Were you aware that 90% of substance use disorders begin in adolescence? And sadly, many of them start in the home, from the medicine cabinet. 

The misuse of prescription medications is one of the fastest growing problems in the U.S. However, prescription medications like Adderall are necessary to effectively treat conditions like attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. But when they are misused by individuals who don’t need them, they can have adverse effects, including strain on the heart, mental health problems, and dependence.

Even with appropriate use, side effects from Adderall can still occur, which is why it’s important to be monitored by a healthcare professional. Here in Yavapai County, over 43,000 stimulant prescriptions were written in 2023. These are the highest numbers we’ve seen in over 5 years, clearly indicating that many people are in possession of these medications. 

Wolf Creek Recovery is committed to educating individuals and their families on the dangers of prescription drug misuse. Let’s learn more about Adderall side effects, how they can change over time, and options for treatment if you or a loved one is misusing the medication. 

Adderall Side Effects

Adderall, a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, is mainly prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. While effective when used as directed, the medication does have the potential for side effects, especially when misused or taken in high doses. It’s important to be aware of the side effects of Adderall, as some of them can be serious, putting you at risk for health problems and potentially requiring medical attention. 

Adderall Side Effects Over Time

The effects of Adderall vary depending on the dosage, frequency of use, and whether the medication is used as prescribed or misused. Some side effects happen within the first few weeks or months of taking Adderall, while others develop over time. Taking Adderall without a prescription or in excessive amounts significantly increases the risk of severe side effects, both in the short-term and long-term. 

Short-Term Side Effects of Adderall Use

• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Loss of appetite and weight loss
• Dry mouth and dehydration
• Headaches and stomach discomfort 
• Insomnia or disrupted sleep patterns
• Heightened alertness or focus 
• Nervousness and anxiety 
• Mood swings or irritability 
• Hyperfocus on tasks
• Increased talkativeness or impulsivity 

Long-Term Side Effects of Adderall Use

• Cardiovascular strain
• Weight loss and malnutrition 
• Sleep disorders
• Dental problems 
• Memory issues
• Emotional instability
• Physical and/or psychological dependence 
• Paranoia or psychosis 
• Overdose 

How Adderall Affects the Mind and Body

Adderall works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, two neurotransmitters that play a role in focus and alertness. While the medication is effective in individuals with ADHD, it also has significant effects on the brain and body, especially when used off-label. To limit your risk, always take Adderall as prescribed by a healthcare provider. Monitor for side effects and report any concerning symptoms to your doctor.

Behavioral Signs of Adderall Use

When Adderall is used inappropriately, there are a number of behaviors that can occur. Obsessive productivity is one of them, and it involves spending excessive time on a single task, often beyond what is necessary. The person might overwork themselves or refuse a break. Another behavioral sign is increased talkativeness, where the person has rapid or excessive speech, often jumping between topics. Other behavioral signs include erratic sleep patterns, hyperactivity and restlessness, risky or impulsive behavior, and social withdrawal. 

Long-term use of Adderall can lead to more obvious behavioral changes that mimic any other substance use disorder. Individuals often engage in “drug-seeking behavior,” which involves visiting multiple doctors to obtain prescriptions. They might also ask friends or coworkers for Adderall or seek it from other illegal sources. Additional behavioral signs include neglecting personal responsibilities, increased secrecy, and displaying hostility toward others. 

Physical Signs of Adderall Use

Even when taken as prescribed, Adderall can still cause noticeable physical changes. For instance, individuals may appear more alert, energetic, or physically restless. They’re likely to skip meals and lose weight due to prolonged appetite suppression. Additional physical cues that people may exhibit include teeth grinding, muscle twitches, dry mouth, dilated pupils, sweatiness, and tremors. 

Chronic misuse of Adderall can lead to more pronounced physical symptoms, such as cardiovascular strain. This puts people at a higher risk of persistent high blood pressure, stroke, heart attack, or chest pain. Gastrointestinal issues are also common, with people experiencing nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, constipation, or diarrhea. During crashes, it’s normal to feel exhaustion and fatigue. Some people will even pick at their skin, leading to sores or scabs. 

Physical symptoms can also occur as part of the withdrawal process. Cutting back or stopping Adderall use can lead to withdrawal symptoms like fatigue, increased appetite, sleep disturbances, and physical weakness. Medications are available to manage these symptoms so that the person is able to focus on their recovery. 

Psychological Signs of Adderall Use

When taken as directed, Adderall can improve cognitive function for individuals with ADHD or narcolepsy. However, when the medication is taken without a prescription, more intense psychological changes can occur, such as euphoria, exaggerated confidence, anxiety, obsessive behavior, irritability, or racing thoughts. 

When dependency develops, psychological effects become more severe and persistent. People start to crave Adderall to feel normal, causing them to have a constant preoccupation with obtaining or using the substance. They may also experience mood swings, paranoia, insomnia, depression, or emotional numbness. Because they rely on Adderall for dopamine release, it’s difficult to find pleasure from everyday activities. 

Chronic misuse of Adderall can cause enduring mental health issues. By this point, individuals feel that they need Adderall to function, and they lose confidence in their own abilities without the substance. People might also experience cognitive impairment, chronic anxiety, or drug-induced psychosis. If they suddenly stop taking Adderall, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms can occur, such as intense fatigue, depression, irritability, and cognitive fog. 

Treatment for Adderall Use Disorder in Prescott, AZ

Adderall use disorder is a condition characterized by the misuse or dependency on Adderall, a prescription stimulant. Treatment for this condition involves a combination of therapies, including medical intervention, behavioral therapies, and support systems. 

The first phase of Adderall rehab is detox, which involves gradually reducing the dosage of Adderall over a specified time. This minimizes withdrawal symptoms because you’re not abruptly stopping the substance. It’s important to address the psychological components of your Adderall misuse, which is where therapy comes into the picture. Behavioral therapies like CBT and DBT address the root causes of Adderall dependency and teach essential coping skills. Individual counseling helps by providing a safe space to explore your feelings, while group therapy allows you to share your experiences with others. 

As you recover from Adderall use disorder, it’s important to build a strong support network, manage stress effectively, and address feelings of inadequacy or perfectionism. These issues can drive the misuse of Adderall. Recovery is an ongoing process, so plan to continue with regular counseling sessions, support groups, and relapse prevention to manage cravings, reinforce coping skills, and address challenges. 

Wolf Creek Recovery is here to support you or your loved one on the journey to recovery. Most of our staff is in recovery, so we can relate to what you are going through. It can feel like getting better is out of reach, but we are here to tell you that it is. With the right support, lasting recovery is an achievable goal. Our program provides all of the tools you need to start your recovery, such as group therapy, individual counseling, and holistic practices. We even have an outdoor therapy program that gets you outdoors and having fun with hobbies like camping, playing sports, and hiking. Get in touch with us today at 833-732-8202. Build a life you love. 

FAQs About the Side Effects of Adderall

What are the short-term side effects of Adderall?

Adderall stimulates the central nervous system, causing increased heart rate and blood pressure, appetite suppression, dry mouth, headaches, insomnia, and stomach issues. While it can increase energy and focus, overstimulation can lead to nervousness or unease. 

What are the long-term side effects of Adderall? 

Over time, Adderall can cause heart problems, weight loss and malnutrition, sleep disorders, and dental problems. It can also lead to brain chemistry changes, as people come to rely on the medication to release dopamine. 

Can Adderall side effects occur even when using the medication as prescribed? 

Yes, side effects can occur when taking Adderall for legitimate purposes. However, the side effects are more pronounced and severe when taking the medication without a prescription.