Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts): Uses, Side Effects, FAQs & More - GoodRx (2024)

What are the risks and warnings for Adderall?

Adderall is a schedule II controlled substance because it has a high risk for misuse and addiction. Misuse is when a medication is purposefully used in a different way than how it's prescribed. Misusing Adderall can be harmful because it raises your risk for serious side effects such as fast heart rate, high blood pressure, aggressive behavior, and even thoughts of hurting yourself. In addition, misusing Adderall can sometimes lead to addiction. Take Adderall exactly as prescribed to you. Speak with your psychiatrist if you're concerned about this risk.

Using Adderall long term can put you at risk for dependence. This means that over time, you can become physically dependent on Adderall to function normally. Physical dependence is usually related to having withdrawal symptoms, like irritability, nightmares, and sleep problems, if you take the medication for a long time and then suddenly stop or suddenly lower your dose. Take Adderall exactly as prescribed to you. Don't lower your dose or stop taking the medication without talking to your psychiatrist first.

There have been reports of sudden death, stroke, and heart attack in people with a heart condition who took Adderall at usual doses. This medication can also raise blood pressure and heart rate. Tell your psychiatrist if you have a history of heart problems before you start Adderall to make sure it's safe for you to take. Your psychiatrist will check for heart problems before starting treatment. Let your psychiatrist or primary care provider know if you experience unexplained fainting, chest pain with physical activity, or irregular heartbeat while you're taking Adderall.

Some people who've taken a stimulant like Adderall can have mental health problems, such as hallucinations (seeing things that aren't really there), aggressive behavior, unclear thinking, and mania. This medication can worsen mood-related problems that you already have, but these changes in behavior can also happen even if you haven't had these problems before. Talk to your psychiatrist right away if you develop these mood or behavior changes while you're taking Adderall because you might have to stop the medication.

In studies, stimulants like Adderall slowed the growth rate (both in height and weight) in children. Your child's psychiatrist will check your child's growth progress closely. Your child might need to briefly stop or completely stop taking Adderall if there's a possibility of any slowed growth that's happened. Talk to your child's psychiatrist if you have any concerns.

Although rare, Adderall can cause people to have seizures more easily, especially if you've had seizures before. Get medical help right away if you have a seizure. You'll likely have to stop taking Adderall.

Adderall might be linked to poor blood circulation problems, such as Raynaud's phenomenon. People with Raynaud's phenomenon can have episodes of poor blood flow in the fingers and toes, which can cause the skin to turn pale and to feel cold, numb, or painful. Symptoms are usually mild. But rarely, it can cause sores or ulcers in more serious cases. Let your psychiatrist know if you notice symptoms of circulation problems, such as instances of numbness or pain in your fingers or toes. Your psychiatrist might need to lower your dose of Adderall or consider a different medication.

Serotonin syndrome is a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that happens when there's too much serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals in your brain responsible for your mood.

Your risk for this condition goes up if you use Adderall with other medications that also affect serotonin levels, such as antidepressants, MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine (Nardil)), and certain migraine medications (e.g., sumatriptan (Imitrex)). Tell your psychiatrist, pharmacist, and primary care provider about all the medications you take or plan to take so they can make sure your medications are safe for you.

Be aware of symptoms of serotonin syndrome, like fast heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness or spasms, high fever, and confusion. Get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms.

Make sure your psychiatrist, pharmacist, and primary care provider know about all the medications you take (including over-the-counter medications and supplements) so they can check for harmful drug interactions with Adderall. Don't start any new medications while you're taking Adderall without letting them know.

Adderall dosage forms

Your psychiatrist will adjust your dose based on how well Adderall is helping your symptoms and whether you're having side effects.

ADHD

• Adults and children ages 6 years and older: The typical starting dose is 5 mg by mouth once or twice per day.

• Children ages 3 to 5 years old: The typical starting dose is 2.5 mg by mouth once per day.

• Children younger than 3 years old: The medication isn't recommended for this age group.

• Note: Most people won't need more than 40 mg per day.

Narcolepsy

• Adults and children ages 12 years and older: The typical starting dose is 10 mg by mouth once per day.

• Children ages 6 to 12 years: The typical starting dose is 5 mg by mouth once per day.