The Effects Of Adderall On Sex Drive

Adderall is the brand name for the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It’s a stimulant prescription medication used in the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and works by increasing the amount of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.

Although Adderall treats ADHD symptoms like impulsivity and poor concentration, it can also have unwanted sexual side effects like erectile dysfunction and low libido that can negatively affect your sex life.

How Adderall Affects Sex Drive

Adderall can affect a person’s sex drive or their desire to have sex no matter their gender. It can lower the sex drive in both men and women leading to poor sexual performance, embarrassment, and distress. 

Sexual Side Effects Of Adderall In Men

Erectile dysfunction is the major sexual side effect men tend to experience when taking Adderall. 

This occurs because Adderall causes the constriction of certain blood vessels in the body and increases blood pressure and heart rate. This can impact how much blood flows to the penis, leading to erectile dysfunction.

Amphetamines like Adderall have also been knowns to slow down the production of testosterone which can lead to erectile dysfunction and other sexual issues as well.

However, some men find the opposite effect when they take Adderall. Because Adderall is a stimulant medication, it has been occasionally used to increase the sex drive of people taking antidepressants. 

Sexual Side Effects Of Adderall In Women

For women, the sexual side effects of Adderall may include a lack of sexual desire, difficulty having an orgasm, and lubrication issues. But, just as it is with men, some women experienced the exact opposite and found their sex drive had increased after taking the medication.

Beyond the purely sexual effects, Adderall can also lead to the following side effects in women:

• headaches
• painful periods
• nervousness
• mood swings
• constipation

While these effects are not completely related to your sex drive, they can have indirect effects on your desire to have sex.

But no matter your gender, if you are abusing Adderall instead of taking it as directed, these side effects can be more intense and lead to even more sexual dysfunction.

Non-Sexual Side Effects Of Adderall

Beyond the effects on your sex drive, Adderall can also have other side effects that impact other parts of your body. These potential side effects can include:

• dry mouth
• diarrhea
• nausea
• insomnia
• loss of appetite
• weight loss

Treating The Sexual Side Effects of Adderall

There are several ways a healthcare provider may treat you for sexual side effects due to Adderall. 

Dosage Change

You may need to lower the dose of Adderall you’re taking. You want to take enough that it reduces your ADHD symptoms but not so much that the side effects are negatively affecting your life. Just make sure to talk to a healthcare professional before changing the dosage.

Medication Change

Adderall is not the only medication FDA-approved for treating ADHD. If the side effects are too much when taking Adderall, your doctor can change you to a different ADHD medication. 

You’re unlikely to find one that leads to no side effects at all, but you may be able to find one that better suits you. 

Erectile Dysfunction Medication

If erectile dysfunction is the main issue, you can also ask your doctor about a prescription for an erectile dysfunction medication like sildenafil (Viagra). It may be able to counteract some of the side effects of the Adderall.

Therapy

Whether you change medications, change dosages, or get a prescription for Viagra, therapy may also be a good option. Sexual dysfunction can be embarrassing for a lot of people. The next time you engage in sexual activity, you may have performance anxiety.

A therapist can help you talk through your thoughts and feelings and discuss ways to get passed the anxiety and ensure you have a healthy sex life.

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