Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) is a brand-name prescription medication. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and certain children. Typically, people take it long term to manage these conditions.

Here are some fast facts about Adderall:

  • Active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine
  • Drug class: stimulant
  • Drug form: oral tablet

As with other drugs, Adderall can cause side effects. Read on to learn about potential common, mild, and serious side effects. For a general overview of Adderall, including details about its uses, see this article.

Adderall can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Adderall in clinical trials:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Mild side effects can occur with Adderall treatment. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Adderall’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Adderall include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Adderall and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.

Adderall may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Adderall’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Adderall, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think it’s a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • Depression. Symptoms can include:
    • loss of interest in activities
    • persistent low mood
    • irritability
  • Heart problems, including heart attack and sudden death. Symptoms can include:
    • chest pain or pressure
    • heart palpitations
  • Rhabdomyolysis (breakdown of muscle tissue). Symptoms can include:
    • fatigue
    • muscle pain or cramps
    • weakness
  • Raynaud’s phenomenon (reduced blood flow in your fingers or toes). Symptoms can include:
    • numb or cool fingers or toes
    • pale fingers or toes that turn a bluish color as blood flow returns
    • prickly, or pins-and-needles sensation as your fingers or toes warm
  • Stroke. Symptoms can include:
    • confusion
    • numbness or inability to move your face, arm, or leg on one side of your body
    • trouble speaking or understanding speech
  • Delusions (false beliefs).
  • Hallucinations (seeing, hearing, feeling, tasting, or smelling something that isn’t there).
  • Aggressive behavior.*
  • Severe allergic reaction.*
  • Risk of drug misuse and dependence.†

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics” below.
† Adderall has a boxed warning for this side effect. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Adderall misuse and dependence” section below.

Adderall is approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children ages 3 years and older. It’s also approved to treat narcolepsy in children ages 6 years and older. Side effects of Adderall in children and adults are similar.

However, Adderall treatment may cause growth delays in children taking the drug long term (over an extended period of time). This is because these effects were found in clinical trials of methylphenidate, a drug that acts similarly to Adderall. Typically, any growth delay is temporary, and they’ll catch up with time.

Your child’s doctor will monitor their height and weight during Adderall treatment. If your doctor sees a significant growth delay, they may stop the drug. They can also recommend a different medication for your child. To learn about Adderall alternatives, you can refer to this article.

If you have questions about side effects of Adderall in children, talk with your child’s doctor.

Females and males typically have the same side effects from Adderall treatment. However, Adderall may cause sexual side effects that may differ between females and males. (Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the terms “female” and “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.)

Sexual side effects

In clinical trials, females experienced changes in libido (sexual desire). Males also experienced sexual side effects in clinical trials. These included erectile dysfunction (an inability to have or maintain an erection) and frequent or long lasting erections. Males also experienced changes in libido.

If you have questions about sexual side effects during Adderall treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Adderall may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Does Adderall cause changes in your personality?

Yes, changes in mood or behavior are possible side effects with Adderall. These moods and behaviors can include:

Taking Adderall may also make you feel euphoric, which people often describe as feeling “high.” However, euphoria is more common with Adderall misuse.† (With misuse, a drug is taken differently from how it was prescribed.) Most people who take the drug as directed do not get this feeling.

If you notice new or worsening personality changes while taking Adderall, talk with your doctor right away. They may recommend that you stop taking Adderall. They can also suggest other treatments for your condition. It may be helpful to refer to this list of Adderall alternatives.

* This is a serious side effect of Adderall. To learn more about serious side effects of the drug, see the “Serious side effects of Adderall” section above.
† Adderall has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). To learn more, see the “Adderall misuse and dependence” section below.

Can Adderall cause long-term side effects?

Possibly. Adderall may cause long-term side effects. Specifically, it may cause growth delays in children who take the drug long term. However, it’s not known how long this side effect lasts. You can read more about it in the “Side effects in children” section above.

Also, you may get used to certain side effects of Adderall treatment, such as appetite loss. This is because certain side effects can continue for as long as you take the drug. (You typically take Adderall long term to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder [ADHD].)

If a side effect continues during treatment, talk with your doctor. They may recommend temporarily stopping treatment. This is because they may want to check whether your ADHD symptoms are still present. They may also stop the drug to evaluate whether the Adderall side effect eases. In some cases, they may advise to stop taking Adderall and recommend a different drug for your condition.

