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  • Many people think of Adderall as a harmless prescription drug. However, when it’s not used exactly as prescribed, it can lead to addiction. 

    Those who struggle with Adderall abuse face a number of health risks, including overdose. That’s why it’s important to seek help at an addiction treatment program. 

    What Is Adderall?

    Adderall is a drug that contains a mixture of two central nervous system stimulants: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine

    These stimulants increase the activity of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters. Dopamine influences memory, motivation, and attention, while norepinephrine improves concentration and energy. 

    Adderall can help you focus, pay attention, and control impulsive behaviors. 

    Side Effects Of Adderall

    Like all prescription medications, Adderall comes with some side effects. 

    The most common Adderall side effects include: 

    • loss of appetite
    • weight loss
    • dry mouth
    • headache
    • stomach pain
    • diarrhea
    • constipation
    • nausea or vomiting
    • lack of interest in sex
    • difficulty having an orgasm
    • irritability
    • excitability
    • talkativeness 
    • increased heart rate
    • high blood pressure

    Learn more about the Long-Term Effects Of Adderall

    Prescription Use Of Adderall

    Because Adderall can improve your ability to pay attention and control your behavior, doctors often use it to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This mental health condition makes it difficult to concentrate and resist impulses.  

    Adderall is also prescribed for people with narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes drowsiness throughout the day. The stimulating effects of Adderall can help keep patients awake. 

    When prescribing Adderall to treat ADHD or narcolepsy, doctors tell patients exactly how much to take, when to take it, and how long to take it for. 

    They will also schedule regular follow-up appointments to ensure the medication is working properly and determine whether the patient still needs it. This monitoring is essential because Adderall is a schedule II controlled substance, which means it has a high risk of being abused.

    Adderall Abuse

    Adderall abuse occurs when you take the medication more frequently than prescribed, at a higher dose than prescribed, or without a prescription. In addition, some individuals abuse Adderall by snorting the pills to feel the effects more quickly and intensely. 

    Learn more about Snorting Adderall

    In most cases, people abuse Aderrall to feel more focused, motivated, and confident. 

    This form of drug abuse is particularly common among:

    • high school and college students who want to boost their productivity and academic achievement (in fact, Adderall is sometimes called a “study drug”)
    • people who want to boost their productivity at work
    • athletes who want to boost their physical performance, as Adderall can increase energy and reaction time
    • people with eating disorders, who seek the drug’s appetite suppressant effects 
    • people with other substance use disorders (such as alcohol use disorder, in which a person has trouble controlling their drinking habits)

    Over time, Adderall misuse can cause you to develop a tolerance. That means you’d need higher and higher doses of the drug to feel the same effects you once felt at a lower dose. At this point, you would probably be diagnosed with Adderall addiction. 

    Signs Of Adderall Abuse & Addiction

    The most common signs of Adderall abuse and addiction include:

    • requiring higher doses of the drug to achieve the same effects that were once achieved at a lower dose
    • withdrawing from family and friends or avoiding work or school to spend more time getting and using the drug 
    • neglecting personal hygiene to spend more time getting and using the drug
    • feeling unable to complete work or school without the drug
    • visiting multiple doctors to get multiple prescriptions of the drug (“doctor shopping”)
    • spending a significant amount of money on Adderall
    • having trouble sleeping
    • feeling unable to quit the drug despite wanting to

    Adderall Overdose Signs

    Adderall overdose can occur when you take more of the drug than your doctor prescribed, take it without a prescription, or mix it with other substances, such as alcohol. 

    Common signs of overdose include:

    • uncontrollable shaking
    • fever
    • chest pain
    • shortness of breath
    • fast or irregular heartbeat
    • nausea or vomiting
    • weakness
    • dizziness
    • blurry vision
    • panic attacks
    • aggressiveness
    • fainting
    • seizures

    If you or a loved experiences the above symptoms, call 911 or seek emergency medical care immediately. An Adderall overdose can lead to a heart attack or even death. 

    Learn more about Adderall Overdose

    Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

    Even if you have a prescription for Adderall, suddenly quitting the medication can cause withdrawal symptoms, especially if you’ve been using it for a long time or at high doses. 

