term therapeutic use of amphetamines may be a \u201cgateway\u201d to illicit drug use, but <\/span>the evidence is not conclusive<\/span><\/a>. Taking Adderall under the supervision of a doctor and with a valid prescription generally does not result in brain damage or substance abuse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Like all prescription drugs, Adderall and Adderall XR are not appropriate or safe for everyone. The amphetamines in Adderall can worsen existing medical conditions such as high blood pressure, heart problems, and psychotic disorders, such as bipolar disorder or Tourette\u2019s syndrome. For these reasons, Adderall and Adderall XR are contraindicated for people with:<\/span><\/p>\n Adderall should be used with caution in people with:<\/span><\/p>\n When Adderall is taken in high doses over a prolonged period, stopping the drug suddenly can cause adverse effects such as depression, fatigue, increased appetite, agitation, slowness, sleeping too much, or trouble sleeping. Nicknamed \u201cAdderall crash,\u201d these symptoms are actually amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. Initial withdrawal symptoms typically begin <\/span>within 24 hours<\/span><\/a> of stopping amphetamines and can persist as less severe symptoms for about three weeks. To avoid withdrawal, a prescribing physician or healthcare professional may steadily reduce the Adderall dose until the drug can be safely discontinued.<\/span><\/p>\n Adderall carries the risk for overdose in part because of its potential for drug abuse or misuse. The maximum recommended daily dose of Adderall is 40 mg a day for ADHD and 60 mg a day for narcolepsy, but symptoms of an overdose can occur at lower doses. These symptoms include:<\/span><\/p>\n A fatal overdose is often preceded by convulsions and coma. If an overdose is suspected, call a poison helpline or go to an emergency room.<\/span><\/p>\n Adderall has been FDA approved for children between the ages of 3 and 17 for the treatment of ADHD and for children older than 6 diagnosed with narcolepsy. Adderall XR, however, is only approved for children between the ages of 6 and older. Unfortunately, the long-term effects of the pediatric use of amphetamines have not been well-studied.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n One significant and common side effect of Adderall is the suppression of growth in children. Over time, children taking Adderall may gain less weight and height than <\/span>other children<\/span><\/a>. Falling behind on growth is one reason Adderall may be discontinued in children.<\/span><\/p>\n The safety of Adderall in pregnant women has not been fully established, but the drug may<\/span> cause<\/span><\/a> premature birth, low birth weight, and amphetamine withdrawal symptoms in a newborn. Women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should discuss the benefits and possible risks of taking Adderall during pregnancy. Pregnant women taking Adderall or Adderall XR may choose to join the <\/span>National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications<\/span><\/a> to help track Adderall\u2019s effects on pregnancy.<\/span><\/p>\n Nursing women <\/span>should avoid taking Adderall or Adderall XR<\/span><\/a> while breastfeeding. The amphetamines in Adderall can be present in breast milk at anywhere from <\/span>2% to 14%<\/span><\/a> of the dose taken. Adverse effects on nursing babies have not been well-documented, but there is a possibility the infant may experience serious cardiovascular side effects or other adverse effects.<\/span><\/p>\n The use of Adderall in people older than 65 has not been studied.<\/span><\/p>\n Adderall has several drug interactions patients or caregivers should review before taking or administering Adderall.<\/span><\/p>\nCommon side effects of Adderall<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
Weight loss<\/span><\/h3>\n
Anxiety<\/span><\/h3>\n
Serious side effects of Adderall<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
Adderall withdrawal<\/span><\/h3>\n
Anxiety<\/span><\/h3>\n
Other side effects<\/span><\/h2>\n
Sexual side effects<\/span><\/h3>\n
Dependency, abuse, and misuse<\/span><\/h3>\n
How long do Adderall side effects last?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Adderall contraindications & warnings<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n
\n
Adderall withdrawal<\/span><\/h3>\n
Overdose<\/span><\/h3>\n
\n
Children<\/span><\/h3>\n
Pregnancy<\/span><\/h3>\n
Breastfeeding<\/span><\/h3>\n
Senior citizens<\/span><\/h3>\n
Adderall interactions<\/span><\/h2>\n
\n