Adderall XR and Insomnia: What Users Say

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2020

For ADHD "I’ve been on Adderall XR 20 mg since October 6th, 2020. I have to say this medication is life-changing and your psychiatrist, doctor, or whatever will try and find the right dosage for you. I’m 22 years old, male, and I noticed the medication working within an hour. I’m about 220 pounds, 5’8”, and despite that, it still kicked in relatively fast. The side effects I notice the most are as follows: dry mouth, appetite suppression, some irritability, and insomnia on occasion. Adderall XR for me lasts anywhere from 8-12 hours. If it wears off, the medical professional, in most cases, will add Adderall IR to take in the afternoon since upping the dose of XR will not increase duration, only the intensity of the medication itself. ADHD medication is all about finding what’s right for YOU, don’t give up if it doesn’t get manageable or fixed after the first try."

• Gre...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• October 1, 2020

For ADHD "Adderall XR was originally prescribed to me for ADD, but it worked best as a terrific antidepressant. However, now that I've been on it for 20 straight years at 40-80 mg daily, it has very little antidepressant effect now. It's Adderall burnout -- apparently it strips the brain of dopamine -- the feel-good hormone. I still have to take it just to do anything at all each day. The worst effect is insomnia -- no matter how early I take it, it keeps me up for 24 hours unless I finally have to take Seroquel for sleep. Seroquel is the only thing that will knock out Adderall XR. But I hate it because it makes me so damn sluggish in the morning, awful. I cannot believe it's 2020, and there is still no decent antidepressant medication available."

• Joh...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 3, 2020

For ADHD "I am a male in my thirties. Adderall is the third drug I tried to treat ADHD after doing trials on Vyvanse and Concerta. Vyvanse worked but did not last long enough, and I had bad crashing (headache, exhaustion). Concerta did not work for me at all, it made me lethargic and even more distracted. Adderall at 20mg a day gives me energy to focus on work and my kids. It lasts me until sometime in the evening. I have trouble sleeping some nights on it, other than that, the side effects are negligible."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 31, 2024

For ADHD "Life-changing, paradigm-shifting drug for ADHD, combined type. I started with Ritalin, minimal improvement. My quality of life improved in all areas with Adderall XR, brand name is effective, smooth, and a miracle-wonder drug. Not the generic XR, avoid it at all costs! The generic gave me intense, bad side effects with minimal or no benefit. With the generic, I felt as if I took street drugs (haven’t ever, so I don’t really know), clenched my teeth, tensed my muscles, massive insomnia, generally tense and anxious both socially and professionally. I was diagnosed with ADHD in college at age 32, 18 years ago. After Adderall and only Adderall XR, I could drive safely, focus/concentrate, complete tasks before moving on to another task, and respond instead of react. No insomnia with the brand, I even nap on it sometimes! Helps with depression too."

• can...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2015

For ADHD "I remember when I was 8 and put on glasses for the first time and was astounded that I could see each individual leaf. But I was more astounded that I had been living for years without that essential clarity. The first week taking Adderall XR was like that. At once, I had realized just how disabled I was, but also how capable I could be. Five months ago, I was on the brink of losing my retail job due to numerous register mistakes. After taking Adderall, my sales numbers are stellar, and I feel like I can go back to college again. The only negative is the weight loss, but since I was overweight anyway, that side effect is just fine by me. Insomnia is an issue, but not overly frequent. Taking it immediately in the AM solves it."

• Was...
• August 4, 2019

For Narcolepsy "I had severe fatigue for my 20s, 30s, and most of my 40s, and OCD, depression, anxiety, and ADHD. I started Adderall XR 20 mg and it was beautiful. I asked my doctor to crank up the dose to 50 then 60 mg and ran into problems: fatigue, blurry vision, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. This is a wonderful but strong med. Just take enough to do the trick and vacation once a week. I'm back on 30 XR Adderall and better than ever."

• CPD...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 28, 2015

For ADHD "Wellbutrin did nothing for me, and Strattera caused erectile dysfunction and significant sleep disorders. My doctor slowly increased my Adderall XR dosage until I hit the 'sweet spot,' which was 30 mg for me. 40 mg made me a little jittery and anxious. In the correct dosage, Adderall has improved my quality of life with no side effects. I should note that if I miss a day, I am fine, but any longer without it and I become lethargic - so remember to refill your prescription as soon as you can, so you don't run out. I take the generic of this drug, and it works great."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 13, 2014

For ADHD "I have been on everything from Concerta to Wellbutrin to Vyvanse. Next to Vyvanse, Adderall XR has been the most helpful. If I take it any later than noon, I will absolutely have insomnia. I also have to be careful about the foods I eat and especially try to avoid my multi-vitamin in the morning (because of the citric acid). It doesn't decrease my appetite, sometimes I feel like it increases it, but it prevents me from binge-eating. I take 20 mg Adderall XR with 25 mg of Zoloft and, though it helps with my OCD tendencies that Adderall is likely to cause, I don't think the combination works as well as Adderall XR by itself. I will also occasionally have heart palpitations, but that's usually a sign that I need to limit my coffee intake!"

