In 2023, over 32 million adderall prescriptions were written in the US. Adderall is the most commonly used stimulant to treat conditions such as ADHD and Narcolepsy by increasing dopamine levels to improve alertness, focus, and impulsivity [1].
When taken correctly under supervision, adderall side effects are minimal and often subside; however, long-term use or misuse can increase the risk of addiction, anxiety, cardiovascular problems, and other health consequences. Read on to understand what adderall is and how to manage side effects.
What is Adderall? Chemical Composition
Adderall is the brand name of a popular amphetamine, a class of stimulant medications used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It’s composed of four amphetamine salts (a combination of dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine). These increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the central nervous system to boost energy, focus, and improve attention.
Some people, especially high school students and young adults, abuse adderall to get high or boost their academic performance (“study drugs”). This can quickly lead to abuse and addiction. Recent data shows that around 25% of prescription stimulant users engage in misuse [2].
Who Can Benefit from an Adderall Prescription?
Adderall is used as a first line of treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. In both, it supports conditions by acting on essential neurotransmitters; however, the effects slightly differ. In ADHD, adderall is used to improve focus and reduce hyperactivity. In narcolepsy, it is used to stimulate activity and decrease daytime sleepiness [3].
ADHD:
- Used in both children and adults 3 years and older for immediate release, or 6 years and older, for Adderall XR (extended release)
- Improves symptoms such as inability to focus, lack of attention, and self-control
- Reduces impulsivity hyperactivity
- Often combined with behavioral therapies
Narcolepsy:
- Used in children and adults
- Reduces daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks
- Immediate release is often used
Adderall is also sometimes prescribed for off-label use, such as for treatment-resistant depression or anxiety disorders, although this is not frequent.
Understanding The Risks of Adderall Misuse
Adderall misuse means that it’s being taken for something other than its original purpose. Many who misuse adderall think it’s no more dangerous than drinking a lot of coffee, however, this isn’t the case. Some of the risks of adderall misuse include:
- ER Visits: Emergency room visits related to non-prescribed Adderall have increased by nearly 156% since 2006 among young adults [4].
- Addiction: Ongoing misuse of adderall leads to physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms such as depression and fatigue.
- Mental Health: Adderall abuse increases the risk of mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, mania, paranoia, aggression, and sometimes suicidal or homicidal thoughts [5].
- Cardio Health: Abuse can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heart rhythms, heart attack, or stroke.
- Neurological Health: Adderall can increase the risk of seizures, even if an individual has no previous seizure history.
Short-Term vs Long-Term Effects of Adderall
Adderall can cause several short-term and long-term side effects that impact both physical and mental health.
Short-Term Effects of Adderall:
- Lack of appetite/weight loss
- Increased heart rate, blood pressure
- Dry mouth
- Increased energy, alertness
- Restlessness, trouble sleeping
Long-Term Effects of Adderall
- Addiction
- Anxiety, depression, and in severe cases, psychosis
- Irregular heartbeat
- High blood pressure
- Seizures (rare but can occur if abused)
- Increases the risk of heart attack and stroke
It’s common for users to experience mild, short-term side effects of adderall, especially headaches, appetite loss, and dry mouth. If taken correctly, the body often adjusts to mild adverse effects over time. However, if you experience ongoing side effects that impact your functioning, speak with your doctor.
Managing Adderall Side Effects
If you’re on adderall for a medical condition and taking it as prescribed, the side effects usually subside or can be effectively managed. Below are a few strategies to help you avoid or manage them:
- Take adderall before 5 pm for immediate release, before 2 pm for extended release.
- Stay hydrated. Drink water, chew gum, or suck on sugar-free lollipops to get over a dry mouth.
- Eat several small meals daily to avoid malnutrition or unwanted weight loss. Take adderall with food to avoid an upset stomach.
- Avoid alcohol. Serious interactions can occur, increasing the risk of heart attack, stroke, or anxiety.
- Monitor your symptoms and share them with your doctor, who may be able to adjust dosing if necessary.
- Under supervision, some users benefit from “medication breaks” to reduce side effects and avoid tolerance build-up. Around 20% of prescribed users report taking breaks (e.g., on the weekends or their days off) [6].
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Sources
[1] CHADD. 2025. ADHD in the News.
[2] Jones, C. et al. 2025. Prescription Stimulant Use, Misuse, and Use Disorder Among US Adults Aged 18 to 64 Years. JAMA.
[3] Sherzada, A. 2012. An Analysis of ADHD Drugs: Ritalin and Adderall. Johnson County Community College.
[4] Mojtabai, R. (2016). Prescriptions, nonmedical use, and emergency department visits involving prescription stimulants. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 77(3), e297–e304.
[5] Anwar, A. (2022). Adderall-Induced Persistent Psychotic Disorder Managed. Cureus, 14(7), e27273.
[6] Martins, S. et al. 2004. Weekend Holidays During Methylphenidate Use in ADHD Children: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY.