If you have questions or concerns about Adderall’s long-term side effects, talk with your doctor.

How do the side effects with Adderall compare with those seen with Adderall XR?

The side effects from Adderall are very similar to those from Adderall XR. This is because the two drugs have the same active ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

However, the timing of the side effects may vary. This is because Adderall XR is an extended-release form of the drug. With extended-release, the active drugs (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) release slowly into your body over a period. So if you take Adderall XR, your side effects may start later on in the day than with Adderall.

To learn more about side effects with Adderall versus Adderall XR, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Adderall may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Adderall.

Appetite loss

Reduced appetite was reported in clinical trials of Adderall. Some people who take Adderall may not feel hungry. This is because stimulant drugs, including Adderall, decrease appetite. For some people, the lack of appetite can lead to weight loss. For others, it may be a temporary side effect as their body gets used to the medication.

What you can do

It can be challenging to increase your appetite during Adderall treatment. However, there are some things that may help. First, try to eat a meal before taking Adderall in the morning.* Then, have several smaller meals or snacks throughout the day. Since Adderall wears off in the evening, you may feel like eating more at that time.

If problems with your appetite continue, tell your doctor. They can recommend other ways to increase your appetite.

* To learn about how often to take Adderall, see this article.

Aggressive behavior

Some people reported aggressive behavior in clinical trials of Adderall. Aggressive behavior is an act with the purpose of harming a person, animal, or property. New or worsening aggressive behavior was seen with stimulant drugs, including Adderall.

Symptoms of aggression can include:

  • hostility
  • anger
  • harsh language
  • physical violence
  • property damage

What can you do

If you feel like you’re experiencing new or worsening aggressive behavior, talk with your doctor about it. They’ll recommend closer monitoring of your mood and behavior, especially at the beginning of Adderall treatment. They may also advise other treatments that may be safer for you. To learn about alternatives to Adderall, you can refer to this list.

Trouble sleeping

Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep may occur with Adderall treatment. Also known as insomnia, trouble sleeping was common in the drug’s clinical trials. However, sleeping problems can ease as your body gets used to the medication.

What you can do

If you’re having trouble sleeping, talk with your doctor. They may recommend taking Adderall earlier in the day or changing the timing of your doses. (To learn more about Adderall dosages, see this article.)

If you continue to have trouble sleeping, your doctor can advise whether Adderall is right for you. They can also recommend ways to manage insomnia. You can read this article for more sleeping tips.

Weight loss

Weight loss was common in clinical trials of Adderall treatment. Typically, weight loss occurs because of a decrease in appetite, another side effect with Adderall. Keep in mind that appetite loss and weight loss can be temporary for some people.

What you can do

To help prevent or manage weight loss, you may want to focus on increasing the number of calories you take in. You can try to:

  • Get in as many calories as possible when the drug’s effects are lowest. For example, eat a high calorie, nutritious breakfast before your first dose of Adderall.
  • Choose calorie-dense snacks throughout the day, such as cheese, nuts, or protein bars or drinks.
  • As the drug’s effects wear off later in the day, try to eat another larger meal.

To gain weight safely, view these other tips.

If you continue to lose weight or have trouble managing your weight, talk with your doctor. They’ll advise whether to continue Adderall treatment.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, Adderall can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Allergic reaction was reported by people who took Adderall in clinical trials. Symptoms can be mild or serious and can include:

  • skin rash
  • itching
  • flushing
  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe

What you can do

For mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, call your doctor right away. They can recommend ways to ease your symptoms. They’ll also determine whether you should keep taking Adderall. However, if your symptoms are serious and you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Adderall comes with several warnings.

Boxed warning: Risk of drug misuse and dependence

This drug has a boxed warning for the risk of drug misuse and dependence. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Adderall misuse and dependence” section below.

Other precautions

Before you take Adderall, be sure to talk with your doctor about your health history. This drug may not be the right treatment for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These are considered drug-condition or drug-factor interactions. The conditions and factors to consider include:

Allergic reaction. If you have had an allergic reaction to Adderall or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe the drug. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.

Circulation problems. Adderall can reduce blood flow to your fingers and toes, causing Raynaud’s phenomenon.

