Adderall: Everything You Need to Know

A Brief History of Adderall

Amphetamine was first synthesized in 1887 by Romanian chemist Lazar Edeleanu. However, it was not until the late 1920s that its stimulant properties were discovered, leading to the development of the first commercially available amphetamine containing product, Benzedrine. Although Benzedrine was originally developed to treat Asthma, researchers quickly recognized its benefits in treating children with “behavioral problems.”

By World War II, dextroamphetamine, a stronger active isomer of amphetamine, was used to keep soldiers alert and more productive. By the mid-1950s, other amphetamine isomers were synthesized, leading to the development of methylphenidate (Ritalin) to treat Minimal Brain Dysfunction,” a diagnosis which was the precursor to ADHD.

By 1987, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder was recognized in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM), finally enabling researchers to develop more effective and targeted stimulant medications to help individuals struggling with this neurodevelopmental disorder. By1996, Adderall was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

Use of Adderall

FDA-Approved Use

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed conditions in children. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by one or more symptoms, including inattention, hyperactivity or impulsivity, that disrupt one’s daily life. Adderall is approved to treat ADHD and works by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are neurotransmitters that help with focus and decrease impulsivity and allow the prefrontal cortex of the brain to function more effectively.

Adderall can also be used to treat narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that involves a sudden onset of sleep, especially after intense emotions such as anger or laughter. Because Adderall is a stimulant, it helps people struggling with narcolepsy to stay awake.

Off-Label Use of Adderall and Other Stimulants

Adderall is often prescribed off-label or is used to self-medicate. Off-label use means that it can be prescribed at a provider’s discretion for uses other than those approved by the FDA and the manufacturer. Self-medicating is when you take medications not prescribed to you to treat a self-diagnosed condition or enhance your performance. Off-label use of Adderall includes:

Fatigue and lethargy
Treatment-resitant Depression
Weight management
Cognitive enhancement
Bipolar disorder (with caution)

Adderall Side Effects

Side effects of Adderall use include:

Loss of appetite, weight loss
Nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea
Insomnia
Restlessness, nervousness, anxiety and increased talkativeness
Increased heart rate
Increased blood pressure
Blurred vision
Aggression
Restricted blood flow to the extremities
Hallucinations or delusions
Seizures
Sexual dysfunction

Because of the risks of more severe side effects, it is important to consider your health history before taking Adderall or similar medications. Providers should take precautions when prescribing Adderall for people with:

History of delusions or hallucinations
Bipolar illness
Known issues with aggression
Heart problems
Tics or Tourette’s Syndrome
Ongoing issues with high blood pressure
Hyperthyroidism
Allergy to Adderall-like medications
Glaucoma
History of drug misuse

Adderall can also cause stroke, heart attack or sudden death in individuals with underlying heart conditions.

Prescribers are advised to prescribe the minimal effective dose of Adderall to help decrease the risk of short- and long-term negative effects.

Adderall Addiction and Misuse

Adderall is a controlled substance, meaning the government oversees its distribution to limit overproduction and overuse. It is ranked as a Schedule II drug by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration because it carries a high potential for psychological and physical dependence. One reason that Adderall has drawn concern and negative attention is the propensity for its misuse.

When misused, it can lead to:

Becoming more talkative and outgoing
Feeling restless
Anxiety
Vigor
Aggression
Repetitive behavior
Impaired judgment

After repeated misuse, it can lead to:

Heart problems
Social withdrawal
Nausea and vomiting
Dilated pupils
Seizures
Confusion
Weakness
Ringing in your ears
Psychosis

If you or someone you know is addicted to Adderall, treatment programs are available. Adderall addiction treatment can help address the underlying reasons for your stimulant abuse and help you to develop the coping skills you need to avoid relapse.

Stimulant Use Disorder

Misuse of Adderall, cocaine, crystal meth, speed, and other stimulants falls under the umbrella of “stimulant use disorder” by the American Psychiatric Association. It can develop in as little as a week after repeatedly using stimulants like Adderall, although it doesn’t always happen that quickly.

A diagnosis of stimulant use disorder is warranted if you experience more than 2 of the following symptoms within a one-year period:

Taking larger amounts than intended, or over a longer period
Persistent, unsuccessful efforts to cut down on use
A lot of time spent getting, using, or recovering from it
Failure to meet personal or work responsibilities as a result of use
Cravings
Continuing use even after problems related to use
Dangerous situations
Relationship problems
Needing more to achieve the same high
Taking it to avoid withdrawal
Experiencing withdrawal

Having two or three symptoms indicates a mild stimulant addiction, four or five, a moderate stimulant addiction and more than six indicates a severe stimulant addiction.

Ritalin vs. Adderall

Ritalin is a well-known medication that is similar to Adderall. Although it has a different chemical makeup from Adderall, it is used to treat the same conditions. Together, they are two of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD.

Because of their different chemical makeup, Ritalin has a less abrupt onset of action and tends to remain effective for longer. It is also less likely to cause the “crash” that many Adderall users experience. As well, some research shows that Adderall has a higher potential for addiction.

If you do need to be on a medication like Ritalin or Adderall, prescribers can help you choose the best medication for you.

Adderall Use and Mental Illness

It is important to speak to your doctor about your Adderall use, even if it is not prescribed to you. Without knowing about your stimulant use, your provider may not be able to correctly diagnose you, especially if you are struggling with mental health issues.

Adderall intoxication and withdrawal can both mimic mental illnesses including:

Depression
Irritability
Mood changes
Fatigue
Nausea, stomach cramps or vomiting

The Popularity of ADHD Medication Use in Children

The Centers for Disease Control found that, according to a national survey of parents, an estimated 7 million American children, ages 3-17, had a diagnosis of ADHD in 2022. Of those, boys were 7% more likely than girls to receive a diagnosis of ADHD. Furthermore, the National Institutes of Health found that approximately 3.4 to 3.5 million or 62% of these children, were taking an ADHD medication.

ADHD and Substance Use Disorder

Considering the propensity for the misuse of Adderall, many providers practice caution before diagnosing ADHD and prescribing Adderall. Some have shown concern that patients mimic ADHD to get a prescription for stimulants.

Adderall is not recommended if you have a history of substance misuse. It can be challenging at times to parse out the differences between ADHD and substance use disorder, as many of their symptoms overlap. Some of the overlapping symptoms include:

Impulsivity
Unstable moods
Emotional imbalance
Inability to delay gratification

In many cases, people have both substance use disorder and ADHD. If you have both, it may be harder to abstain from addictive substances and you may have higher risks of adverse events than others.

It’s important to find a provider that can be sensitive to your needs and treat your conditions with your safety and well-being in mind. Call 800-934-1582(Sponsored) to speak with a treatment specialist.

References

List of Controlled Substances. (n.d.). US Drug Enforcement Agency & Department of Justice.
Rasmussen, N. (2015). Amphetamine-type stimulants: the early history of their medical and non-medical uses. International review of neurobiology, 120, 9-25.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024, November 19). Data and statistics on ADHD. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/adhd/data/index.html
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2026a, February 1). Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine (oral route). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dextroamphetamine-and-amphetamine-oral-route/description/drg-20071758

the Take-Away

Adderall is a stimulant drug prescribed for ADHD, however many will take the drug not as prescribed in order to enhance performance.

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