What Are the Side Effects of Adderall to Know Before Starting and After Withdrawing?

• Norepinephrine influences heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
• Dopamine reinforces rewarding behaviors and feelings of pleasure.
• Dextroamphetamine, another form of amphetamine, works similarly to boost these brain chemicals.

Adderall is commonly prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy, conditions linked to problems with these brain chemicals. For better results, it’s often used with behavioral therapy or a full treatment plan, which may include psychological or educational support.

• Stomach pain
• Loss of appetite
• Nervousness or restlessness
• Headaches
• Trouble sleeping
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Hoarse voice
• Slowed speech
• Vision changes
• Irritability
• Increased heart rate
• Hair loss

• Adderall can narrow blood vessels, raise blood pressure, speed up heart rate, and increase breathing rate.
• Adderall may impact blood circulation, leading to numbness or pain in the fingers and toes, which can become blue or red.
• Serious side effects include the risk of heart attack or stroke.
• In people with heart conditions, Adderall could lead to sudden death.
• Doctors may recommend a heart check-up to assess safety before prescribing Adderall to individuals with heart conditions.

What are the side effects of Adderall on digestion?

Adderall increases glucose levels in the body, potentially raising blood sugar and causing:

• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

It can also cause loss of appetite and weight loss. In children, this might slow down growth and weight gain since higher dopamine levels can affect growth hormones. If growth issues arise, treatment might be paused.

In adults, weight loss is typically temporary, with appetite often improving as the body adjusts to the medication.

How does Adderall affect your skin?

Some people may have allergic reactions that cause itching. Adderall can also lead to:

• Hives
• Rashes
• Blisters

Seek medical help right away if you experience a severe allergic reaction. Those who are sensitive or allergic to other stimulants should avoid taking Adderall.

• Increased heart rate
• Higher blood pressure
• Nervousness or anxiety
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Digestive issues, like constipation or stomach pain

• Women may have similar side effects from Adderall but process it differently than men. Since women typically weigh less, they may have higher amphetamine levels if the dosage is not adjusted.
• Research shows women can process one type of amphetamine in Adderall 20%-30% more than men if weight isn’t considered.

When doses are adjusted for weight, both men and women process the medication the same.

There’s no major difference in how men and women process the other types of amphetamine in Adderall.

Both should watch for side effects and talk to doctor to ensure the right dose.

According to the studies published in 2022, Combining Adderall with alcohol can increase the risk of heart issues, including cardiomyopathy. Additionally, Adderall may make you feel less drunk, which could lead to a higher risk of alcohol poisoning.

Adderall XR is the extended-release version of Adderall, designed to last 12 hours, so it only needs to be taken once a day. In contrast, regular Adderall, known as Adderall IR (immediate release), lasts 4-6 hours and may need to be taken two or three times a day.

Adderall XR can be a more convenient option for children who may forget to take their medication. It comes in a capsule containing a mix of immediate-release and extended-release beads, while Adderall IR is available in tablet form. Both versions have the same side effects. To learn more about the differences between Adderall XR and Adderall IR, click here.

What are the symptoms of Adderall withdrawal?

Taking Adderall without a prescription can lead to misuse or dependence, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Withdrawal symptoms occur when someone stops or reduces the use of a substance they’ve become dependent on. Abruptly stopping Adderall after misuse or overuse can trigger withdrawal symptoms such as:

• Feeling restless or uneasy
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much
• Increased hunger
• Anxiety or irritability
• Panic attacks
• Fatigue or low-energy
• Depression
• Fears or phobias
• Suicidal thoughts

Tips for Managing Adderall Side Effects

There are ways to help reduce some of Adderall’s side effects. Here are a few tips to try, but always check with your doctor for advice:

• Improve sleep habits: Many people with ADHD struggle with insomnia, and Adderall can make it worse. To improve sleep, avoid caffeine and limit screen time (phones, TV, video games) before bedtime.
  
• Avoid late doses: Try not to take Adderall after 5 p.m. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember, but not too late in the day. Extended-release versions shouldn’t be taken after 2 p.m. to avoid sleep trouble.
  
• Limit alcohol: Alcohol can affect how Adderall works, sometimes causing unexpected side effects like drowsiness.
  
• Talk to your doctor about antidepressants: Some antidepressants, like Wellbutrin, Prozac, Cymbalta, or Effexor, may increase Adderall’s side effects. Your doctor may suggest a change.
  
• Help with dry mouth: Adderall often causes dry mouth, but there are ways to manage it:
  • Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free candy to increase saliva.
  • Sip water regularly.
  • Use over-the-counter saliva substitutes or special “dry mouth” mouthwash.
  • Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash and antihistamines, which can worsen dry mouth.
  • Use a humidifier in your bedroom to add moisture to the air.