What Are the Side Effects of Adderall?

Many people think it is just a harmless little pill, however, when you learn exactly what are the side effects of Adderall, you may think twice.

When it comes to prescription drugs and medications, many people assume that because they can get the medication from a doctor or pharmacist that those medications are safe and healthy for use. While it is true that prescription medications are safe when used as prescribed by a doctor, any other uses of these medications can be dangerous and can even cause a person to develop an addiction. Adderall is a prescription drug that is commonly prescribed to children as well as adults to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and other health issues. However, it is also a drug that can be misused and abused quite easily and is often abused. Because this is a prescription drug many people ask the question, “What are the side effects of Adderall?” Get to know more of the facts on Adderall as well as the symptoms of Adderall abuse, so that you can be aware and get the help you need if anyone you know is abusing or addicted to Adderall.

What Kind of Drug Is Adderall?

Adderall is a drug that falls under the category of stimulants and is technically an amphetamine. What this essentially means is that Adderall is a drug that is designed to stimulate the nervous system and brain (rather than suppress it or slow it down). It may seem ironic that a stimulant drug is prescribed to treat a hyperactivity disorder, but the stimulant effects that this drug has function to improve cognition and attention rather than physical hyperactivity.

What Are the Side Effects of Adderall?

When a person is taking Adderall, even if they are doing so for the right condition and as prescribed, there can be side effects. Some of these Adderall side effects can include:

  • Headaches
  • Agitation
  • Diarrhea
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry mouth
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Heart palpitations
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Hair loss
  • High blood pressure
  • Elevated heart rate

While not everyone that is prescribed Adderall experiences these side effects, they do occur even when the medication is taken as instructed.

What Is Adderall Abuse?

Whenever a person takes Adderall in a way that is not prescribed by their physician, it constitutes Adderall abuse. This can include taking a higher dosage than the doctor recommends, taking the drug more often than recommended, or using the drug when it has not been prescribed by a physician. Other forms of Adderall abuse can include changing the means by which Adderall is consumed. This can include crushing up the pills and snorting it, crushing them and adding them to drinks or food, and any other alteration to the medication.

What Are the Side Effects of Adderall Abuse?

On top of wondering, “What are the side effects of Adderall?”, you may also be wondering, “What are the side effects of Adderall abuse?” There are many symptoms of Adderall abuse. Some of these are:

  • Rapid speech
  • High blood pressure
  • Paranoia
  • Aggression and anger
  • Weight loss
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Mania
  • Exhaustion
  • Dehydration and excessive thirst
  • Dizziness and light-headedness
  • Nosebleeds and nasal damage (from snorting)
  • Anxiety

Sometimes, with long-term Adderall abuse or excessive consumption, even in the short-term, there can be more serious symptoms of Adderall abuse. Because this drug can increase the heart rate, taking too much Adderall could lead to heart failure, heart attack, or sudden cardiac arrest. Strokes can also occur due to the extreme changes in blood pressure and the effects that this drug has on the blood vessels. Psychosis is also a potential side effect of Adderall abuse.

Now that you have the answers to the questions, “what are the side effects of Adderall?” and “what are the side effects of Adderall abuse?”, you can see just how dangerous this prescription drug can be, especially if it is misused. If you are struggling with Adderall abuse issues, it is important to get help from an addiction treatment center so you can avoid some of the serious health issues that can occur.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.

About the Author

is a proud alumni member of WhiteSands Treatment. After living a life of chaos, destruction and constant let downs, Mark was able to make a complete turnaround that sparked a new way of life. He is serious about his recovery along with helping others. At WhiteSands Treatment, we offer support to you in your homes or when you are out living in your daily lives.