What Are the Side Effects and Risks of Adderall Use?

Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) is a prescription stimulant primarily used in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Like many prescription medications, Adderall has potential side effects and is dangerous when misused. This page will go over the potential adverse effects of Adderall and treatment options for someone that has developed an Adderall addiction.

Side Effects of Adderall

Some side effects of Adderall may include:

• Decrease in appetite.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Dry mouth.
• Fever.
• Mood Swings.
• Headache.
• Diarrhea.
• Upset stomach.
• Increased nervousness.
• Difficulty sleeping.

More serious physical side effects could include:

• Mood or behavior changes.
• Temperature sensitivity in the fingers and toes.
• Numbness in extremities.
• High blood pressure.
• Grinding of teeth.
• Prolonged erections.
• Skin color change.
• Pain.
• Changes in libido.
• Continuous movements in the jaw, such as chewing movements.

Consult a doctor and get treatment immediately if experiencing blurred vision, fainting, irregular heartbeat, or other abnormal changes in heart rate, confusion, slurred speech, swelling in the ankles or feet, or weakness on only one side of the body.

In rare instances, individuals may experience an allergic reaction. Those who experience a rash, hives, shortness of breath, itching, or swelling on the throat, face, or tongue should get medical help right away.

Effects on Children and Teens

Children and teens might be more sensitive to Adderall’s side effects—particularly loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia, and abdominal pain—than adults. In addition, Adderall has been shown to slow growth in children.

Teens and young adults are at a heightened risk for misusing Adderall, as the drug is often misused as a study aid or during exams to try to improve academic performance. According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 8.2% of 18-25-year-olds in the United States misused Adderall in the past year.

Risks of Taking Adderall During Pregnancy

Taking Adderall during pregnancy could increase the risk of:

• Giving birth early.
• Having a baby with a low birth weight.
• Causing a newborn to have withdrawal symptoms.

Stimulants may also passed be through breast milk, so breastfeeding while taking Adderall may cause additional problems.

Adderall Withdrawal

Abruptly ceasing or reducing Adderall may cause someone to experience withdrawal symptoms, such as:

• Fatigue or decreased energy.
• Extreme hunger.
• Trouble sleeping; some people may be unable to sleep while others sleep excessively.
• Irritability or anxiety.
• Cravings for more; some people report an inability to feel “normal” without Adderall.
• Depression.
• Suicidal thoughts.
• Increased aggressiveness.

Panic attacks, nightmares, and phobias have also been reported as withdrawal symptoms.

Other related withdrawal symptoms include paranoia and hallucinations. These changes are often referred to as Adderall-induced psychosis or stimulant psychosis.

The likelihood of experiencing adverse effects—especially severe withdrawal symptoms—is greatly increased when someone has been chronically misusing Adderall.

Panic Attacks

Though rare, panic attacks are some of the most serious withdrawal symptoms reported if Adderall is used for long periods. More studies need to be conducted about why certain people are more likely to get panic attacks, psychoses, or be vulnerable to other withdrawal symptoms that affect one’s mental health. Follow-up care is also important in monitoring and preventing panic attacks, psychosis, or other effects on mental health in patients.

Stimulant addiction can alter a person’s brain chemistry. Chronic Adderall use may keep dopamine and norepinephrine levels consistent in the bloodstream and abruptly stopping the use of Adderall can cause these chemical messengers to be greatly diminished. This may lead to panic, depression, and other mental problems. These negative effects could be mistaken for mental health disorders, exacerbate undiagnosed problems, and cause significant duress for the patient.

Fortunately, addiction is a treatable condition.

Adderall Misuse Treatment

Recovery from prescription stimulant addiction is possible, though it may require treatment.

Desert Hope offers the following types of addiction treatment:

• Medical detox
• Residential treatment
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Standard outpatient treatment
• Sober living

Evidence-based treatment for Adderall addiction in any of the settings listed above typically involves behavioral therapy, peer support, psychoeducation, and management of any co-occurring disorders.

If you or someone you love is struggling with the devastating effects of addiction and are unsure of where to turn, call us today at . Admissions navigators at Desert Hope, American Addiction Centers’ rehab facility in Las Vegas, are ready to help you start treatment today. They can also explain how you can use insurance to cover addiction treatment and explore other rehab payment options.

You can also verify your insurance coverage at Desert Hope by using the confidential .