Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed stimulant medications in the United States. It’s often used to treat conditions that affect focus, attention, and sleep.
While Adderall can be effective when taken under medical supervision, it also has risks. These risks may increase when the drug is misused or taken without a prescription. Understanding how Adderall works, why it’s prescribed, and how it affects the body can help clarify its role in both safe treatment and potential misuse.
What is Adderall and Why is it Prescribed?
Adderall is a prescription medication made from a mix of amphetamine salts. Doctors prescribe it mainly to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder that causes sudden sleepiness).
The medication works by increasing two important brain chemicals:
- Dopamine: Helps with motivation and feelings of reward
- Norepinephrine: Works with attention and alertness
Adderall comes in two forms:
- Immediate-release (IR) tablets that work quickly
- Extended-release (XR) capsules that work throughout the day
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Adderall for medical use. But it’s classified as a Schedule II controlled substance because it can be misused and lead to dependence.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 16 million prescriptions for stimulants like Adderall were written in 2021. This illustrates how widely it’s used for legitimate medical purposes.
Short-Term Adderall Side Effects
When someone first starts taking Adderall, they might notice certain side effects right away. Most people experience mild to moderate side effects that often improve as their body adjusts to the medication.
Common short-term side effects of Adderall use include:
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble sleeping
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Feeling nervous or irritable
The FDA reports that about 1 in 3 people taking Adderall will experience at least one of these side effects. For most people using the medication as prescribed, these effects aren’t severe enough to stop treatment. These feelings also usually wear off as the medication leaves the person’s system.
For children taking Adderall, parents might notice changes in appetite more easily. A child might not finish meals or complain about not feeling hungry. This can affect their overall health if it continues for a long time, which is why doctors monitor children’s height and weight regularly during treatment.
Long-Term Side Effects Of Adderall
When Adderall is taken for months or years, different concerns can arise. These long-term effects might develop slowly and can vary from person to person.
Some of the most important long-term effects of Adderall use are:
Cardiovascular Changes
Adderall can raise blood pressure and heart rate. Over time, this might put extra strain on the heart. A 2022 study in JAMA Psychiatry found that adults taking stimulants like Adderall had a slightly increased risk of high blood pressure compared to those not taking these medications.
Mental Health Effects
Some people notice changes in their mood or mental health with long-term use. This might include:
- More feelings of anxiety
- Changes in mood
- Difficulty managing stress
These effects are more common at higher doses or when the medication is taken for a long time without breaks.
Physical Dependence
Our bodies can get used to having Adderall in our system. This is called physical dependence, and it’s different from addiction. With dependence, a person might feel tired, hungry, or irritable if you suddenly stop taking the medication. These are withdrawal symptoms, and they don’t necessarily mean that the person is addicted to Adderall. Addiction usually entails effects on various parts of the person’s life and a psychological dependence.
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, physical dependence can happen even when taking Adderall exactly as prescribed. This is why doctors often recommend slowly decreasing the dose of Adderall if the person desires to stop using the drug, rather than stopping suddenly.
Is Adderall Safe for the Heart?
Because Adderall is a stimulant, it increases heart rate and blood pressure. For most healthy people taking prescribed doses, these changes are small and not dangerous. However, for people with certain heart conditions, even small changes can be risky.
The FDA warns that Adderall may not be safe for people with:
- Heart disease
- Irregular heartbeats
- High blood pressure that isn’t well controlled
A study published in 2021 in the Journal of the American Heart Association looked at over 300,000 people taking stimulants like Adderall. They found that the risk of serious heart problems was low when the medication was taken as prescribed by people without pre-existing heart conditions.
Before prescribing Adderall, doctors typically:
- Check blood pressure and heart rate
- Ask about family history of heart problems
- Sometimes order an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check heart function
During treatment, regular medical check-ups can help monitor for any concerning changes. This medical supervision is a key part of safely using Adderall.
Adderall Misuse And Overdose Risks
Taking Adderall exactly as prescribed is very different from misusing it. Misuse includes taking higher doses than prescribed, taking it without a prescription, or taking it in ways it wasn’t meant to be used (such as crushing and snorting it).
According to a 2022 survey by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, about 5% of college students reported misusing prescription stimulants like Adderall. This often happens because of a belief that these drugs improve academic performance or can help with studying.