If you already have Raynaud’s phenomenon or other circulatory problems, talk with your doctor before taking Adderall. They can recommend other treatments that may be safer for you. You can also refer to this list of Adderall alternatives.

Glaucoma. Adderall can cause the pupil of your eyes to dilate (widen). If you have glaucoma, this effect can make it worse. Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Adderall to people who have glaucoma.

Heart problems. Adderall can cause cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke. You may have an increased risk of these side effects if you already have heart problems. Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Adderall to people with heart problems.

Before taking Adderall, be sure to tell your doctor about any heart-related conditions you have, including high blood pressure. This includes having a family history of heart problems or high blood pressure. Your doctor can help determine whether Adderall is safe for you. They can also recommend other treatments for your condition.

Mental health conditions. Taking Adderall can cause new symptoms of psychosis and mania. If you already have a mental health condition, such as bipolar disorder, Adderall may worsen it. So before starting Adderall treatment, talk with your doctor about your mental health. It may be helpful to discuss other treatment options.

If you experience new or worsening symptoms while taking Adderall, talk with your doctor right away.

Seizures. Adderall can increase the risk of seizures in people who have had them previously. In rare cases, the drug can cause seizures in people who have never had one. If you have ever had a seizure, talk with your doctor before taking Adderall. Ask them if it’s safe for you. And if you have a seizure while taking Adderall, seek immediate medical attention. To learn what to do in the event of a seizure, you can review this article.

Serotonin syndrome. Taking Adderall with certain other drugs can cause serotonin syndrome, which can be life threatening. Be sure to tell your doctor about all your medications before taking Adderall. And ask about the possibility of drug interactions. For details about Adderall’s interactions, see this article.

Thyroid problems. Adderall can worsen the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Due to this risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Adderall to people with an overactive thyroid. If you have thyroid problems, talk with your doctor before taking Adderall. They may recommend a different medication.

Tics. Taking Adderall can make tics and symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome worse. So before starting Adderall treatment, tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has tics or Tourette’s syndrome. Ask if another medication would be a better option for you.

Alcohol with Adderall

There’s no known interaction between alcohol and Adderall. However, the two substances work in opposite ways. Adderall stimulates your central nervous system and alcohol depresses it (slows it down). So drinking alcohol while taking Adderall may increase your risk of alcohol poisoning. This is because you may not feel the effects of alcohol while taking Adderall. Alcohol may also increase your risk of side effects with Adderall.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor before taking Adderall. They can help you determine what amount, if any, is safe to consume while taking Adderall. To learn more about Adderall and alcohol, see this article.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Adderall

It isn’t known whether Adderall is safe to take during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or can become pregnant while taking Adderall. Together, you can weigh the risks of taking the drug with the benefits it provides. You can also ask about other treatment options or review this list.

Adderall passes into breast milk so it may cause effects in a child who’s breastfed. Due to this risk, doctors will not typically recommend breastfeeding while taking Adderall. If you’re planning on breastfeeding and take Adderall, talk with your doctor.

Adderall has a boxed warning for the risk of drug misuse and dependence. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Adderall has a high risk of misuse. (Misuse is sometimes referred to as “abuse,” but this is an outdated term.) With misuse, a drug is taken differently from how it was prescribed. And misuse of Adderall can cause serious side effects that can be fatal.

Adderall also has a risk of dependence. With dependence, your body needs a drug to function as it typically does.

Due to these risks, doctors typically will not prescribe Adderall to people who have ever had drug or alcohol misuse or dependence. This includes substance use disorder, which refers to misusing drugs, alcohol, and other compounds. These conditions increase the risk of misuse and dependence with Adderall.

Adderall has some common side effects that are typically mild. However, serious side effects are possible. If you’d like to learn more about Adderall, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can help answer any questions you have about side effects from taking the drug.

Besides talking with your doctor, you can do some research on your own. These articles might help:

  • More information about Adderall. For details about other aspects of Adderall, refer to this article.
  • Drug comparison. Learn how Adderall compares with Vyvanse, Ritalin, and Concerta.
  • Interactions. To find out about Adderall’s interactions, see this article.
  • Cost. For details about Adderall and cost, review this article.
  • A look at your condition. For details about attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), see our ADHD hub. To learn about narcolepsy, see our science of sleep hub.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.