    Whether you have a prescription or not, talk to a health care provider before stopping the drug. They will help you lower the dose gradually to reduce the chance of withdrawal symptoms, which may include:

    • nausea or vomiting
    • trouble sleeping
    • fatigue
    • depression
    • anxiety
    • irritability
    • confusion
    • psychosis, which is a condition that makes it difficult to separate reality from hallucinations (seeing, hearing, or feeling things that aren’t real) and delusions (holding beliefs that aren’t based in reality)

    Learn more about Adderall Withdrawal

    Adderall Addiction Treatment Options

    It’s not easy to recover from Adderall addiction by yourself. Instead, seek help from an addiction treatment center. 

    Depending on your needs, you can attend a rehab center on an inpatient basis (meaning you live at the center) or an outpatient basis (meaning you regularly attend the center while living at home). 

    No matter which option you choose, a team of professionals will likely help you:

    • gradually lower your dose to reduce the chance of withdrawal symptoms
    • manage any withdrawal symptoms that do occur 
    • change problematic behaviors through behavioral therapy, where a licensed therapist will help you better understand your thoughts, feelings, and urges
    • develop healthy coping skills such as meditation, yoga, exercise, or journaling
    • get peer support from people facing similar challenges through group therapy
    • prevent relapse after you finish treatment by creating an aftercare plan, which often includes ongoing individual and group therapy

    If you or a loved one struggles with Adderall abuse, contact an Ark Behavioral Health specialist to learn more about our comprehensive treatment options.

    Adderall FAQ

    How Long Does Adderall Stay In Your System?

    Adderall can be detected in your system for 3 days up to a month after your last dose. 

    Urine drug tests are the most common form of testing for Adderall, and they can detect the drug from 3 hours to 3 days after use. Hair tests are uncommon, but may detect Adderall a month or so after you stop taking it.

    Learn more about Adderall Detection Times

    What Is An Adderall Crash?

    An Adderall crash is when the drug’s effects begin to wear off. During a crash, you may experience anxiety and depression, as well as crave more Adderall. As the crash continues, insomnia sets in along with intense hunger and thirst.

    Learn more about An Adderall Crash & Comedown

    Is Adderall Smokable? 

    The stimulant prescription drug Adderall is smokable. Smoking Adderall can cause lung damage and issues with your heart and blood pressure due to the extra stress on the body. 

    Smoking Adderall quickly builds up your tolerance to the drug and can lead to repeated drug use or addiction. 

    Learn more about Smoking Adderall

    Does Adderall Cause Weight Loss?

    The prescription stimulant Adderall has a wide-range of side effects, including weight loss and decreased appetite. However, the medication is used to help people with ADHD and narcolepsy. It should not be taken without a prescription to lose weight.

    Learn more about Adderall & Weight Loss

    Is Adderall Like Speed Or Meth?

    Yes. “Speed” is a street name for amphetamines, a group of drugs that includes both Adderall and methamphetamine (meth). These drugs speed up your central nervous system, making you feel more energized, alert, and confident. They also pose a high risk of abuse and addiction.

    However, while Adderall and meth are similar, meth is much more powerful and dangerous.

    To learn more, read Is Adderall Like Speed Or Meth?

    What Does Adderall Look Like?

    The appearance of Adderall depends on the dosage, manufacturer, and whether the drug is immediate-release or extended-release. Common forms of Adderall include:

    • an immediate-release 5mg, white, round pill with “AD” or “dp” stamped on one side and “5” on the other side
    • an immediate-release 20mg, orange, round pill with “AD” stamped on one side and “20” on the other side
    • an extended-release 10mg blue capsule with “Adderall XR” stamped on one end and “10mg” on the other end
    • a 30mg orange capsule with “SHIRE 381” stamped on one end and “30mg” on the other end

    To learn more, read What Does Adderall Look Like?

    What Is Adderall’s Street Value?

    On the street, Adderall usually costs about $3 to $15 per pill. The exact price depends on factors like dosage and location.

    Learn more about Adderall Street Value & Names

    Is It Safe To Inject Adderall?

    Adderall is a prescription medication available in pills and capsules. In order to inject this drug, it must first be modified and converted into liquid form.

    This process is extremely hazardous. Injecting Adderall is associated with adverse health effects including injection site trauma, infection, heart damage, overdose, and death.

    Learn more about Injecting Adderall

    Can You Parachute Adderall?

    Parachuting Adderall involves taking Adderall and pulverizing it into a fine power to be more quickly absorbed in the digestive tract. 

    This powder is then wrapped in a small tissue or toilet paper pouch to be swallowed, allowing individuals to avoid the unpleasant taste of the medication.

