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How should Adderall make you feel, with or without ADHD?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on Dec 16, 2024.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Adderall is a stimulant medication that contains dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It is FDA approved to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. People taking Adderall for ADHD typically notice improved focus and attention and reduced impulsivity. In people without ADHD, it can also enhance focus, alertness, and energy levels.

Adderall increases chemicals in the brain called dopamine and norepinephrine. These effects can lead to many changes in the body, such as loss of appetite and extended wakefulness.

Do not take Adderall without a prescription from a healthcare professional. In people with and without ADHD, it can cause a large range of side effects.

How do I know if Adderall is working?

You should start to notice the effects of Adderall within 1 hour of taking a dose. It should improve your ability to concentrate and boost your energy levels. If you have ADHD, stimulant medications like Adderall can normalize your attention span and help you listen better. The increase in dopamine in the brain can cause some people to feel euphoria (intense excitement or happiness), which can happen in people with or without ADHD.

What are side effects of Adderall?

Adderall affects many different parts of the body. By increasing norepinephrine, it can increase blood pressure and blood flow. As a result of these changes, Adderall can indirectly cause headaches and trouble sleeping. In people treating narcolepsy, promoting wakefulness is a helpful side effect. If you are taking Adderall for ADHD, it is recommended to take it in the morning so it affects your sleep less at night.

Adderall is a controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse, addiction, and dependence. Only take the amount prescribed to you by your healthcare provider, and check in with them regularly to see if you still need to take the medication.

Other side effects people taking Adderall have reported include:

  • Fast heart rate
  • Low appetite
  • Dry mouth
  • Stomach pain
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Mood swings
  • Rash

Rarely, Adderall can cause serious heart and behavior problems. There have also been reports of seizures, blood circulation problems, and serotonin syndrome in people taking this medication. Discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider so they can make sure this medication is safe for you.

These are not all possible side effects from taking Adderall. Review side effects you might expect with your healthcare provider.

Related questions

What happens if you take too much Adderall?

Taking too much Adderall can have dangerous effects. Some symptoms of an Adderall overdose include:

  • Dizziness
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations
  • High fever
  • Seizure
  • Headache
  • Tremors
  • Flushing
  • Chest pain
  • Racing heart
  • Sweating
  • Stomach cramps
  • Vomiting

If you think you might have taken too much Adderall, contact a Poison Center or your healthcare provider. If you are having symptoms of an overdose, get medical attention right away.

This is not all the information you need to know about Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

References

Adderall [package insert]. Updated May 2024. Teva Pharmaceuticals USA, Inc. Accessed 12/15/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f22635fe-821d-4cde-aa12-419f8b53db81

Shoar, N. S., et. al. 2023. Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine. In: StatPeals [Internet]. Accessed 12/15/2024 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507808/

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. 2020. Stimulants. In: Drug Fact Sheets. Accessed 12/16/2024 at https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2020-06/Stimulants-2020.pdf

Weisler, R. H. 2005. Safety, efficacy and extended duration of action of mixed amphetamine salts extended-release capsules for the treatment of ADHD. In: Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1517/14656566.6.6.1003

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