Pediatric patients who are not growing or gaining weight as expected may need to have their treatment interrupted see PRECAUTIONS, Pediatric Use. In a pooled analysis of multiple short-term, placebo-controlled studies of CNS stimulants, psychotic or manic symptoms occurred in approximately 0.1% of CNS stimulanttreated patients, compared with 0% of placebo-treated patients. CNS stimulants may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder in patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder. Advise patients to store amphetamine sulfate in a safe place, preferably locked, and instruct patients to not give ADDERALL to anyone else. Tolerance is a physiological state characterized by a reduced response to a drug after repeated administration (i.e., a higher dose of a drug is required to produce the same effect that was once obtained at a lower dose).
Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Mydayis, And Others) – Uses, Side Effects, And More

A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD; DSM-IV®) implies the presence of hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that caused impairment and were present before age 7 years. ADDERALL is indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Check with your physician for additional information about side effects.
They may also advise other treatments that may be safer for you. They’ll recommend closer monitoring of your mood and behavior, especially at the beginning of Adderall treatment. Some people reported aggressive behavior in clinical trials of Adderall. It can be challenging to increase your appetite during Adderall treatment. For others, it may be a temporary side effect as their body gets used to the medication. For some people, the lack of appetite can lead to weight loss.

Symptoms Of Overdose May Include The Following:
If your doctor sees a significant growth delay, they may stop the drug and recommend a different medication for your child. However, Adderall may also cause growth delays in children taking the drug long term. Side effects of Adderall in children and adults are similar. Adderall is approved to treat ADHD in children ages 3 years and older and to treat narcolepsy in children ages 6 years and older. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening.
Clinical Effects Of Overdose

When extending the duration, make sure the patient is getting adequate sleep so they are not relying on the stimulant for symptoms of sleep deprivation. Mydayis (a very extended-release version of Adderall) has a maximum dose of 50 mg, but this leads to similar plasma levels as Adderall XR 40 mg because the dose is spread out over 16 hours instead of 12. We are not aware of research justifying a dose above 60 mg/day, which would land in the danger zone. Going up to 60 mg/day may be justified when the symptoms are severe, but you’d want to document their presence on the mental status exam and verify that the ADHD is affecting the patient’s functioning. However, they allow up to 60 mg/day for more severe cases of ADHD, as well as for narcolepsy.
Related Disease Conditions
Some studies show that Adderall can have greater side effects during the first 14 days of a woman's menstrual cycle. For the other amphetamine in Adderall, there was no difference by sex. This is because women and people AFAB tend to weigh less than men and those assigned male at birth (AMAB). The FDA warns that patients who have serious heart problems should avoid Adderall. A 2023 study found a link between long-term use of ADHD medicines (including Adderall) and an increased risk of heart attack or stroke, though the risk was quite small.
Adderall XR And Circulation Problems
According to the FDA, doctors should only prescribe Adderall during pregnancy if the likely benefit justifies the potential risks. According to the FDA, there are no adequate, well-controlled studies investigating the effects of Adderall use during pregnancy. People who feel as though they are experiencing a medical emergency should phone 911 or the emergency number in their area. Stimulant medications, such as Adderall, boost the levels of a brain chemical called norepinephrine, which helps promote wakefulness.
The dosage varies depending on your age, the form prescribed, and other factors. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Sometimes the doses of other medicines will need to be adjusted while taking Adderall®.
Side Effects For Adderall
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Serotonergic Drugs
This includes having a substance use disorder, such as opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder. Learn more about some of the side effects Adderall may cause. If so, they may have you switch to a different treatment. If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911. If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away.
It is designed to provide a therapeutic effect and plasma concentrations identical to taking two doses of Adderall IR four hours apart. Treatment with pharmaceutical amphetamines is generally less preferred relative to other stimulants (e.g., modafinil) and is considered a third-line treatment option. In contrast, levoamphetamine may have a greater effect on cataplexy, a symptom more sensitive to the effects of norepinephrine and serotonin.
Taking Adderall can be dangerous if it’s not prescribed for a medical condition. Seek immediate medical care for serious side effects like an allergic reaction. Drinking alcohol while taking Adderall can decrease the benefits of the medication while increasing adverse effects like sedation.
- Call your healthcare provider right away if you have or your child have any signs of unexplained wounds appearing on fingers or toes during treatment with ADDERALL.
- Adderall is used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
- Furthermore, the legality of the drug in a particular area can also play a role.
- Generic Adderall is a combination medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
- Adderall is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Related Conditions
This is because they may want to check whether your ADHD or narcolepsy symptoms are still present. Also, you may get used to certain side effects of Adderall treatment, such as appetite loss. Specifically, it may cause growth delays in children who take the drug long term. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers. They may recommend taking Adderall earlier in the day or changing the timing of your doses. New or worsening aggressive behavior was seen with stimulant drugs, including Adderall.

They develop drug cravings and destructive drug use behaviors that push them to use more than they are prescribed. Some people don’t have insurance, some people’s insurance won’t cover the medication or for other reasons, the prices have increased. Even when people are using the drug for legitimate reasons such as treating their ADHD or sleep disorders, pricing can become a significant obstacle. Once users have begun misusing the stimulant, they often turn to alternative and unregulated marketplaces to obtain more drugs. For those who use Adderall for the treatment of ADHD, the drug can be covered under insurance. This also leads to purchasing illegal pills because their prescribed dosage is no longer enough to sustain their tolerance and addiction.
Adderall IR isn’t recommended for use in children less than 3 years of age. Take your first dose when you wake up in the morning. Talk with your doctor if you have questions about your dosage of Adderall XR for ADHD.
These medications are inherently rewarding, which means we can’t take a purely collaborative approach and let patients guide the dose. For narcolepsy treatment, doctors may begin with 5 mg a day and then go up to 60 mg a day, with dosages given every four to six hours. There is more flexibility in immediate-release dosages, allowing doctors to start patients out on a minimal dose and increase it incrementally. Certain interactions with other drugs might hinder the effects of Adderall.
- Place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
- Misusing or overusing Adderall and then stopping suddenly can cause symptoms of withdrawal.
- But there are still some treatments that require in-person oversight—and until 2020, Adderall was one of them.
- Before prescribing Adderall, your doctor will assess your risk of misuse and dependence.
Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that Adderall can cause. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Adderall.
Yes, changes in mood or behavior are possible side effects of Adderall. They’ll advise whether to continue Adderall treatment. Keep in mind that appetite loss and weight loss can be temporary for some people.