From the Guidelines
Adderall can cause several side effects, including decreased appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, headache, insomnia, increased heart rate, and elevated blood pressure, as reported in a 2019 study published in Pediatrics 1.
Common Side Effects
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
- Elevated blood pressure These side effects are typically mild to moderate and may diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
Serious Side Effects
More serious side effects, though less common, include:
- Heart problems (palpitations, chest pain)
- Psychiatric effects (hallucinations, paranoia, mania)
- Seizures
- Circulation problems in fingers and toes (Raynaud's phenomenon) Children taking Adderall might experience temporary slowing of growth, with a decrease in growth velocity of 1 to 2 cm from predicted adult height, as noted in the Multimodal Treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (MTA) study 1.
Monitoring and Precautions
It is essential to monitor patients taking Adderall for changes in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as for signs of psychiatric effects or other serious side effects.
- Clinicians should obtain a thorough medical and family history before initiating treatment with Adderall, including a history of cardiac symptoms, sudden death, cardiovascular symptoms, Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and long QT syndrome 1.
- Patients should be advised to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience concerning side effects, especially serious ones like chest pain, fainting, or severe mood changes. A 2022 study published in Pharmacology and Therapeutics 1 provides an overview of available medications for the treatment of ADHD, including their modes of action, major adverse effects, and potential advantages and disadvantages.
Key Takeaways
- Adderall can cause a range of side effects, from mild to severe.
- Common side effects include decreased appetite, weight loss, and insomnia.
- Serious side effects, though less common, include heart problems and psychiatric effects.
- Patients should be monitored closely for changes in heart rate and blood pressure, as well as for signs of psychiatric effects or other serious side effects.
- A thorough medical and family history should be obtained before initiating treatment with Adderall.
From the FDA Drug Label
ADVERSE REACTIONS Cardiovascular: Palpitations, tachycardia, elevation of blood pressure. There have been isolated reports of cardiomyopathy associated with chronic amphetamine use. Central Nervous System: Psychotic episodes at recommended doses (rare), overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria, dyskinesia. dysphoria, tremor, headache, exacerbation of motor and phonic tics and Tourette's syndrome. Gastrointestinal: Dryness of the mouth, unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, other gastrointestinal disturbances. Anorexia and weight loss may occur as undesirable effects. Allergic: Urticaria. Endocrine: Impotence, changes in libido. The side effects of Aderrall include:
- Cardiovascular effects: palpitations, tachycardia, elevation of blood pressure, and cardiomyopathy
- Central Nervous System effects: psychotic episodes, overstimulation, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria, dyskinesia, dysphoria, tremor, headache, and exacerbation of motor and phonic tics and Tourette's syndrome
- Gastrointestinal effects: dryness of the mouth, unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation, and other gastrointestinal disturbances
- Allergic effects: urticaria
- Endocrine effects: impotence, changes in libido 2
From the Research
Side Effects of Adderall
Adderall is a medication that contains amphetamines, which are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The side effects of Adderall can be significant, and several studies have investigated these effects.
- Cardiovascular Effects: A study published in 2010 3 found that amphetamines can cause minor increases in blood pressure and heart rate. However, there is no strong evidence to suggest that amphetamines increase the risk of sudden death.
- Common Adverse Events: A 2018 study 4 found that amphetamines were associated with an increased proportion of patients who withdrew due to adverse events, including decreased appetite, insomnia, abdominal pain, nausea, headaches, and anxiety.
- Adverse Events in Children and Adolescents: A 2016 study 5 found that amphetamines were associated with a higher proportion of participants experiencing decreased appetite, insomnia, and abdominal pain in children and adolescents with ADHD.
- Safety Profiles: A 2023 study 6 analyzed spontaneous reports submitted to the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System and found significant safety signals for amphetamines, including psychosis, hostility/aggression, and cardiac disorders.
- Pharmacology and Clinical Outcomes: A 2012 study 7 found that the composition of amphetamines can affect their pharmacology and clinical outcomes, with long-acting compositions offering enhanced duration of action and reduced abuse liability.
Specific Side Effects
Some specific side effects of Adderall include:
- Decreased appetite
- Insomnia
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Headaches
- Anxiety
- Psychosis
- Hostility/aggression
- Cardiac disorders, including myocardial infarction and coronary artery dissection
- Growth retardation
- Self-destructive behavior
- Suicidal ideation
- Completed suicide
Age and Gender Differences
The side effects of Adderall can vary depending on age and gender. For example, a 2023 study 6 found that male patients, including both children and adults, showed a more significant and frequent occurrence of adverse events compared to females, particularly in terms of cardiac disorders.