Adderall and ADHD in Adults: 8 Questions Answered
Adderall and ADHD in Adults: 8 Questions Answered
Takeaways from
- Adults with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), most commonly treated by stimulants such as Adderall, are often prescribed stimulants.
- The prescription stimulants are well tolerated and have undergone extensive research. They can cause side effects such as increased blood pressure, restlessness and erectile disorder.
- Adderall and other stimulants are controlled substances which can cause dependence and addiction. Before taking prescription stimulants, talk to your doctor about their risks and benefits.
ADHD affects approximately 3 to 6% of adults. Many adults also take medication to treat ADHD. About one-third of adults in the U.S. with ADHD take medication to treat their symptoms.
There are many medications available to treat ADHD. Adderall, methylphenidate and other stimulants like Adderall are commonly prescribed.
As with any medication, it’s essential to educate yourself about stimulants, even though they are widely used. We’ll tell you everything you need about Adderall and other stimulants prescribed to adults with ADHD.
Adderall is used in adults for what?
The FDA has approved Adderall for adults with ADHD, narcolepsy and daytime sleepiness. Adderall is not the only stimulant for adults.
Two types of stimulant medication are used to treat ADHD. Two types of stimulant medications treat ADHD.
- Adderall, Vyvanse
- Ritalin (methylphenidate ER), Concerta (methylphenidate ER) and Focalin
Vyvanse and Ritalin are FDA-approved to treat binge-eating disorder among adults.
What is the effect of Adderall or other stimulants?
Adderall and other stimulants raise the levels of the brain’s two critical chemicals, norepinephrine & dopamine. These chemicals are believed to be important in controlling attention and mood.
Norepinephrine influences attention and stress responses. Dopamine affects our complex thinking and how we respond to rewarding experiences. These chemicals can increase alertness and attention.
What are the side effects of Adderall or other stimulants commonly used by adults?
Adults generally tolerate prescription stimulants well. Like all medications, there are side effects. You may experience low blood pressure or difficulty sleeping. Adderall may cause baldness, but this is rare.
Adderall can cause short-term side effects such as:
- Race heart
- High blood pressure
- Anger, restlessness or irritability
- Trouble Sleeping
- Dry Mouth
- Diarrhea, or Constipation
- Weight loss
- Hair loss
- Muscle twitching
- Erectile dysfunction
- The sex drive
You may also experience some short-term severe side effects. Seizures are just two examples.
Some severe side effects could occur over the long term. Adderall is linked to heart disease, dementia and mental health problems. We need more information to determine the severity of these side effects.
Adderall can also cause dependence or addiction. Later, we’ll discuss this in more detail.
What is the best time of day to take Adderall?
Adderall should be taken in the morning or at least early afternoon. Avoid late-night or evening doses of Adderall, as it can make you sleepy if taken in the afternoon. Follow your doctor’s instructions on how and when to use Adderall.
Adderall for ADHD is typically taken in the morning when you awaken. Additional doses can be taken four to six hours apart. You shouldn’t exceed three amounts a day. Adderall Extended Release ( Adderall ) should be taken in the morning.
Adderall is best taken as soon as you wake up. Adderall can be taken up to three times daily, every 4 to six hours. A dose in the early afternoon, along with the morning dose, may help to control daytime sleepiness.
Adderall or other prescription stimulants can be taken during pregnancy.
The product labelling of stimulants, such as Adderall Ritalin and Vyvanse, states that these medications should not be taken during pregnancy unless their benefits outweigh the risks.
The risk of adverse effects for the baby increases when taking prescription stimulants while pregnant. However, severe ADHD can also have negative consequences. If not treated, it can harm a pregnant mother’s everyday functions.
What is the conclusion of the research?
A study examined close to 5,000 pregnant women who were taking a stimulant for ADHD. Women who took inspiration were at a greater risk for high blood pressure and having protein in their urine (preeclampsia).
Taking stimulants later in pregnancy has been linked to an increased chance of early delivery ( premature labour). Overall, however, the risk of preterm labour is shallow. Researchers have suggested that women who have severe ADHD may be able to continue taking stimulant medications during pregnancy.
A second study examining more than 350,000 pregnancies found that taking methylphenidate increased the risk of babies having heart defects.
Speak to your doctor about whether or not you should continue taking prescription stimulants during pregnancy. You can discuss the pros and cons of taking these medications during pregnancy with your healthcare provider.
Adderall and heart health
Adderall is unlikely to cause heart problems in adults who do not have cardiovascular disease ( heart disease). Adderall and other prescription stimulants are more dangerous if you already have heart problems. If you have heart disease, changes in your blood pressure or heartbeat can be harmful.
Speak to your doctor before taking Adderall if you suffer from a heart problem, such as atrial fibrillation. You can weigh the pros and cons with their help.
During treatment, anyone taking Adderall will likely be monitored for any changes in their blood pressure or heart rate. You should seek immediate help if you experience chest pains or lose consciousness after taking Adderall.
Are stimulant drugs addictive?
Potentially. Amphetamines are substances that must be controlled. These medications have higher chances of dependence or addiction than others. These medications can also cause a “high”.
When you use a substance over time, it can cause a chemical shift in your brain. If you depend on stimulants, for example, your brain relies on them to maintain balance. Dependence is not the same as addiction.
Addiction can be a chronic condition. You may use a substance even if you know that it will lead to negative consequences. Addiction can affect your relationship and health. Adderall addiction is more likely if you take more than prescribed or for other reasons than prescribed.
Long-acting ADHD medications are less likely to cause addiction than short-acting stimulants. Long-acting medications slowly release the blood. This can help avoid the high caused by a drug quickly absorbed in the bloodstream.
Adderall withdrawal symptoms
If you suddenly stop taking Adderall, it can cause withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms may include:
- The following are some of the ways to reduce your risk:
- Changes in mood
- Slow down your movements
- More appetite than usual
- Feeling more sleepy than usual
Speak to your doctor before stopping Adderall. You can stop adding it slowly to prevent some of the withdrawal symptoms.
What are the alternatives to Adderall available for adults with ADHD symptoms?
Yes. Adults with ADHD can also be prescribed stimulants such as Ritalin, Vyvanse and Concerta. Focalin can be used as an alternative.
Atomoxetine is FDA-approved to treat ADHD in adults. This medication is the primary non-stimulant treatment option to treat ADHD in adults. It’s also not a controlled drug, but there are risks. Atomoxetine is often associated with nausea, dry mouth and changes in appetite.
Bottom line
Adults are most commonly prescribed stimulants for ADHD. Adderall and Concerta are stimulants.
Adderall is an effective and common prescription for adults. However, stimulants can have short-term and long-term effects. Short-term side effects include irritability and raised blood pressure. Addiction and dependence are long-term side effects. Before using prescription stimulants to treat ADHD, always discuss the pros and cons with your doctor.