Signs that someone might be misusing Adderall include:
- Taking more pills than prescribed
- Running out of medication early
- Seeking prescriptions from multiple doctors
- Borrowing or buying pills from others
- Crushing pills to snort or inject them
Misuse significantly increases the risk of serious side effects and overdose. An Adderall overdose can result in:
- Dangerously high body temperature
- Irregular heartbeat
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Heart attack
- Stroke
- Death
If someone shows signs of an Adderall overdose, it’s a medical emergency requiring immediate help by calling 911.
Who Should Avoid Using Adderall?
Some people face higher risks from Adderall and may need to avoid it entirely or use it only with very careful monitoring.
People who generally should avoid Adderall include those with:
- Heart conditions: This includes structural heart problems, irregular heartbeats, or high blood pressure that isn’t well controlled.
- History of substance use disorders: People with past addiction issues may be more vulnerable to misusing Adderall.
- Certain mental health conditions: Adderall can worsen symptoms of anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, or psychosis in some people.
- Medication interactions: Adderall can interact dangerously with certain medications, such as MAO inhibitors (a type of antidepressant).
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Limited research currently exists, but there are concerns about potential risks Adderall use may present to a developing baby.
If a person has any of these conditions, it’s important to tell a medical professional when considering Adderall as a treatment option. There are often alternative treatments that might be safer for a person’s overall health situation.
Managing Adderall Dependency And Healing From Adderall Addiction
If someone develops a dependency on Adderall, there are effective ways to address it. At First Steps Recovery, we understand that dependency can happen even when medications are taken as prescribed.
When stopping Adderall after long-term use, withdrawal symptoms might include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Feelings of depression
- Trouble concentrating
- Sleep problems
Working with healthcare providers can make this process safer and more comfortable. Tapering (gradually reducing the dose) is often recommended rather than stopping suddenly.
For those who’ve been misusing Adderall or are addicted, additional treatment may help address the reasons behind the misuse. This might include:
- Therapy approaches: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help a person become aware of their patterns of thinking and behavior related to substance use.
- Support groups: Connecting with others who understand similar challenges can provide valuable encouragement.
- Alternative ADHD treatments: For those with ADHD or narcolepsy, non-stimulant medications or behavioral strategies might be viable options.
Recovery from addiction is personal, and what works best varies from person to person. The goal is finding approaches that support overall health and well-being.
Tips for Safe Adderall Use
When used as prescribed under medical supervision, Adderall can be safe and effective for many people with ADHD or narcolepsy. The key factors for safe use include:
- Taking it exactly as prescribed
- Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider
- Being honest about any side effects
- Never sharing medication with others
For those concerned about Adderall safety or dependency, remember that help is available. Healthcare providers can offer guidance about the safest treatment options for individual situations.
At First Steps Recovery, we provide comprehensive support for those dealing with prescription medication concerns, including Adderall dependency. Our holistic approach to addiction treatment focuses on the whole person, addressing both physical and psychological aspects of recovery.
FAQs About Adderall Safety
Is Adderall safe for children with ADHD?
Adderall can be safe for children with ADHD when prescribed by a doctor and monitored regularly. Special attention may be paid to growth, appetite, and sleep patterns.
Can Adderall cause permanent heart damage?
When taken as prescribed, Adderall rarely causes permanent heart damage in healthy individuals. But those with pre-existing heart conditions face higher risks and should consult with medical professionals.
Is it safe to take Adderall with other medications?
Taking Adderall with certain medications can be dangerous. This is especially true for MAO inhibitors, blood pressure medications, or acid-reducing drugs that affect absorption.
How Can I Tell if Adderall is Working Safely?
Adderall is working safely if it improves your symptoms without causing significant side effects, and your vital signs remain stable during regular medical check-ups.
Get Help for Adderall Addiction at First Steps Recovery
If you or someone you know is concerned about Adderall use or dependency, contact First Steps Recovery for expert help and support. Contact us to learn more about our specialized services for prescription medication dependencies.
Dr. Curl is the Medical Director and primary on-site provider for First Steps Recovery. He is a Board Certified Internist and Addiction Medicine Specialist having attended the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and completing his residency at Mount Auburn Hospital with Harvard Medical School. Following several years work as an internist and physiatrist (physical medicine and rehabilitation). Dr. Curl completed the Addiction Medicine Fellowship at Howard University in Washington DC and participated as a RAM Scholar (Research in Addiction Medicine). While part of the fellowship, Dr. Curl pursued research investigating the barriers to expanding and improving medication for opioid use disorder. Following his fellowship, Dr. Curl spearheaded the Opiate Use Disorder outpatient clinic and worked in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences within the Howard University Hospital. In 2023, Dr. Curl completed his Board Certification in Addiction Medicine.
