Adderall and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Kim...
• April 9, 2021

For ADHD "If anyone else is having a terrible time with the new Lannett generic Adderall, you can report this to the FDA. I have been having crippling headaches, stomach aches, and the medication doesn’t even feel like it works!!! I get tired after I take it and then can’t sleep all night because of it. HORRIBLE. Google FDA MedWatch online reporting to fill in the form."

• Wul...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• August 4, 2021

For ADHD "I've been taking 20mg IR Adderall for over a year for my ADHD, and it's worked wonders. I've tried TEVA and a couple of other generics, and they worked fine. However, this month, my prescription was filled with Alvogen generic amphetamine/dextroamphetamine, and let me tell you, it is horrible. After I take my 20mg dose, after 1 hour, I begin feeling tired and nauseous. I don't feel focused or motivated, I literally feel like I took a sleeping pill. This has never happened to me while taking Adderall until Alvogen brand. I will be reporting them to the FDA because this is NOT an acceptable substitute for Adderall."

• Map...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• April 26, 2021

For ADHD "I have taken Adderall XR and short-acting for 25 years. I got this new XR 30mg the other day, Lannett, and it made me tired, heart racing, BP accelerated, and did NOTHING to help me focus. I contacted the pharmacy and my doctor, and he's trying to switch me to another brand because this is a joke. Awful."

• Spa...
• January 29, 2020

For ADHD "I have found the generic brand for Adderall is not as effective as the brand name. The Epic brand caused me to have severe depression, blurred vision, headaches, feeling very tired, and no focus at all. I’m trying to find a brand that is more similar to the name brand. Looking for suggestions if anyone can share, please. Thanks."

• ADD...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 9, 2023

For ADHD "Alvogen Adderall is horrible. Not only does it not work for my ADHD symptoms, but it also makes me feel down and tired, and I already suffer from chronic fatigue. 20 mg of Alvogen doesn't come close to 5 mg of TEVA or SANDOZ. Now I know why CVS had Alvogen Adderall in stock during this shortage - people probably ask and refuse to fill it. I would rather take nothing at all than Alvogen. There is a huge chasm of quality among generic Adderall manufacturers."

• Bre...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 22, 2022

For ADHD "DO NOT TAKE THE LANNETT, ELI-515. If you struggle with anxiety, depression, I wouldn't recommend this. I was given it, it is not Adderall. It’s a therapeutic equivalent. My other meds stayed the same, my routine, diet, except for getting this. It has rendered me completely hopeless, crippling depression, lethargic, overwhelmingly anxious, my stomach is churning non-stop, so I cannot even eat on it without getting violently ill. I saw my psych after a week on it, for 6 days, thinking it was Adderall and I was just doing something wrong. I told my psych the pill description and how it made me feel, he looked it up and said, “No, you’re not making any of this up, this isn’t the correct medication, but unfortunately, the pharmacy input it as Adderall, so legally we can’t do much about it.” I have flushed it down the toilet. If you receive these at a pharmacy, please speak to the pharmacist directly about it."

• Kan...
• November 20, 2019

For Narcolepsy "I was diagnosed with a sleep disorder/excessive daytime sleepiness, and my physician prescribed me Adderall. After I found the dose that worked best for me (30mg in the morning and 10-20mg in the afternoon), I felt like a new person. I usually sleep anywhere from 12-18 hours a day when I don’t have classes or work (I don’t have to force myself up on these days with 2 alarms). I can still nap, but they are not nearly as long as they used to be (3-8 hours). My grades have improved, and most importantly, my attendance of class has improved! I used to sleep through class, but now I can go because my body isn’t begging for sleep. Overall, it is an extremely helpful drug to treat narcolepsy/excessive daytime sleepiness. I finally feel like I have my life back! My only complaint is the dry mouth I experience every so often. I also still feel rather tired some days, but it is not as NEAR as torturous as it used to be. Overall, it is extremely helpful, and it has changed my life for the better."

• Lau...
• April 1, 2013

For ADHD "Adderall is effective, but it comes with consequences. Both to your physical and mental health. I am 27 years old, I have taken Adderall on and off for about 10 years. Started it my freshman year of college. It was AMAZING at first! Lost that freshman 15, got straight A's, actually ENJOYED my work. Then I started noticing the crash symptoms. Tired, withdrawn, emotionless, sleepless. I stopped taking it because I hated the way it made me feel, but I realized how much more productive I am when taking it. When I start taking it again my immune system is shot, I'm constantly sick with something, I get super irritable. When I don't take it I can barely get out of bed and I always gain weight, which always sucks. It's a vicious cycle."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 25, 2022

For ADHD "This month I received an RX that was half Lannett, half Teva, due to the shortage. I tried not to mix the brands when dosing. Let me say the difference between these two manufacturers is shocking. Lannett, not only entirely ineffective, is actually just downright harmful. My chest hurts on it, crazy headaches, pounding heart, nausea, I am tired, and VERY little focus, which is only in the immediate beginning. Teva, however, works like it’s supposed to, and I don’t feel like I’m literally dying."