• Anonymous
• January 12, 2011

For ADHD "I have been on Adderall for several years now and can't say enough good things about the medicine. It helps me to focus on tasks, and now that I am in college, it has really helped with my studies. It took me a while to come to the realization that I needed something to help with my ADD, and I am glad I was prescribed Adderall. The side effects for me have been loss of appetite. I would have insomnia, but I take anti-anxiety medicine before going to bed to counteract the medication. My short and unscientific philosophy on Adderall is that it bridges the gap between wanting to do something and actually doing something."

• Mit...
• September 11, 2011

For Narcolepsy "I have always been tired a lot (chronic fatigue), but symptoms worsened after my son had a near-death auto accident, he was only 4. I took antidepressants for 8 years. It worsened my chronic fatigue. I was a mess, everything was falling apart around me. I did research on Adderall and talked to my doctor. I take 40 mg a day, I can't explain how much better I feel. I have control of my life again. I have energy to care for my family for the first time in years. Side effects are irritability at night and insomnia, but the longer you are on it and the earlier you take it, it doesn't cause too many problems sleeping."

• bli...
• September 6, 2011

For ADHD "My 10-year-old son has taken Adderall XR for about 3 years now. This medication is amazing! Twenty years ago, my oldest son was diagnosed with ADHD, and I refused to medicate him because all of the children I knew that were medicated were 'zombies.' This time, when I had a child with ADHD, I decided it was not fair to not medicate him and am so glad I did. With Adderall, he is alert and well-behaved (for the most part). He says he can focus instead of daydreaming all the time. Insomnia and loss of appetite are the only problematic side effects we have, but they have been easily remedied with Pediasure and melatonin. I take him off medicines two weekends per month to be sure he's not getting dependent and he goes right back to his normal ADHD self."

• NBA...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 18, 2012

For ADHD "My focus and energy increased immensely. I did a 4 to 6-page research final paper in 3 days. I finally can focus on tasks and not spend hours and hours on one task because I dozed off and daydreamed. I also did a 13-page AP English paper within 9 days. I'm glad I decided to take Adderall XR at the end of high school, and now I will be taking it while I'm in college. Is it a cognitive enhancer, which is said a lot? ABSOLUTELY NOT. It doesn't make you smarter, it doesn't improve your thinking, and it doesn't improve your memory. It just does what it's supposed to do and helps you focus. The bad thing is that it is hard to sleep."

• Dac...
• September 15, 2008

For ADHD "I am in my 30s and have been taking Adderall XR for three months. Seriously, what a difference I have seen in my life! My mind is 100% more clear, and I am so much more levelheaded and organized. I wish I had gone to the doctor years ago for my ADHD instead of just living with it. Now, I am so happy to have the ability to control my thoughts and accomplish my goals. I occasionally get insomnia, but I have had insomnia for most of my life. I also have lost weight and didn't have much to lose, so I have to start eating even if I'm not hungry. No other side effects for me."

• Yea...
• August 24, 2017

For ADHD "Adderall XR does exactly what it's supposed to for me. I suffer from very little noticeable side effects. The most noticeable ones are insomnia when first taking this medication, lack of hunger in the beginning, and slight dry mouth. Overall, the side effects are not bad at all. The only negative for me is it feels like the medication stops working after 6 hours for me."

• its...
• May 1, 2008

For ADHD "Diagnosed 3 years ago, participated in Strattera study, did not help at all. Finally started Adderall 20 mg XR two days ago. Main difference is the absence of fatigue and a quieted mind. I can actually sit and not have to argue with myself, overwhelming feelings gone for the most part. Insomnia straight away first night, hardly any sleep again last (2nd) night, underlying headache now. Definite loss of appetite, appreciate the lost lbs but still have to eat!"

• Smi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2012

For ADHD "I am 22 years old and never was a bad student throughout school but was always very unfocused when it came to reading comprehension and listening to lectures. I now work for a general physician and she seemed to notice my frustration with not being able to get anything done when there was a lot to do. I would get very aggravated easily and had very bad mood swings. My doctor prescribed me Adderall XR and I was very hesitant to take it. When I started taking it, I felt like I was much calmer, was able to do my job. It's really great, me and my husband get along now because I'm not so uptight. It does give me dry mouth and insomnia, but I can deal with the no appetite. Overall, I think it is great!"

