Is Adderall Bad for You? Long Term Effects of Adderall

Share This Post

Roughly 10 percent of children in the United States are estimated to be affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD.

This common neurodevelopmental disorder impacts behavior, social interaction, and attention span, and it can make social settings a challenge.

Some children with ADHD find that their symptoms diminish as they approach adulthood, while others find that their symptoms persist into their adult years.

Adderall is one of the most popular prescription medications for the treatment for ADHD.

While the drug can be effective at treating the symptoms of ADHD, it is also associated with a long list of short term and long term effects.

Some people may tolerate Adderall well, while others may be at risk of serious side effects based on their medical history.

The long term effects of Adderall can be serious, but is Adderall bad for you?

Short Term Effects of Adderall

Adderall is renowned for its short term effects. People who take Adderall for the treatment of ADHD or narcolepsy often notice a significant improvement in their symptoms over the short term.

The effects of Adderall are so well known that the medication is commonly abused by students and other people who want to be able to focus intently on a particular task or subject for a short period of time, such as during a stressful time at work or while studying for a test.

An estimated 30 percent of students report using a stimulant like Adderall as a “study enhancer” during stressful testing times.

Ironically, studies show that people who do not have ADHD and take Adderall may actually experience memory impairment as a result of using the drug.

The short term effects of Adderall can be broadly categorized as desirable and undesirable. 

Desirable Short Term Effects of Adderall

Shortly after taking Adderall, people using the drug may feel more energized, motivated, focused, and productive.

Some people may experience feelings of euphoria, but for the most part, the most common effect is a feeling of concentration and focus.

People taking Adderall may feel capable of taking on any obstacle that crosses their path.

These effects are the reason why Adderall is commonly abused by people who do not have a medical need for the drug.

Undesirable Short Term Effects of Adderall

For all of Adderall’s short term benefits, the medication is also associated with a number of undesirable short term effects or side effects.

Adderall should only be taken with a valid prescription from a doctor because your doctor will be able to document any side effects and reduce or otherwise adjust your dose accordingly.

Common undesirable short term effects of Adderall include:

  • Appetite loss
  • Restlessness
  • Dry mouth
  • Head pain
  • Digestive problems such as nausea and constipation
  • Heart palpitations
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Mood changes, including irritability, anxiety, or agitation
  • Sleep issues

Rare and potentially serious side effects of Adderall include:

  • Delusions
  • Symptoms of psychosis
  • Hallucinations
  • Heart problems
  • Mood changes

People experience the undesirable short term effects of Adderall differently.

Side effects vary from person to person and can be influenced by a person’s age or underlying medical conditions.

Many patients will find that their side effects disappear after a week or two as their body adjusts to the medication, and some people may not experience any side effects at all.

Patients experiencing any of the potentially serious side effects of Adderall, including symptoms of psychosis, heart problems, and mood changes should seek medical attention immediately, even if the symptoms disappear after a short period of time.

Long Term Effects of Adderall

While the short term effects of Adderall can be positive, the patient’s experience can change over time as use of the medication continues.

There are numerous long term effects of Adderall, some of which can be potentially dangerous, particularly for patients with certain medical histories or a history of substance abuse.

Less serious long term effects of Adderall include:

  • Weight loss
  • Head pain
  • Anxiety or panic
  • Stomach problems
  • Decreased energy or fatigue
  • Depressed or irritable mood
  • Other emotional changes

Three potentially serious long term effects of Adderall include heart problems and potential for stroke, dependency and addiction, and changes in mood and sex drive.

Increased Risk of Heart Problems and Stroke

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant.

While the medication is intended to act on your brain chemistry and improve focus, one of the side effects of the medication is the potential for increased blood pressure and an increased heart rate.

Adderall has a black box warning from the FDA due to its potential to cause serious cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke.

People with preexisting heart issues, high blood pressure, or other risk factors for heart problems are considered to be even more at risk of experiencing potentially serious cardiovascular events.

Adults are more likely to experience potentially serious cardiovascular complications than children, and the risk increases as people age.

Stroke, heart attacks, and sudden death have all been reported with stimulant drugs, including Adderall.

Anyone experiencing chest pain, dizziness, or other symptoms of heart problems while taking Adderall should seek medical attention immediately.

Dependency and Addiction

Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the DEA due to its high potential for drug abuse and addiction.

Schedule II is the highest level of control given to drugs that have a viable medical application.

Many college students and high school students suffer from adderall abuse in order to stay awake studying for long periods.

Long term use of prescription stimulants like Adderall can cause the brain to become dependent on the effects of the medication, which inhibits the brain’s natural ability to produce dopamine, an important neurotransmitter.

Over time, lower levels of dopamine can cause:

  • Depressed mood and mood changes
  • Lethargy
  • Irritability

People who do not have a medical need for Adderall or who take the drug regularly over an extended period of time are more likely to develop a physical or psychological dependence on the drug.

Symptoms of Adderall dependence may include:

  • Sweating
  • Muscle weakness
  • Nightmares
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting 
  • Anxiety
  • Panic attacks
  • Depression 
  • Body aches

When Adderall dependence escalates, it can become an addiction.

Common signs of an Adderall addiction include:

  • Not being able to work without taking the medication
  • Expending significant time and money to obtain and use the medication
  • Not feeling alert without the medication
  • Needing larger doses to achieve the desired effect
  • Feeling unable to cut back on substance use

Adderall dependence and addiction are serious and potentially dangerous, but stopping the medication abruptly can also cause potentially dangerous withdrawal symptoms.

