The content on this page is not medical advice and should be used for informational purposes only. Always consult your health care provider or pharmacist to determine what medication and dosage are right for you.

Reviewed by

Monique Bryan, PharmD, BCPS

Last updatedNovember 6, 2024

Adderall

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in people with ), aged 3 years and older.

Generic name

Combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine

Rx or OTC

Available by prescription only. Adderall is a controlled substance.

Black box warning

Adderall is a controlled substance with a high potential for abuse.
Taking amphetamines for prolonged periods of time may lead to drug dependence and must be avoided.
Adderall is prescribed sparingly to help reduce the chance of using it recreationally or distributing it to others.
Misuse of amphetamine may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse events.

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When & How

The first dose is usually taken in the morning when you wake up.
One to two more doses may be taken during the day, 4 to 6 hours apart.
Can be taken with or without food.

Do’s

Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
You will be started with the lowest dose possible to reduce risks of side effects.
Adderall should be part of a total treatment program for ADHD that may include other approaches (psychological, educational, and social support).
Be sure to schedule appointments with your doctor on a regular basis so that you do not run out of medication. This prescription is not refillable.

Don’ts

Don’t take before bed—you may have trouble falling asleep.
Should not be given to children younger than 3 years old.
If you are pregnant, talk to your doctor about the potential risks.
Do not suddenly stop taking Adderall without checking with your doctor.
Never take Adderall unless your doctor has prescribed it for you.
Do not sell, give away, or let anyone else take your medication.

Discuss with your doctor

If you are taking any other medications and supplements.
If you have any heart problems, ask your doctor if it’s safe to take Adderall.
If you have any signs of heart problems (such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting) while taking it.
Any side effects that bother you or do not go away.
Have any new mental symptoms (such as abnormally excited mood, restlessness, irritability, anxiety, hostility) or if any mental symptoms suddenly get worse while taking Adderall.
If you have tics or Tourette’s syndrome (Adderall may worsen these symptoms).
If you take medications for depression (including MAOIs), blood pressure, seizures, blood thinning, cold or allergies (medications that contain decongestants), or for stomach acid.
If you or anyone in your family has a history of excessive alcohol use, substance use disorders, or prescription drug abuse.

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What is Adderall?

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that may help increase attention and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in people with ADHD, aged 3 years and older.

Adderall is also approved to treat narcolepsy, in which people tend to fall asleep whenever they are in relaxing surroundings. It is only for people aged 12 and older.

Adderall works by increasing the availability of brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in your central nervous system connections.

It is available by prescription only and is a controlled substance.

Adderall dosages

Tablets

5 mg
7.5 mg
10 mg
12.5 mg
15 mg
20 mg
30 mg

Similar drugs to Adderall

Adderall is an amphetamine, which stimulates the central nervous system. Other medications that work like Adderall include:

Ritalin (methylphenidate)
Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)

Side effects

Disclaimer

Medications may affect individuals differently. Usage of any medication may include side effects and other interactions. Here is a list of known common side effects and interactions. This list is not exhaustive -- there may be other side effects or interactions for this medication that are not listed here. In some cases, the likelihood of side effects or interactions may increase depending on dosage. It’s important to keep in mind that in extreme cases, other serious side effects, even death, may occur. Always consult your health care provider or pharmacist to determine what medication and dosage is right for you.

Common side effects

Stomachache
Decreased appetite
Nervousness
Insomnia
Headache
Dry mouth

Serious side effects include (seek urgent medical care)

Sudden death in patients who have heart problems or heart defects
Stroke and heart attack in adults
Increased blood pressure and heart rate
New or worse behavior and thought problems
New or worse bipolar illness
New or worse aggressive behavior or hostility
New psychotic symptoms in children and teenagers (such as hearing voices, believing things that are not true, are suspicious)
New manic symptoms in children and teenagers
Circulation problems in fingers and toes (they may feel numb, cool, painful, or may change color from pale, to blue, to red)

Full list of side effects

Cardiovascular

Palpitations
Tachycardia
Increased blood pressure
Sudden death
Heart attack
Stroke
Circulation problems in fingers and toe

Central nervous system

Nervousness
Insomnia
Headache
Psychotic episodes
Overstimulation
Restlessness
Irritability
Euphoria
Dyskinesia
Dysphoria
Depression
Tremor
Tics
Aggression
Anger
Excessive talkativeness or wordiness
Chronic skin picking

Eye disorders

Vision blurred
Dilation of the pupil of the eye

Gastrointestinal

Dry mouth
Unpleasant taste
Stomachache
Diarrhea
Constipation
Decreased appetite leading to unintended weight loss
Anorexia

Allergic reactions

Urticaria
Rash
Hypersensitivity reactions including swelling and anaphylaxis
Serious skin rashes, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, have been reported

Endocrine

Impotence
Decreased libido
Frequent or prolonged erections

Skin

Hair loss

Musculoskeletal

Rhabdomyolysis

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Long-term complications

Because Adderall has a high potential for abuse, it may become habit-forming
Children taking Adderall regularly may have a temporary slowing in growth rate (on average, a total of about 2 cm less growth in height and 2.7 kg less growth in weight over 3 years)
There have been isolated reports of cardiomyopathy associated with chronic amphetamine use

Safety notes

Adderall is a controlled substance, which means there is an increased risk of dependence, abuse, and accidental overdose.
If you take too much Adderall (or overdose), call your doctor or poison control center right away, or get emergency treatment.
It should not be taken by people with heart abnormalities or other serious heart problems, as it may cause heart attack, stroke, or other serious heart event.
May cause a small increase in blood pressure. You may need to have your heart rate and blood pressure checked regularly.
Amphetamines, like Adderall, can impair your ability to drive or use heavy machinery.
Adderall may worsen symptoms in people with bipolar disorder, psychosis, and aggression.
Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening reaction, may occur when Adderall is used along with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), triptans, tricyclic antidepressants, fentanyl, lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, buspirone, and St. John’s Wort.
Adderall may cause allergic reactions, including serious skin rashes, angioedema (swelling), and anaphylaxis.
When just starting Adderall XR, monitor your circulation in the hands and feet. There is a risk for Raynaud's phenomenon. Look for these symptoms: Fingers or toes may feel painful, cool, numb, change in color, or be sensitive to cold or hot temperatures. Symptoms improve when stopping the drug or reducing the dosage.
Adderall has not been studied in the geriatric population.

Adderall interactions

Disclaimer

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medications or supplements

These medications may have moderate to severe side effects. Talk to your doctor before taking them with Adderall:

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of stopping MAOIs. These include isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Emsam), and tranylcypromine (Parnate)
Medications for depression: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants, lithium, tryptophan, buspirone, and the supplement St. John’s wort.
Antihistamines, used for allergies
Blood pressure medications
Phenytoin, a medication used to prevent seizures
Medications for heartburn or reflux, both prescription and over the counter
Medications for pain: fentanyl, tramadol
Triptans, for migraines

Tell your doctor if you have any of these pre-existing conditions

Advanced arteriosclerosis, symptomatic cardiovascular disease, or moderate to severe hypertension
Hyperthyroidism
Known hypersensitivity or reaction to other stimulant drugs
Glaucoma
Agitated states
A history of drug abuse
In patients known to be hypersensitive to amphetamine, or other components of Adderall. Allergic reactions such as swelling and anaphylactic reactions have been reported in patients treated with other amphetamine products.
A history of seizures
Pregnant or nursing