• Jds...
• May 9, 2021

For ADHD "I started on Adderall XR 20 mg and noticed improvements the first day, eventually finding the right dose being 30 mg of Adderall XR and one 20 mg Adderall IR. Adderall XR has some side effects, but overall, if your ADHD is bad enough, it’s easily worth the few inconveniences that may occur, such as dry mouth, stomach ache, joint aches, migraine, some paranoia, and sleep issues. Granted, the only ones I have that are consistent are dry mouth and sometimes a slight stomach ache that goes away after 20 minutes. I highly recommend this drug as it really has improved my life and made me able to get through college and work. I don’t have health insurance, and for a month's supply of 30 mg XR, it’s around $50, and I pay $40 for the month of 20 mg IR. Keep in mind that medication at the end of the day will affect everyone differently, so make sure and do YOUR research on medications that are recommended to you and make sure you’re comfortable with the potential side effects. Be safe!"

• mam...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 6, 2024

For ADHD "Adderall XR (along with a short-acting booster at noon) is hands down the best ADHD med I've been on (and I've tried several now). Some of the other meds I've tried either made me crash really hard after a couple of hours or worked well but affected my sleep (with Adderall, I like that I can even nap during the day if I need to). I was diagnosed about 7 years ago, and I never realized how much I was struggling until I started on meds. Around that time, I also fell ill with an autoimmune disease (Myasthenia Gravis), and my meds also help greatly with the fatigue that comes with MG. I can now get up in the morning with no problem (I highly recommend setting your alarm for 30 minutes to an hour before you need to get up, take your meds, go back to sleep, then get up once your meds have started to work), get things done with much less procrastination, and focus much better. Nothing will ever cure my ADHD, but Adderall XR has made a world of difference!"

• Hom...
• August 26, 2009

For ADHD "I started taking Adderall a few months ago. It has really helped me at work and home. At work, I sit at a desk, work on a computer, and talk on the phone. I have many things going on at once, and Adderall has helped me focus and gives me the energy that I need. Sitting at a desk and staring at a computer can make you tired. Also, it gives me focus on the many tasks I am doing at once. After work, I go home to a wife and a 20-month-old, full of energy and an active child. My wife works as well, so we are both tired when we get home. After work, there is still a lot of work to be done, with the child, household work, and yard work. Overall, Adderall is working well. Only drawback is if I take too late in the day, it is hard to fall asleep at night."

• sil...
• November 14, 2009

For ADHD "Uneven throughout the day, especially noticeable dip after 4 hours or so, then wears off gradually. The directions say to take it in the morning, but I need all-day coverage (I have severe ADHD), so I need another dose around 3 PM. No insomnia problems with this usage, though I tend to go to bed late anyway (after 2 AM)."

• Anonymous
• May 12, 2009

For ADHD "It helps keep me calm and focused at work. I do suffer insomnia if I don't take my daily dose consistently. I tried to stop taking it, and my metabolism took a severe nosedive even though I never had weight problems before. I did lose about ten pounds when I started taking it, but it leveled off, and I was able to maintain a healthy weight. I would have liked to try a more natural approach to managing my ADD, but the weight gain has added depression, and therefore I'm back on it."

• cjo...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 6, 2015

For ADHD "I have ADD caused by major depressive disorder, and stimulants have done wonders for me! However, Adderall makes me feel very anxious and panicky, and I don't like it at all. It lasts a long time, and sometimes I can't sleep at night because of it. Overall, it's an alright choice. Might switch back to Vyvanse."

• dot...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 31, 2022

For ADHD "Started taking this early this year. The first day of 5 mg was an immediate high, walking around, dancing, feeling like I could take on the world, but my heart rate was pretty high, which didn’t matter to me because of the euphoria. The next few days were filled with my heart pounding and just feeling outright sick. I really thought it would be a miracle worker and really got my hopes down. After that, it made me sick for around a week and a half. Then my psych put me on 20 mg again two months later. Same high and whatnot. Didn't sleep for a day and a half and had to go to the hospital for insomnia and hallucinations. Still recovering after two weeks. I already have psychosis to begin with, but PLEASE make sure to tell your psych about a history of psychosis before taking this. It works for a lot of people, but be safe. Around 1 in 660 people taking Adderall get amphetamine-induced psychosis. I was one of them."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 5, 2022

For ADHD "I was diagnosed with ADHD as an adult (a few months ago) and was really looking forward to hopefully finding something that could help. My primary issues are attentiveness/forgetfulness and fatigue. Sadly, I have not had any luck with this medication - I started at 20 mg and then moved up to 40 mg because I wasn’t feeling anything. Ultimately, I was not having any positive side effects and instead was having a really hard time sleeping, even when I took the medication first thing in the morning. Overall, I felt like it was having only negative impacts and no positive impacts."

• sal...
• August 4, 2009

For ADHD "Adderall is overall a good ADD medicine. The only side effects I get are insomnia and weight loss, but it really does work for school."