Can Using Adderall Have Adverse Effects?

At Crossroads, we understand the unique needs of women dealing with addiction. Typically juggling responsibilities with family and work, women can benefit from extra support as they go through addiction treatment to balance their responsibilities with the treatment they need. The goal is to avoid adverse effects and get back to a full, healthy life. Our holistic substance use treatment programs can treat the whole person rather than just the symptoms of addiction.

The adverse effects of Adderall can be many, especially when misused. Contact the Crossroads team at 877.978.1667 to learn more about side effects and treatment options.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is generally used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleeping disorders like narcolepsy. It changes the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. It’s comprised of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which are stimulant drugs. People take Adderall to help pay better attention, stay focused, and manage behavioral issues. It’s commonly known as a study drug, as many take it to stay organized, improve listening, and keep focused. The drug can also help people who suffer from narcolepsy stay awake during the day. Misuse of the drug by those not dealing with ADHD or narcolepsy can have severe adverse effects. Therefore, it should not be used to treat tiredness or to hold off sleep in people who do not have a sleep disorder.

If you’re looking to stop using Adderall, quitting cold turkey is rarely a good idea. This abrupt shock to the system can cause what many consider a crash made up of severe mood swings, problems concentrating, and tiredness. Like with any drug, the withdrawal process can tax your physical and mental health and should be done under medical supervision.

Adverse Effects of Adderall

Loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, weight loss, dry mouth, stomach issues, nausea, vomiting, headache, vertigo, diarrhea, anxiety, and fever are all adverse effects of using Adderall, significantly when misused. These are serious issues, and if you are experiencing them, you should seek professional medical help immediately.

If you have a prescription for Adderall to treat ADHD or narcolepsy, your doctor sees a greater benefit in you taking it versus the side effects. It’s also important to remember that many people using this medication do not develop serious side effects.

The severe side effects of Adderall use and abuse can include:

Irregular heartbeat
Chest pain
Extremely dry or peeling skin
Fever
Itchy rash
Dizziness
Visibly swollen facial features
Impaired vision
Slurred speech
Severe exhaustion
Trouble breathing
Difficulty swallowing
Verbal or muscular tics
Seizures

Get Answers with Treatment

When your Adderall use gets to the point that it affects your overall health and quality of life, then it’s time to seek treatment. If you have been using Adderall to get through every day, it will be hard to stop taking it altogether. With the right help and supervision, and support of an addiction treatment facility like Crossroads, you can overcome your dependence on Adderall.

Evidence-based addiction treatment therapy modalities at Crossroads include:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
Dialectical behavior treatment (DBT)
Motivational interviewing
Trauma therapy
Psychotherapy

Therapeutic modalities are all part of Adderall addiction treatment. At Crossroads, we offer 24/7 support to help each resident through the recovery process from start to finish. We also offer alternative therapies like yoga, acupuncture, art, music, and other expressive therapies for a complete recovery experience.