• Anonymous
• July 30, 2008

For ADHD "When I was in my last year of college, I started seeing a psychologist for depression. After 6 months, she screened me for ADHD and started me on Adderall. It was okay for a while, but she upped my dosage to 40mg per day. That was too much for me, so I quit taking it. I noticed the difference when I wasn't on it. I felt way less focused, tired, and my moods were worse. When I got a job with insurance after a year, I started taking it again. It has helped me tremendously! I only take 10mg per day now."

• Sun...
• September 4, 2015

For Narcolepsy "I was taking 40 mg of Adderall per day for ADD, before my narcolepsy diagnosis. At that point, the dose was raised to 30 mg, 2 times per day. That dose helped a bit more with the ADD symptoms, but I'm still exhausted and sleepwalking through my day. It does give me 4-5 hours to be productive and get my work/errands done before I crash again, around 3:30 PM. I've been on Adderall for several years, and at first, it seemed like a miracle drug. On 20 mg/day, I felt awake for the first time in my life. But now, about 8 years later, I think my tolerance is way up, as the 60 mg/day I take now is nowhere as effective as the 20 mg was years ago. Until there is better treatment for narcolepsy, Adderall is better than nothing."

• Add...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• September 6, 2022

For ADHD "When I pick up my Adderall XR generic brand, they are always a different color. I noticed the blue capsule keeps me awake, the orange capsule does nothing. I would love to know what the ingredients are. I can tell a difference between the two. When I take the orange capsule, I am tired all day. When I take the blue capsule, I feel awake and energetic. Why does the pharmacy keep changing manufacturers?"

• tir...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• December 19, 2021

For Narcolepsy "I've been taking generic Adderall for 11 years. In my opinion, Teva is the most effective generic, Mallinckrodt has been the worst. It makes me tired and gives heartburn, which I never have normally. I just picked up a refill, new mfg, Alvogen. Took it an hour ago and keep nodding off. Looks like another generic to avoid."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2012

For ADHD "36-year-old female diagnosed with ADHD. Started on Concerta 30 mg daily (2 weeks), no therapeutic effect but had extreme dry mouth, a crash/grogginess in the evenings. Switched to Adderall XR 20 mg daily, no therapeutic effect; experienced dry mouth and slight loss of appetite during the day, made up for it in the evening. Just started 40 mg daily and I feel the therapeutic effect. Profound concentration at work, desire to tweak processes, love getting things done, a non-stop interest in being productive with everything. I have this sense of crystal-clear clarity of my surroundings, like HDTV sight. Around 5 pm, I still feel a crash and extreme tiredness. I will see if I can take a short-acting pill to get me through the evening. VERY PLEASED NOW."

• Anonymous
• March 30, 2012

For Narcolepsy "My life was sleep before I started Adderall, taking 15 mg twice a day, and I'm still tired but not sleeping like I was before. Only been taking it for a few days, but has helped a lot. I only slept and worked, and sadly that was my life for 5 years."

• She...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 8, 2019

For Narcolepsy "I was recently diagnosed with narcolepsy in early 2019. I was started on Adderall, but it took about 6 months to get the regimen that worked for me. I was quite sick at the stomach for about 3 months with nausea and headaches. I take 30 mg at 9 a.m. and 10 mg at 1 p.m. Finally, it's working well to a certain degree. I still need at least two naps during the day and have most of my energy in the morning and early afternoon. Come 7-8 p.m., I'm literally exhausted. I realized how well the medication worked after I missed a dose. I wondered why I was yawning all day and barely able to stay awake. It was because I had forgotten to take my Adderall. Despite how well it works, I still seem to yawn almost constantly. I would not be able to get through the day without it. It's not a 100 percent fix, but I can function for most of the day using it. So, that's a plus for me."

• JD1...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• December 1, 2021

For ADHD "Generic Adderall is tricky. I found out that Walgreens has Lannett from Elite Pharma. They literally don't work, I felt tired. Finally, after checking pharmacies, CVS carries TEVA, which I am used to. The problem was the Lannett 30 mgs are identical to the TEVA's except for the letter stamp on the pill. The Lannett has 'e', TEVA has 'b.' Out of the generics, I find SANDOZ and TEVA to work nicely."

