ADHD Medications: How They Work and Side Effects

They’ll do this by tapering you off the medication to see if your symptoms return. If symptoms do return, you may need to keep taking the medication. This seems to occur in about 2 percent to 4 percent of people taking Adderall XR. In some studies, constipation occurred in 2 percent to 4 percent of people who took Adderall XR. In some studies, nausea occurred in 5 percent to 8 percent of people taking Adderall XR. Some of these medicines can change the way your body absorbs Adderall, and may increase side effects.

Mineral supplements

If you already have a condition that causes reduced blood circulation in your fingers and toes, such as Raynaud’s phenomenon, you may have a higher risk of this side effect. Talk with your doctor about whether Adderall is right for you. Talk with your doctor before stopping Adderall treatment.

Can Adderall be used for weight loss, depression, or anxiety?

Before taking Adderall, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also, describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Adderall.

Adverse effects

Also, people who have become dependent on Adderall can experience extreme fatigue if they stop taking the drug. Symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations, agitation, or disordered thinking, are a rare side effect of Adderall. In some cases, these symptoms have occurred in people taking typical, recommended doses of Adderall. These side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect.

All of the children showed improvements in test scores and had better overall quality of life. Gingko biloba is an herbal supplement that’s commonly marketed to help improve memory and characteristics of high-functioning alcoholics blood flow in older adults. Gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a natural brain chemical that helps calm the nervous system. It works to lower levels of excitability and hyperactivity.

Boxed warning: Risk of misuse (also called abuse)

It may also help you to organize your tasks and improve listening skills. Adderall is a stimulant drug prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Other stimulant drugs used for these conditions include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, others) and dexamphetamine (Dexedrine). Another stimulant used specifically for narcolepsy is modafinil (Provigil).

This means that it can cause psychological or physical dependence and has the potential for misuse (also called abuse). Adderall is a drug of abuse and you should be meth withdrawal aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription. Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you.

They have some similar side effects and some different ones. Adderall, a stimulant, is considered a first-choice treatment for ADHD. Stimulants are the best studied and most effective treatments for ADHD. Adderall and modafinil are both stimulants and have some similar side effects. However, Adderall is more likely to cause side effects than modafinil. Adderall is considered a first-choice medication for treating symptoms of ADHD.

In patients 12 years of age and older, start with 10 mg daily; daily dosage may be raised in increments of 10 mg at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained. If bothersome adverse reactions appear (e.g., insomnia or anorexia), dosage should be reduced. Give first dose on awakening; additional doses (1 or 2) at intervals of 4 to 6 hours. Both stimulant and non-stimulant ADHD medications are approved for children and adults. While the drugs are the same, the doses and forms of ADHD drug treatments can be different for children than they are for adults.

Stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin are well-established treatments for ADHD, and they are safe and effective for most people. Like other types of non-stimulants, antidepressants are an option when first-line ADHD treatments haven’t helped. Your provider may also recommend that you try taking an antidepressant along with ADHD medications. Qelbree is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children ages 6 years and older and adults. Strattera is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children and adults. Stimulant ADHD medications are available in tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and liquid formulas.

It can also interact with certain supplements as well as some foods. If you take Adderall for a medical condition, consider disclosing this information before completing a drug screening related to work or athletics. The length of time Adderall stays in your system varies from person to person, but it’s usually two to four days. Although rare, blurred vision or trouble focusing can occur in some people who take Adderall. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, talk with your pharmacist about how to properly dispose of it.

Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.

Those who wish for temporary cognitive enhancement may find it a best fit. These can be students taking exams, professionals with busy schedules, or anyone else who needs a quick mental boost. Addall XR may be the best choice for those who need to focus and pay attention for extended periods, like students, professionals, or creative workers. The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only.

1. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, you should call 911 or your local emergency number.
2. It’s true, though, that amphetamine-based ADHD medications are more likely to be misused.
3. ADHD can be treated with a few other medications apart from natural Adderall alternatives.
4. If you have chest pain after taking Adderall, call your doctor right away.
5. ADHD is commonly treated with stimulant medications, such as Adderall, but some people may opt for non-stimulant options.

Speak to your doctor about how drug interactions should be managed. Some products have ingredients that could raise your heart rate or blood pressure. Tell your pharmacist what products you are using, and ask how to use them safely (especially cough-and-cold products or diet aids). During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed.

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesn’t. If you drink alcohol, talk with hallucinogen drug use: effects addiction & dangers your doctor about how much (if any) is safe to drink during your Adderall treatment. You should not drink alcohol during your Adderall treatment.

Side effects like loss of appetite and weight loss can also occur while taking Adderall. Treatment may be stopped if there’s a problem with growth. Serious side effects of Adderall can include heart attack and stroke. Adderall can lead to sudden death in people with preexisting heart conditions.