Everyone has difficulty paying attention sometimes, but if you notice it happening often alongside other symptoms, you may have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Additional symptoms can include:
- engaging in rash or potentially harmful behaviors
- often feeling anxious or depressed
- experiencing difficulty in social situations
Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) can make it easier to manage these symptoms. It is one of the more common medications prescribed to help adults and children with ADHD.
What is Adderall, and how does it work?
Adderall is a stimulant, and similar drugs include methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta) and lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse).
These drugs aim to improve attention and decrease distractions, making it easier to focus on certain tasks. They cause your brain to produce more serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine chemicals, which are important for sending signals through your nervous system.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers Adderall and similar drugs to be Schedule II controlled substances. This means the medication has an accepted medical use, but it also has the potential for misuse and addiction.
Misuse means to take a drug in a way other than how it’s prescribed, such as taking more than a doctor recommends. With addiction, a person keeps taking a drug even though it may be harming them.
What does Adderall feel like?
When you begin taking Adderall, you may notice improved focus, better short-term memory, and more balanced energy levels. You may also find completing tasks and goal-setting easier.
Adderall works similarly in both adults and children. However, it may help children focus better at school by ignoring distractions.
Need a diagnosis or prescription quickly? Optum Perks offers personalized on-demand care in as little as 15 minutes. For $29, answer a few questions online and receive a diagnosis and treatment plan from a US-licensed healthcare professional. Get started here.
How long does it take for Adderall to kick in?
You should notice Adderall beginning to work in around 30 to 45 minutes.
How long do Adderall effects last?
The effects of Adderall last about 4 to 6 hours.
Adderall also comes in a long-acting version called Adderall XR. (The “XR” means it is an extended-release medication.) Because Adderall XR releases its drug in the body slower than Adderall, its effects last about 8 to 12 hours.
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of Adderall that is safe and effective for you. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions your doctor gives you.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
Free prescription coupons
Seriously … free. Explore prices that beat the competition 70% of the time.
Get free cardWhat are Adderall’s side effects?
Mild side effects of Adderall include decreased appetite, headache, dry mouth, and difficulty sleeping. Such side effects typically go away within a few days or weeks. But if they don’t go away, talk with a doctor or healthcare professional about treatments for side effects you have or lowering your Adderall dosage.
The medication can also have more serious side effects, such as heart disease. Taking ADHD medication for a long time increases the chance of serious side effects. However, serious side effects tend to be rare.
Besides heart disease, possible serious side effects of Adderall include:
- high blood pressure
- seizure
- fast heartbeat
- psychiatric conditions, such as psychosis
- misuse and addiction
Note that Adderall has a boxed warning for the risk of misuse and addiction. A boxed warning is the strongest warning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires on prescription drug labeling. For more information, see this article.
Taking stimulants such as Adderall over long periods may also affect growth rates in children.
Research has found that adults who took stimulants for several years as children showed a 4.7-centimeter (cm) height deficit after consistently taking the medication. However, in general, children who take Adderall remain in a typical growth range.
These are not all of the mild or serious side effects Adderall may cause. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the side effects of this drug.
How to use Adderall safely
All stimulants come with the risk of addiction and misuse, and safety is important.
When taking Adderall, always follow the instructions a doctor or healthcare professional gives you. When children take Adderall, it is essential to schedule annual checkups so that a doctor can monitor their height, weight, and general health.
You should not stop taking Adderall suddenly, even if you experience side effects, as it may cause withdrawal symptoms that can make you feel unwell. Instead, discuss the options with your healthcare team, as they can slowly lower your dose to reduce your withdrawal risk.
Summary
Medication is just one tool for managing ADHD. You may consider taking Adderall alongside other approaches, such as behavior management and educational interventions.
A treatment plan that includes all of these options may help improve your quality of life. Working with a doctor or healthcare team can help determine the best treatment for you.
Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.