    However, parachuting prescription medications is not safe and can result in airway obstruction, bowel obstruction, bowel perforation, and overdose, even the first time you try it. 

    Learn more about Parachuting Adderall

    Can You Booty Bump Adderall?

    Legally, you cannot  “booty bump,” “keister,” or “plug” Adderall. Rectal use of Adderall can put you at an increased risk of infections, dependence, overdosing, and other side effects. Plugging Adderall is sometimes a sign of chronic substance abuse.

    Learn more about Plugging Adderall

    Does Adderall Cause Psychosis Or Paranoia?

    Adderall can cause symptoms of psychosis, known as amphetamine psychosis. Symptoms include delusions, anxiety, and hallucinations. While amphetamine psychosis may go away after quitting amphetamines, it may also be a symptom of long-term substance abuse.

    Learn more about Adderall Psychosis

    Is Adderall A Controlled Substance?

    Adderall is considered a schedule II controlled substance according to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Controlled Substance Act. Because it belongs to the schedule II drug class, Adderall has a high potential for abuse.

    Learn more about Adderall As A Controlled Substance

    What Is Adderall Tolerance?

    Adderall tolerance occurs when a person’s body adapts to Adderall use or misuse over time, reducing the drug’s effectiveness.

    Tolerance likely progresses faster in cases of drug abuse, and occurs alongside the development of physical dependence and, potentially, Adderall addiction.

    Learn more about Adderall Tolerance

    Is Fake Adderall Dangerous?

    Yes. Fake Adderall often contains fentanyl and methamphetamine. Both of these drugs are extremely addictive. They also pose a high risk of deadly overdose. To avoid these dangers, only use Adderall that’s prescribed to you by a doctor.

    Learn more about Fake Adderall

    How Does Adderall Impact Sex Drive?

    How Adderall impacts your sex drive differs from person to person. Some people report a lower sex drive when on the medication while others have seen an increase in their sex drive.

    Learn more about The Effects Of Adderall On Sex Drive

    Does Adderall Improve Athletic Performance?

    Adderall may improve athletic performance by improving heart rate, energy, and reaction time. However, taking Adderall to improve performance may cause serious side effects.

    Learn more about Using Adderall To Improve Athletic Performance

    Can You Mix Pre-Workout Supplements & Adderall?

    No, mixing stimulant pre-workout supplements and Adderall can be dangerous for your cardiovascular health. Few known interactions exist between non-stimulant pre-workout supplements and Adderall. 

    Talk to your doctor before taking dietary supplements or performance enhancers.

    Learn more about Mixing Adderall & Pre-Workout Supplements

    Is It Safe To Exercise On Adderall?

    It is not dangerous to exercise while using Adderall as directed.

    However, abusing Adderall while working out may increase your risk of adverse cardiovascular reactions. And various other effects of the drug may ultimately work against your physical wellness and health progress.

    Learn more about Working Out On Adderall

    Does Sublingual Adderall Use Work?

    While taking Adderall sublingually works by creating faster and potentially more intense effects, it’s not an approved use of the drug. Dissolving Adderall under the tongue can lead to serious side effects such as hypertension and sudden death.

    Learn more about Sublingual Adderall Use

    Does Adderall Cause Back Pain?

    Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) is a prescription stimulant which may cause various side effects including lower back pain and pain on one the side of the body.

    Learn more about Adderall & Back Pain

    Does Adderall Cause Dilated Pupils?

    Yes, Adderall can cause dilated pupils. Dilated pupils due to Adderall use can cause sensitivity to bright light and increase your risk of eye-related health problems.

    Learn more about Adderall & Dilated Pupils

    Can You Snort Adderall XR?

    The medication Adderall XR (the extended-release form of Adderall) can be crushed and snorted, entering the nasal mucous membranes and creating heightened effects of the drug.

    Learn more about Snorting Adderall XR

    What Is Adderall Tongue?

    Adderall tongue is an informal condition that may involve dry mouth, bad breath, unpleasant mouth taste, and painful but chronic sucking, chewing, or biting of the tongue, lips, or cheek all caused by the use of ADHD medications.

    Adderall tongue can often be managed with simple symptom management, adjustments to your dosage or medication, or by discontinuing your use of stimulant medications.

    Learn more about Adderall Tongue

    Written by Ark Behavioral Health Editorial Team
    ©2024 Ark National Holdings, LLC. | All Rights Reserved.
    This page does not provide medical advice.
    Medically Reviewed by
    Kimberly Langdon M.D.
    on
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