If a loved one is suffering from prescription drug dependence, inpatient addiction treatment programs are available to help them safely discontinue their amphetamine use.

Withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur in people who have taken Adderall for two weeks or more.

Patients who have been taking Adderall regularly for an extended period of time should only discontinue use of the medication or lower their dose with the supervision of a medical professional.

Withdrawal symptoms can include:

  • Depression
  • Sweating
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Changes in mood
  • Anxiety
  • Agitation
  • Cravings
  • Fatigue
  • Shaking
  • Increased appetite
  • Strange dreams

Psychiatric Problems and Libido Changes

Long term use of Adderall can contribute to the escalation of mental health issues in rare circumstances.

Reports of behavioral changes such as hostility and aggression can occur, and some patients have reported developing symptoms of bipolar disorder.

The FDA warns that central nervous system stimulants like Adderall can contribute to symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations and paranoia, as well as mood swings.

People with existing mental health problems may be more likely to experience psychiatric problems when using Adderall long term.

Adderall is also known to cause changes in libido when taken long term.

Men who use Adderall long term may feel less sexual desire or experience difficulty getting or keeping an erection, a condition known as erectile dysfunction, particularly when the drug is taken at high doses.

Difficulty engaging in sexual activity can cause psychological issues and problems with self-esteem, which can further compound the problem.

Summary

Adderall is a helpful medication for the treatment of ADHD, but the long term effects of Adderall can be serious for some patients.

While many of the long term effects of Adderall subside when use of the drug is discontinued, some side effects may not stop.

Heart damage caused by Adderall is especially unlikely to improve over time. The good news is that Adderall is usually not associated with permanent changes to the chemistry of the brain.

Some patients are more likely to experience side effects of Adderall, so the drug should only be taken under the supervision of your prescribing physician and should never be used without a prescription.

Research, Studies, and Sources:

https://americanaddictioncenters.org/adderall/long-term-effects 
https://www.webmd.com/add-adhd/long-term-risks-adhd-medications 
https://www.healthline.com/health/adderall-effects-on-brain 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2670101/ 
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29954141/ 
https://www.addictioncenter.com/stimulants/adderall/ 
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/adhd/data.html

We are committed to providing our readers with only trusted resources and science-based studies with regards to medication and health information. 

Disclaimer: This general information is not intended to diagnose any medical condition or to replace your healthcare professional. If you suspect medical problems or need medical help or advice, please talk with your healthcare professional.

Share This Post

Popular Destinations

Recent Articles

Dexedrine vs. Adderall: Comparing ADHD Medications

Up to 10 percent of children in the United States are affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. The condition is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders affecting children in the United States, and it commonly affects the ability of patients to learn, interact with others, and focus on daily activities. 

Read More »

Focalin vs. Vyvanse: Prescription Treatment for ADHD

Focalin is prescribed for the treatment of ADHD in adults and children as young as six, while Vyvanse is prescribed for the treatment of ADHD in adults and children as young as six and for the treatment of binge eating disorder in adults. Both medications are Schedule II controlled substances and can be expensive.

Read More »

Can You Safely Mix Adderall and Weed?

Adderall and weed cannot be safely mixed despite the anecdotal evidence you might hear about. When combined, Adderall and cannabis use may lead to the development of long-term cardiovascular problems and substance abuse, which may increase the risk of an Adderall overdose.

Read More »

Share On:

More To Explore

Concerta vs. Adderall: A Complete Comparison Guide

Concerta and Adderall are both used for the treatment of ADHD in children and adults. The ages at which Concerta or Adderall is appropriately

Dexedrine vs. Adderall: Comparing ADHD Medications

Up to 10 percent of children in the United States are affected by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. The condition is one of

Focalin vs. Vyvanse: Prescription Treatment for ADHD

Focalin is prescribed for the treatment of ADHD in adults and children as young as six, while Vyvanse is prescribed for the treatment of

Can You Safely Mix Adderall and Weed?

Adderall and weed cannot be safely mixed despite the anecdotal evidence you might hear about. When combined, Adderall and cannabis use may lead to

Does Adderall Expire? Safety and Taking Drugs After Expiration

Like all medications, Adderall does expire and become less effective after its expiration date. However, studies show that most medications retain the majority of

Concerta vs. Vyvanse: Comparison Guide

Concerta and Vyvanse are prescription drugs used for the treatment of ADHD in children and adults. The brand-name forms of the medications can be

Adderall vs. Vyvanse: What’s the Difference?

Adderall and Vyvanse are both prescription CNS stimulants used for the treatment of ADHD. The main difference is the other conditions they are used

How Long Does Adderall Stay in Your System?

You almost certainly know someone afflicted with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in the United States.

Why is Vyvanse So Expensive?

Vyvanse is a prescription medication that can provide relief from symptoms of ADHD, but it has been notoriously expensive in the past. So, how

How Much Does Adderall Cost?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is one of the most common neurodevelopmental disorders in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease

How Long Does Vyvanse Last?

What is Vyvanse? Vyvanse, known under the active ingredient name lisdexamfetamine, is a central nervous system stimulant that works on chemicals in the brain

Focalin vs. Adderall: What’s the Difference?

Focalin is used for the treatment of ADHD in children as young as six and adults, while Adderall is used for the treatment of

Dextroamphetamine vs. Adderall: Comparing ADHD Medications

Dextroamphetamine and Adderall are controlled prescription drugs for the treatment of ADHD. One of the active ingredients in Adderall is dextroamphetamine, so the drugs