Decreased appetite, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping are common Adderall side effects, which are usually temporary. However, long-term use of Adderall could cause some more lasting side effects. Show
By SingleCare Team | Apr. 14, 2021 Medically reviewed by Gerardo Sison, Pharm.D. Adderall side effects | Serious side effects | How long do side effects last? | Warnings | Interactions | How to avoid side effects 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 alleviate daytime sleepiness in adults and children 6 years and older diagnosed with narcolepsy. 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. RELATED: Learn more about Adderall Common side effects of AdderallThe most common side effects of Adderall are:
Weight lossLoss 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. AnxietyIn Adderall XR clinical trials, anxiety was reported in 8% of adults, 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. Serious side effects of AdderallBecause Adderall changes how the brain works, the drug can produce several serious side effects even at recommended doses. These include:
Adderall withdrawalWhen 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 “Adderall crash,” these symptoms are actually amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. Initial withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 24 hours 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. AnxietyIn Adderall XR clinical trials, anxiety was reported in 8% of adults, 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. Other side effectsSexual side effectsAmphetamines 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 Ritalin (methylphenidate) for ADHD and the narcolepsy drugs modafinil and armodafinil may be less likely to cause a decrease in libido. Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate) can cause similar sexual side effects as Adderall, and Strattera (atomoxetine), another ADHD drug, may also cause sexual side effects. Dependency, abuse, and misuseAdderall and Adderall XR are both Schedule II controlled substances because of their potential for drug abuse and dependency. Adderall is sometimes misused as a weight loss aid or “study drug” by high-school and college students. Prolonged high doses of Adderall can cause dependency and withdrawal symptoms when withdrawn suddenly. How long do Adderall side effects last?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. The long-term use of Adderall may lead to heart muscle disease (cardiomyopathy), brain chemistry changes, or drug abuse. Heart and brain damage have been well-documented 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 “gateway” to illicit drug use, but the evidence is not conclusive. Taking Adderall under the supervision of a doctor and with a valid prescription generally does not result in brain damage or substance abuse. Adderall contraindications & warningsLike 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’s syndrome. For these reasons, Adderall and Adderall XR are contraindicated for people with:
Adderall should be used with caution in people with:
Adderall withdrawalWhen 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 “Adderall crash,” these symptoms are actually amphetamine withdrawal symptoms. Initial withdrawal symptoms typically begin within 24 hours 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. OverdoseAdderall 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:
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. ChildrenAdderall 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. 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 other children. Falling behind on growth is one reason Adderall may be discontinued in children. PregnancyThe safety of Adderall in pregnant women has not been fully established, but the drug may cause 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 National Pregnancy Registry for Psychiatric Medications to help track Adderall’s effects on pregnancy. BreastfeedingNursing women should avoid taking Adderall or Adderall XR while breastfeeding. The amphetamines in Adderall can be present in breast milk at anywhere from 2% to 14% 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. Senior citizensThe use of Adderall in people older than 65 has not been studied. Adderall interactionsAdderall has several drug interactions patients or caregivers should review before taking or administering Adderall.
This may not be a complete list of possible drug interactions with Adderall. How to avoid Adderall side effectsPeople taking Adderall commonly experience side effects, particularly loss of appetite, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping. There are, however, potentially more worrisome but rare side effects such as elevated blood pressure or fast heartbeats patients or caregivers may be concerned about. A few tips can help reduce or prevent side effects: 1. Take Adderall as directedTake the dose as prescribed and read the medication guide or patient instructions that come with the medicine. For maximum benefit, take Adderall daily unless directed otherwise. Adderall can be taken with or without food. However, foods that increase stomach acid, such as citrus juice, may decrease the body’s absorption of the drug, decreasing its effectiveness. Above all, do not increase the dose or use the medication for another purpose, such as weight loss or studying. 2. Take the first dose of Adderall right after waking up in the morningThe first Adderall dose should be taken upon waking in the morning. Adderall XR should only be taken in the morning. 3. Do not take a late dose of AdderallTo prevent sleeplessness, a common complaint of Adderall users, avoid taking doses late in the afternoon or early evening. Adderall XR should not be taken in the afternoon. 4. Tell your doctor about all medical conditions and medicationsBecause of the risk of side effects, you should tell your prescribing doctor or healthcare provider about:
5. Avoid taking other stimulantsOther types of stimulants, like caffeine and nasal decongestants, may worsen Adderall’s side effects, so use them conservatively. 6. Avoid antacids and other alkalinizing agentsSubstances that reduce stomach or urinary acid can increase the risk of Adderall’s side effects. The most common alkalinizing agents are antacids. They should be avoided outright when taking Adderall. 7. Practice good sleep hygieneInsomnia is one of the most common side effects of Adderall. One area to consider in overcoming amphetamine-induced sleeplessness is good sleep hygiene—go to bed at the same time each night, relax before bedtime, avoid overstimulation, take a break from devices immediately before bed, exercise every day, and maintain a sleep log to track what works and what doesn’t. 8. Take a medication holidayWhen Adderall side effects become a problem, many healthcare providers suggest taking a “medication holiday” when the medication is discontinued or the dose reduced for a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months. However, get professional medical advice first. Taking a medication holiday may not be appropriate for some people. Resources:
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