Does Adderall Improve Athletic Performance?

Some studies suggest that Adderall and other stimulant medications can improve athletic performance by increasing heart rate, reaction time, and energy.

Adderall is already a popular “study drug” used to increase academic performance. The effects of Adderall on physical performance may require more research.

Adderall Use & Professional Sports

The World Anti-Doping Agency, which can set a worldwide standard for unfair advantages in sports, does not regulate Adderall in any way. 

However, professional sports leagues such as the NFL (National Football League) MLB (Major League Baseball), and NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) list Adderall as a banned substance.

Medical Approval

In the medical world, Adderall is not approved as a performance-enhancing drug. Adderall is only approved to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, as well as narcolepsy. Taking Adderall for nonmedical purposes may cause unexpected side effects.

Using Adderall As A Performance-Enhancing Drug

Adderall can be taken by student and professional athletes who want to improve their reaction time, focus, and energy. The idea of Adderall as a performance-enhancing drug may come from amphetamine drugs and their effects on heart rate, concentration, energy, and alertness.

The prevalence of Adderall as a performance supplement may be apparent at many forms of competition, from high school campuses to professional sports leagues. 

Some studies suggest that Adderall can improve athletic performance. Some college students and professional athletes may even use a therapeutic use exemption as an excuse to take Adderall for performance reasons.

Taking Adderall for athletic performance is not an approved medical use of Adderall. Taking Adderall for nonmedical use may also be considered a form of drug abuse. 

Adderall is a controlled substance with a high potential for drug abuse, which may include using it as a performance-enhancing drug.

Risks Of Adderall Use For Athletics

Non-medical Adderall use, which includes using it for athletic performance, involves taking Adderall without a prescription or using it in ways not prescribed. Unregulated use of Adderall can have a high risk of side effects such as:

• dry mouth
• dysphoria
• heart palpitations
• high blood pressure
• increased heart rate
• cardiovascular and heart problems
• sudden weight loss

These side effects may distract from a sporting event or performance, leading to decreased athletic performance. If you take Adderall for this purpose, it may help to see how Adderall affects you.

Heart Issues

Adderall use increases heart rate and blood pressure, and physical activity can also increase heart rate and blood pressure. When combined, Adderall and physical exercise may increase the risk of cardiac arrest, or heart attack.

Treatment Options For Adderall Abuse

ADHD medications such as Adderall have a high potential for substance abuse. Taking Adderall for athletic reasons is likely a form of substance abuse and can increase the risk of addiction.

It can be difficult to stop taking Adderall, especially if you were taking high doses of the drug in an unsupervised environment. Stopping Adderall use may require professional help.

To find out if our prescription drug abuse treatment programs work for you or your loved one, please contact Ark Behavioral Health today.