Adderall increases attention and reduces daytime sleepiness. 

  • Adderall is commonly associated with anxiety, dry mouth, and appetite loss.
  • Other less common side effects include headaches, sore throats, sweating, and coughing.

Adderall is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine that’s commonly prescribed by doctors. It’s a drug that can be used to treat hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy.

You may experience minor side effects such as weight loss or dry mouth while your body adjusts to the medication. You can experience breathing problems or tingling in the hands and feet that require immediate medical attention.

Adderall side effects and when to seek medical attention

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, which means that it increases certain chemicals in the brain.

The drug is known to increase the concentration of norepinephrine, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters, according to Lewis Nelson, MD, a medical toxicologist at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.

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For people with ADHD or narcolepsy, this can lead to positive effects like:

  • Attention and alertness increased.
  • Reduced daytime sleepiness
  • Concentration Increased
  • Decreased restlessness

Nelson says that Adderall is not without its side effects. These are common stimulants. You should be aware that there are both short-term and longer-term side effects.

Short-term side effects

  1. says that it takes Adderall about 30 minutes to start causing side effects. Eugene Arnold, MD, MEd, is professor emeritus of psychiatry and behavioral health at the Ohio State University Nisonger Center for Clinical Trials.

Arnold and Nelson report that Adderall can cause a number of short-term side effects.

  • Appetite loss
  • The ability to express emotions is reduced when affect blunting occurs.
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Mild increases in blood pressure and pulse rate
  • Dry Mouth
  • Anxiety

Other less common side effects include:

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  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Sweating

Long-term side effects

Arnold says that while anyone can feel side effects when taking Adderall, not everyone does, and the individual will differ in how they react.

The following are some of the side effects that can last a long time:

  • Growth retardation in children
  • High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.
  • New-onset psychosis
  • Dementia
  • Increased risk of depression
  • Sleeping difficulties
  • Aggression
  • Anxiety
  • Tremors
  • Headaches

Nelson says that cardiovascular effects and slowed growth may be permanent. Arnold says that if you have been taking Adderall before age 10 for about 10 years, you could experience about 1 inch of growth loss.

Research is divided on this issue, with some claiming that Adderall may not actually be associated with significant growth changes. A doctor should carefully monitor a child’s height and weight to determine their growth.

Adderall drug interactions

Adderall shouldn’t be taken with certain medications as it may cause anegative reaction, which can reduce the effectiveness of the drug and lead to unpleasant or dangerous side effects.

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Adderall can interact with the following drugs:

  • Linezolid
  • Rasagiline
  • Sibutramine
  • Furazolidone
  • Safinamide
  • Tranylcypromine
  • Phenelzine
  • Methylene Blue
  • Nialamide
  • Procarbazine

Important:To see a complete list of Adderall interactions, please refer to this drug fact sheet by the Mayo Clinic.

Arnold says that monoamine oxidase inhibitors, a powerful class of antidepressants, may interact with amphetamine, resulting in a dangerous increase in blood pressure.

Your doctor may take any of these steps if you are taking a drug that could interact with Adderall:

  • Adderall can be replaced with other drugs.
  • Adderall can be taken with other medications.
  • You can change the dosage or frequency of taking one or both medicines.

If you experience an adverse reaction after taking two medications together, stop them and contact your doctor. Nelson says that if a medication was added recently, it’s generally okay to stop the drug and contact your doctor.

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When should you see a doctor?

If you experience any of the symptoms listed below after taking Adderall, it is important to consult a physician immediately.

  • Seizure: Adderall can increase your risk of seizures. This is especially true if you’ve had a history of seizures or heart rhythm issues.
  • Drug Interaction If you experience a fever, rapid heartbeat, muscle cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting, you could be suffering from a potentially fatal drug reaction known as serotonin syndrome.
  • Urinary Side Effects: Adverse effects, such as bloody or cloudy urination, bladder pain, and frequent or painful urination, may occur when taking Adderall.
  • Drug dependency: consult a medical professional if you feel physically or mentally dependent on Adderall to prevent the risk of drug abuse or addiction.
  • Symptoms in the fingers and toes Tingling and paleness on your fingers and toes could be symptoms of a blood flow problem known as Raynaud’s phenomenon.
  • Heart Problems: Adderall can cause blood vessel or heart problems, particularly in those who have a family history. Nelson says that if you experience abdominal pain or chest discomfort, breathing difficulties, or severe headaches, it is important to contact your doctor or go to the emergency room.

Takeaway from the Insider

Adderall is a prescription medication that improves attention and alertness by increasing the level of certain brain chemicals. Dry mouth, anxiety, and temporary appetite loss are some of the most common short-term side effects.

Tell your doctor about all medications you take to avoid potential drug interactions.

Consult your doctor immediately if any of the following symptoms occur: fever, nausea, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as a heart disease or serotonin disorder.