These drugs can be effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy. ADHD drugs may be tied to some mental health issues, but it’s rare. For instance, some people have reported behavior problems like aggression and hostility. Decades of research have found no major negative health effects from taking them for a long time.
The following sections include more side effects of the drug. Talk to your doctor honestly about your past or current drug abuse. Another ADHD medication, atomoxetine (Strattera), isn’t a stimulant, but it has been linked to seizures and irregular heartbeats. The FDA suggests people with a history of those problems stay away from it.
EndeavorRx: An FDA approved video game and digital therapeutic
Once you start taking your ADHD medicine, see your doctor for regular checkups to make sure you aren’t having any bad side effects. If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, there is hope. Many people begin using Adderall with good intentions—often to stay focused at work or school—but find themselves trapped in a cycle of dependence. Increased Heart Rate and Blood Pressure—Adderall stimulates the cardiovascular system, which can cause palpitations and elevated blood pressure. Our compassionate and experienced team of addiction treatment specialists ensure a caring, family environment where all residents are treated with dignity and respect.
Withdrawal Symptoms
In some cases, they may advise to stop taking Adderall and recommend a different drug for your condition. Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep may occur with Adderall treatment. Also known as insomnia, trouble sleeping was common in the drug’s clinical trials. However, sleeping problems can ease as your body gets used to the medication. Misuse and abuse of Adderall can result in overdose, heart problems, and death.
More common side effects of Adderall
Keep reading to learn about common, mild, and serious side effects that Adderall can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article. The FDA has also warned that there’s a slight risk that stimulant ADHD drugs could lead to mood swings or symptoms of psychosis — like hearing things and paranoia. If you don’t have a history of substance abuse, it’s unlikely you’ll go down that road. But if you do, you could be at risk for misusing your ADHD drugs. Very rarely, some kids have bizarre behaviors and higher blood pressure and heart rates.
Impact on Daily Life
The National Institute on Drug Abuse validates that the misuse of prescription stimulants such as Adderall can lead to a high potential for addiction. What began as a means to increase focus, study for hours on end, or soothe symptoms of ADHD soon became something more. The tiny orange pill, once believed harmless, now seems an absolute necessity, yet it can sneakily transform from beneficial to detrimental to health. Just be sure to utilize such medication responsibly and get the advice of health workers to maintain it as an advantage and not a concern.
Contact us today to learn more about our programs and how we can support you on your journey to wellness. The duration of side effects varies depending on the individual, the dosage, and how long they’ve taken the medication. Common side effects like dry mouth or loss of appetite may lessen as your body adjusts to the medication. However, more serious side effects, such as heart problems or mood changes, may persist or worsen over time.
Chronic abuse affects the nervous system significantly, with the potential to trigger hallucinations and paranoia at high doses. Long-term mood changes, hostility, and irritability can persist even after stopping use, creating lasting psychological challenges. If Adderall is ineffective or causes intolerable side effects, a doctor may recommend a different medication. According to the FDA, doctors should only prescribe Adderall during pregnancy if the likely benefit justifies the potential risks.
These neurotransmitters are key in attention, motivation, and impulse control. Whether prescribed Adderall or considering its use, individuals should prioritize understanding its potential impact. This knowledge ensures that the benefits of the drug do not come at the undue cost of one’s health. Breaking free from Adderall abuse requires professional guidance and support. At Advanced Addiction Center in Medford, Massachusetts, you’ll find a dedicated team ready to help you overcome addiction through evidence-based treatments.
This means strict laws regulate how Adderall is prescribed and dispensed. Let them know if you’re taking other medicines or supplements. North Star Treatment offers medical detox and residential programs designed to provide comprehensive care and support for individuals recovering from Adderall dependence. If you or a loved one is dealing with the challenges of Adderall misuse, don’t hesitate to reach out to the dedicated team at North Star Treatment in Capistrano Beach, CA. Our compassionate, evidence-based approach to addiction treatment is designed to help you reclaim your life and create a healthier, more fulfilling future.
- Due to the potential for this side effect, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a boxed warning—the most serious warning by the FDA regarding risks.
- Share this blog with friends and family to raise awareness about this important topic.
- Stimulants are the most widely prescribed drugs to treat ADHD (also known as ADD).
- Also, you may get used to certain side effects of Adderall treatment, such as appetite loss.
- Despite the risks, steroid stacking has long been part of bodybuilding culture.
ADHD medication can be taken for months, years, or even a lifetime. Your doctor will examine you, and together you can create a plan that keeps you healthy and helps your focus. Starting the recovery process is a big decision, but you don’t have to do it alone. At North Star Treatment, we make sure every step is clear, supportive, and focused on your needs. Whether you’re ready to begin treatment or just want more information, we’re here to help you move forward. Yes, prolonged use can result in physical and psychological dependency, especially when misused or taken in high doses.
- The effects are extremely jittery and physically uncomfortable, but will usually cease in the long term.
- These issues are more common when someone takes a large amount of creatine in a short time, which is called the loading phase.
- While less common, the most serious side effects of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
- While these side effects are usually not dangerous, they can interfere with daily life.
- Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug.
Research indicates adderall side effects, risks and dangers of use that extended Adderall use can alter your body’s natural rhythm and metabolic processes. Users often report experiencing tremors, excessive sweating, and chronic headaches. These symptoms can persist even after stopping the medication. For children who may not remember to take their medicines, XR might be a better option. XR is in capsule form and is made up of half IR beads and half XR beads. If problems with your appetite continue, tell your doctor.
If you’re an adult with ADHD, it may be safe to take it every day but that depends on several factors. Stimulant medicines such as Adderall can add to the problem. To get better sleep, limit caffeine and screen time (phone, TV, or video games) close to bedtime. The XR stands for «extended release.» Adderall XR lasts 12 hours, so you need to take it only once a day. Regular Adderall (also known as Adderall IR — short for «immediate release») has to be taken every 4-6 hours, which could mean taking the pill two or three times a day. Adderall can be habit-forming because it makes you feel euphoric, thanks to the increase in dopamine.