Key takeaways

  • Adderall is taken to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, and it may cause mild and serious side effects.
  • More common Adderall side effects may include appetite loss, trouble sleeping, and weight loss, while serious side effects may include heart problems and mental health concerns.
  • Discuss any side effect concerns with your doctor, especially if you have existing health conditions or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) is a brand-name drug prescribed to treat the following conditions in adults and some children:

Typically, people take Adderall long term to manage these conditions.

The side effects you experience may vary depending on the condition being treated.

If you have problems with side effects from Adderall, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss ways to manage side effects and alternative treatment options. Do not stop taking Adderall without consulting your doctor first.

Adderall has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Boxed warning for Adderall” section.

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 persist, 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 some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.

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:

  • abdominal pain
  • blurred vision
  • nervousness or restlessness
  • headache
  • constipation
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • dry mouth
  • appetite loss
  • trouble sleeping
  • weight loss

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 and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Adderall and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.

Adderall may cause serious side effects. The following list 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 include:

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” and the “Boxed warning for Adderall” sections.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Adderall can cause an allergic reaction. But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Adderall, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Adderall is approved to treat ADHD in children ages 3 years and older and to treat narcolepsy in children ages 6 years and older. Side effects of Adderall in children and adults are similar.

However, Adderall may also cause growth delays in children taking the drug long term.

CNS stimulant drugs like Adderall can cause a persistent decrease in growth velocity, with diminished growth in the range of 1 to 2 centimeters (cm) (about 0.4 to 0.8 inches [in]) from predicted adult height, reports the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).

Children who take higher and more consistent doses are particularly at risk. While the effect on growth velocity diminishes by the third year of treatment, most individuals who take stimulants consistently in childhood do not fully reach their predicted adult height after discontinuation of stimulants, AAP says.

One study monitored the height and weight of children who consistently took stimulant medication for ADHD starting at ages 7.0 to 9.9 years and a peer group that did not take any stimulant medications in childhood. The groups were monitored for a period of 16 years.

In early adulthood (average age of 24.7 years), individuals in the group that consistently took stimulant medication in childhood were an average of 1.3 in (3.4 cm) shorter than those in the “no stimulants” group. They also weighed an average of 16.46 pounds (7.47 kilograms) more than those who didn’t take stimulant medications in childhood.

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 and recommend a different medication for your child.

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.

A note about sex and gender

Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Learn more.

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 and frequent or long-lasting erections. Some males also experienced changes in libido.

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

Adderall has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This is the strongest warning that the FDA requires. A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Adderall has high potential for misuse and abuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. (With misuse, a drug is taken in a way other than how it’s prescribed.)

Misuse and abuse of Adderall can result in overdose, heart problems, and death. This risk is increased with higher doses or unapproved methods of administration, such as snorting or injection.

Taking Adderall for long periods of time can cause psychological and physical dependence. (With dependence, your body needs a drug in order to function like usual.) This may lead to obtaining Adderall illegally and using it for nonmedical purposes.

Throughout your treatment with Adderall, your doctor will monitor you for signs and symptoms of abuse, misuse, and addiction.

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.

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.

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 of 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.

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. (See the “Side effects in children” section.)

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, and Adderall is typically a long-term treatment for ADHD or narcolepsy.

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 or narcolepsy 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 of Adderall compare with those of Adderall XR?

The side effects of Adderall are very similar to those of 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 in the day than with Adderall.

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

Consider the following important information before taking Adderall.

Boxed warning

Adderall has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Boxed warning for Adderall” section.

Other precautions

Before taking Adderall, discuss your health history with your doctor. Adderall may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Possible interactions

Be sure to tell your doctor about all your medications before taking Adderall and ask about the possibility of drug interactions.

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.