Adderall Side Effects and Addiction Signs

Author: Hannah Sumpter

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Adderall is a widely prescribed medication for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy,¹ as well as other sleep disorders.²  Like most other medications, Adderall use comes with side effects. 

In this article: 

• Adderall and ADHD
• Side Effects of Adderall
• Adderall Addiction
• Adderall Overdose
• Treatment of Adderall Addiction

Adderall and ADHD

Adderall is commonly prescribed to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This disorder typically begins in childhood, although it can be diagnosed later in life as well.  The last few decades have made great progress in understanding ADHD and improving treatment options.

With better insight and understanding of  ADHD, more people have received the correct diagnosis and have received treatment that improves their quality of life. The diagnosis comes happily for many, as they can receive the medication they need to manage their symptoms.²

Untreated ADHD can have a significantly negative impact on the individual’s life, including education, as well as social and occupational functioning. Untreated ADHD can also negatively impact an individual’s physical and mental health.

If untreated, ADHD is associated with the development of other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression, and can also contribute to substance use disorders, as the individual may misuse substances to self-medicate for their symptoms.³ Doctors may seem quick to prescribe Adderall. However, when you look at the significant negative impact that untreated ADHD can have, it is easier to understand why Adderall is a popular treatment choice.

Adderall is a cognitive enhancer, sometimes called a “smart drug” or “memory enhancer.”² This nickname arose from Adderall’s ability to increase certain mental functions such as:

• Attention
• Concentration
• Alertness
• Memory
• Motivation
• Planning
• Decision-making²

With improvement in these areas, the symptoms of  ADHD are lessened, leading to an improvement in everyday functioning. Furthermore,  Adderall has a similar effect in the treatment of narcolepsy and other sleep disorders, as it improves the individual’s level of alertness, therefore limiting the lethargy associated with those disorders.

Side Effects of Adderall

Although generally well-tolerated, there are some side effects of Adderall to be aware of:⁴

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Dry mouth
• Stomach upset
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Nervousness
• Trouble sleeping
• Addiction

These side effects are generally considered mild and may simply require an Adderall dosage change. Always speak with your medical provider if you experience any of these side effects, especially if they worsen or persist.

Long-term side effects of taking Adderall remain relatively unknown, but studies show that, for the most part, Adderall has a good safety profile. Some newer studies indicate that the earlier Adderall is initiated, especially in childhood, the more it may contribute to changes in the brain pathways. The impact of these changes is not fully understood. Therefore, research is ongoing to ensure the safety of all those taking the medication.²

Adderall Addiction

Adderall is an amphetamine, so it carries a risk of addiction. Amphetamine-type stimulants have contributed to the number of people experiencing a substance use disorder, worldwide, leading to substantial medical, psychiatric, social and economic consequences.⁵

Because Adderall is an amphetamine, it is sometimes used recreationally.  When used for recreational purposes, individuals find its euphoric effects, along with its ability to make an individual feel more confident, improve their focus on academia or work and increase their motivation very appealing. ⁶ Because of this, non-medical use of the medication is considered high risk and should be avoided.⁷

If you or a loved one is seeking the euphoric effects of Adderall to achieve an altered reality, please consider calling 800-934-1582(Sponsored) for guidance and support for addictive thinking.

Who Is at Risk?

Several factors or behavioral traits increase a person’s risk of Adderall addiction. These can include: 

• Risk-taking behaviors
• Sensation-seeking behaviors
• Feelings of hopelessness
• Impulsivity
• Anxiety
• Inattentiveness
• Approval-seeking
• Depression⁸

Individuals with these behavioral traits may be more at risk because Adderall use may satisfy their desire for a thrill and offer them a change in their attention level, mood or confidence, especially in social interactions.

Adderall misuse is a growing concern among college students, and several factors may increase the risk in this age group. Young adults are still undergoing brain development, which can affect decision-making, impulse control and risk awareness. This can lead to a sense of invincibility or overconfidence, making it easier to underestimate the risks of dependence and addiction. 

Social influde also plays a major role. College environments often expose students to peer pressure and normalize misuse, making them more likely to experiment with Adderall.

At the same time, the academic and work demands many young adults face can drive misuse. Long hours of studying or working may lead some to seek out Adderall for its stimulant effects, such as increased focus and alertness. While it may seem helpful in the short term, this pattern can increase the risk of misuse and addiction over time. 

Beyond young adults and college students, Adderall misuse has been noted among those with a lifelong history of non-medical prescription drug use. Additionally, those at risk of developing an addiction to Adderall may also have a history of addiction to alcohol, cannabis or other recreational drugs.⁶

Interestingly, newer studies are finding that individuals who had prenatal ethanol exposure (PE) may have an increased risk of addiction. PE occurs when the mother consumes alcohol at any point during her pregnancy, and scientists believe that this exposure causes cognitive and behavioral deficits, leading to the risk of addiction later on in the child’s life.¹⁰

Adderall Overdose

Adderall is a drug that carries a risk of overdose, especially among those who are abusing it. An overdose is a life-threatening situation and should always be managed by a medical professional.  Call 911 if you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing an Adderall overdose.