• jod...
• November 27, 2009

For ADHD "I was put on Ritalin when I was 6. I did not like it. I took myself off of it when I was 14. My grades plummeted, I developed depression, and then anxiety. I continued to become lethargic and relied heavily on caffeine. I am now 25. I began to take Adderall recently due to severe trouble concentrating at work, thinking it may help me keep my job. Now that my body seems to be used to the medication, I can hardly tell I'm on it. I have noticed improved memory, focus, and concentration. I did have some very adverse side effects accidentally combining with caffeine. I've found now that my body has adjusted I have no side effects, and my concentration remains improved, and, bonus, no depression. I do worry about cessation."

• Lil...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 31, 2015

For Narcolepsy "Took methylphenidate SR (Ritalin sustained release) 100 mgs a day for years for major depression, was still tired, could still sleep at any time, but not too bad. Dr. retired, new Doc doesn't want to prescribe that, he switched the script to Adderall 90 mgs a day. Worked at first but not well, now it is worthless. I can hardly get out of bed, and it is almost impossible to stay awake all day. Did the sleep study a few weeks ago and was diagnosed with narcolepsy without cataplexy, prescribed Modafinil to take with the Adderall, a little better. In my case, the Adderall must go. Very good that it works for others, as no one wants to feel like they are sleeping their life away."

• pil...
• September 29, 2010

For ADHD "Adderall has changed my life. I have so much more energy, I'm more alert, and can stay focused on tasks a lot easier. However, I notice when it is starting to wear off, I get really moody. So, I make sure I'm not around people when that's the case. I was really worried about becoming dependent, so at least once or twice a week, I don't take it at all to make sure I'm not addicted. Another warning, don't take this after 1 p.m. You will be up all night. It sucks. Your body will be so tired, and you'll want to go to sleep, but your mind is just alert and wide awake! It really suppresses the appetite too, but the longer you take it, the less effect it has!"

• dri...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• March 30, 2013

For Narcolepsy "I could not get out of bed without Adderall. I have been taking it since 2000. However, I developed a severe spinal disease, fibromyalgia, and arthritis. I had to give in to taking pain meds, which interfered with my Adderall dosage. I currently take 40 mg. I have found this dose ineffective for the past several years. My family doctor prescribes my meds and doesn't feel comfortable titrating up to 60 mg. I weigh 335 lb as well. I am frustrated and feel exhausted most of the day."

• Mym...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 14, 2024

For ADHD "I restarted on Adderall XR about 8/9 months ago, and it was helping quite a bit at first, but quickly became less effective. We ended up doing Adderall XR in the morning and instant release Adderall in the afternoon. And then after a few months of feeling little effect from the XR, we switched to just instant release Adderall twice a day as needed. Since being on it, I am much more able to concentrate/focus and have an easier time getting schoolwork or house chores done. One side effect I have noticed from it is I tend to feel exhausted in the mornings before it kicks in. I am not sure if this is due to the time on the Adderall or if my other medications (escitalopram and risperidone) are causing drowsiness. All in all, little to no side effects and has been VERY helpful."

• sum...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 2, 2012

For ADHD "I've been taking Adderall for now 4 months. It's helped so much! My grades have improved tremendously! I'm more focused and can pay attention a lot more. The only issue is when I take it, I take one 30mg pill a day. By the end of school, I'm exhausted and feel sick. I've lost almost 20 pounds, and I don't take it on the weekends because I can't have fun."

• Del...
• August 31, 2015

For ADHD "So I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and am taking Wellbutrin, however, it wasn't doing enough, so I requested to try a stimulant, specifically this one since the ratings are so high and predominantly positive. Within minutes of taking 10mg, the anxiety was... just way too much. I also didn't really know how to feel or what to do. It did help me with focusing... better than almost anything else I've tried. Then after that, I went away. About a half an hour later, I started to feel better after I ate something. The remainder of the day, I was so tired I just laid in bed. It works, don't get me wrong, but I just can't put my faith in an addictive/physically dependent med. I stopped taking it. Gonna try Strattera next."

• Pop...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 4, 2022

For Narcolepsy "I'm from the UK, and it's called Elvanse, but it is the same medication. I first started on the lowest dose and worked my way up: 20mg, 30mg, 50mg, and then 70mg. For a long time, I was on 70mg, trying to figure out what works best for me to stay awake. And it did keep me awake for school, however, I was still very tired afterward and would often nap, so my doctors decided to start giving me sodium oxybate (Xyrem). Whilst on sodium oxybate, I lost a lot of weight, going from 10.6 stone (67kg) to 8.13 stone (51kg). This meant that the 70mg Elvanse I was taking was making my body work too well, and I kept getting a fast heart rate while resting. It was quite worrisome since I've never had symptoms like this before. My doctors have taken me down to 50mg, however, my heart rate still goes up for no reason. For example, today I was sitting at my computer with 60 bpm when my heart rate started going up to 132 bpm, which lasted for minutes. It's definitely something I am looking into, but I assume it's the stimulants."