From the Guidelines
Yes, Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) can cause insomnia as one of its common side effects. This medication is a central nervous system stimulant that increases the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine. These chemical changes help improve focus and attention in conditions like ADHD but can also keep the brain in an alert state when it's time to sleep. Insomnia from Adderall is more likely to occur when the medication is taken later in the day, at higher doses, or in individuals who are particularly sensitive to stimulants. According to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry 1, parents report delay of sleep onset as one of the side effects occurring more often on stimulant than on placebo.
To minimize sleep problems while taking Adderall, it's generally recommended to:
- Take the medication early in the morning
- Avoid taking it within 8-10 hours of bedtime
- Follow proper sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine and nicotine, and creating a relaxing sleep environment Extended-release formulations may have different timing considerations than immediate-release versions. If insomnia persists, a healthcare provider might suggest adjusting the dosage, changing the timing of administration, or possibly prescribing a different medication. Additionally, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) or other non-pharmacological interventions may be considered to address underlying sleep issues, as recommended by the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
Late evening doses should be avoided because of the resulting insomnia. If bothersome adverse reactions appear (e.g., insomnia or anorexia), dosage should be reduced. Central Nervous System: ... insomnia, ... Manifestations of chronic intoxication with amphetamines include ... marked insomnia, ...
Yes, Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) can cause insomnia 2, 2, 2.
From the Research
Adderall and Insomnia
- Adderall, a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, is commonly used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
- Research suggests that stimulants like Adderall can be associated with delayed sleep onset and insomnia, although the severity and duration of sleep effects can vary widely 3.
- A study on the impact of stimulant pharmacotherapy on sleep quality found that impaired sleep was demonstrated in 8.3% and 9.7% of the treatment and placebo groups, respectively, in one study, and 7.7% and 8.2%, respectively, in another study 4.
- However, another study found that methylphenidate, a different stimulant medication, administered in the late afternoon did not alter sleep latencies in children with ADHD, and actually resulted in improved behavioral control compared to placebo 5.
- It's worth noting that Adderall can have various side effects, including hyperactivity, hyperthermia, tachycardia, and seizures, but insomnia is not explicitly mentioned as a common side effect in all studies 6.
- A study comparing the effects of caffeine, dextroamphetamine, and modafinil during sleep deprivation found that all three agents improved psychomotor vigilance speed and objectively measured alertness, but the effects on executive function tasks were mixed 7.
Factors Influencing Sleep Effects
- The severity and duration of sleep effects can vary widely, and most effects are mild and improve over time 3.
- Age can be a factor, with preschoolers and adolescents appearing to be more vulnerable to adverse effects on sleep than adults and children 3.
- Interventions to improve sleep include behavioral therapy, changing dose schedules or formulations, and adding a sleep-promoting agent such as melatonin 3.
- Clinicians should undertake a broad assessment and consider underlying conditions that may contribute to sleep disruption when managing complaints of sleep difficulties in ADHD subjects 4.