Signs of an Adderall overdose include:¹¹

• Psychosis
• Seizures
• Hyperactivity
• Hyperthermia
• Changes in heart rhythm
• Rapid breathing
• Tremors
• Pupil dilation
• Death

Psychosis, a condition in which a person loses touch with reality, can occur in individuals taking Adderall. While it is rare at prescribed doses, it is much more commonly associated with misuse or at high doses. In the case of Adderall induced psychosis, antipsychotic medications have proven effective in reversing the condition, sometimes within an hour of administration.¹³

It is important to remember that left untreated, an Adderall overdose can be fatal. For this reason, seeking emergency medical care is essential.  

Treatment of Adderall Addiction

Thankfully, treatment for an addiction to Adderall is available. Oftentimes, Adderall addiction treatment is approached in the same manner as amphetamine addiction.

Treatment options include inpatient or outpatient settings, as well as individual and/or family counseling. Most often, a comprehensive treatment plan will include all three. Individuals entering addiction treatment often begin at the inpatient level, where medical professionals and counselors can closely monitor withdrawal and provide support during the early stages of recovery. 

After completing inpatient care, many transition to an outpatient program. In this setting, they continue counseling while beginning maintenance therapies that support long-term stability. Recovery doesn’t end there. Ongoing individual and family counseling is typically recommended to help manage triggers, cope with cravings and stay on track with a personalized recovery plan.

Treating Adderall Withdrawal

If you or your loved one is considering inpatient treatment for Adderall withdrawal, along with close monitoring, you may receive supportive medications to help ease the symptoms and help to curb cravings. Some commonly used medications to ease Adderall withdrawal include bupropion, naltrexone and mirtazapine.¹³

If you or your loved one is seeking treatment options for an Adderall addiction, please consider calling 800-934-1582(Sponsored) for guidance on the best options for you and your situation. Resources are available to you, and we encourage you to seek the recovery you deserve.

Resources

1. Heal, D.J., Smith, S.L., Gosden, J., & Nutt, D.J. (2013). Amphetamine, past and present–a pharmacological and clinical perspective. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 27(6), 479-96.
2. Steiner, H., & Van Waes, V. (2013). Addiction-related gene regulation: risks of exposure to cognitive enhancers vs. other psychostimulants. Progress in Neurobiology, 100, 60–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pneurobio.2012.10.001
3. Castells, X., Blanco-Silvente, L., & Cunill, R. (2018). Amphetamines for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 8(8). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007813.pub3
4. WebMD. (n.d.). Adderall Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing – WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-63163/Adderall-oral/details
5. Cao, D.N., Shi, J.J., Hao, W., Wu, N., & Li, J. (2016). Advances and challenges in pharmacotherapeutics for amphetamine-type stimulants addiction. European Journal of Pharmacology. 5(780), 129-35. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.03.040.
6. Hildt, E., Lieb, K., Bagusat, C., & Franke, A.G. (2015). Reflections on addiction in students using stimulants for neuroenhancement: A preliminary interview study. Biomed Research International. 2015(621075). https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/621075.
7. McCabe, S.E., Knight, J.R., Teter, C.J., & Wechsler, H. (2004). Non-medical use of prescription stimulants among US college students: prevalence and correlates from a national survey. Addiction. 100(1), 96-106. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.00944.x.
8. Long, E.C., Kaneva, R., Vasilev, G., Moeller, F.G., & Vassileva, J. (2020). Neurocognitive and Psychiatric Markers for Addiction: Common vs. Specific Endophenotypes for Heroin and Amphetamine Dependence. Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry. 20(7), 585-597. https://doi.org/10.2174/1568026620666200131124608.
9. Aguilar, M.A., García-Pardo, M.P., Montagud-Romero, S., Miñarro, J., & Do Couto, B.R. (2013). Impact of Social Stress in Addiction to Psychostimulants: What we know from Animal Models. Current Pharmaceutical Design. 19(40), 7009-7025. https://doi.org/10.2174/138161281940131209124708.
10. Wang, R., Hausknecht, K.A., Shen, Y.L., Haj-Dahmane, S., Vezina, P., & Shen, R.Y. (2018). Environmental enrichment reverses increased addiction risk caused by prenatal ethanol exposure. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 191, 343-347. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.07.013.
11. Fitzgerald, K.T., & Bronstein, A.C. Adderall® (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) toxicity. (2013). Topics in Companion Animal Medicine. 28(1), 2-7. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.tcam.2013.03.002.
12. Bramness, J.G., & Rognli, E.B. (2016). Psychosis induced by amphetamines. Current Opinion in Psychiatry. 29(4), 236-41. https://doi.org/10.1097/YCO.0000000000000254.
13. Srisurapanont, M., Kittiratanapaiboon, P., & Jarusuraisin, N. (2001). Treatment for amphetamine psychosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (4). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003026.
14. Lee, N.K., Jenner, L., Harney, A., & Cameron, J. (2018). Pharmacotherapy for amphetamine dependence: A systematic review. Drug and Alcohol Dependence. 191, 309-337. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2018.06.038.

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