Adderall is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder (ADD and ADHD).
Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant. It affects chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for other conditions as well such as narolepsy (difficulty staying awake). Top of page
General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your healthcare provider.
Follow the directions that your doctor has given you. This medicine is taken orally and may be taken with or without food. Do not abruptly stop taking this medicine before talking to your doctor. Do not break, crush or chew sustained-release forms. This medicine may cause a patient to have difficulty sleeping. It is recommended that this medicine be taken several hours before going to sleep or in the morning. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the best time to take this medicine. Top of page
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses. Top of page
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Top of page
Possible Side Effects
nervousness, fast heart beat, excitement
insomnia
reduced appetite
More severe side effects may include:
growth suppression in children
chest pain
seizures or involuntary movements
If you experience any of these severe side effects, talk to you doctor immediately.
Seek medical attention immediately. U.S. residents can call the national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Top of page
Drug Interactions
Possible drug interactions may occur with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO), increasing the risk for irregular hear beat (arrhythmias), seizures, or high blood pressure (hypertension). Talk to your physician or pharmacist if you are taking other medications.
If you are pregnant, or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks versus the benefits of taking this medicine during your pregnancy. For nursing mothers, do not take this medicine while breastfeeding. Top of page
More Information
For more information about this medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. Top of page
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
Pros:
allows intense focus ability during day
Cons:
can cause jitters, minor problems with sleep
I've used this for over a year, and it does the following: increases "energy" and focus during day, suppresses appetite, and in the slow relrease form, is quite tolerable. I don't think it's for everybody, just ADD symptoms although it is prescribed for extreme tiredness as well. For ME...it "calms" me down..it may not for you.
Amerikasend Member
Registered: December 2006 Location: Merryland Posts: 22
Review Date: Mon December 4, 2006
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
Pros:
Helps me function while in school and when I try to do most tasks.
Cons:
Way too expensive, can't sleep sometimes, and loss of appetite
I take 15mg twice a day Adderall XR. It helps me concentrate and pay attention in school. Normally I would just stare off into space and doing simple tasks either took a real long time to do them or I would end up forgetting to do them. Bad side of Adderall is it's way too expensive.
SolarLife Newly Joined
Registered: September 2006
Review Date: Mon December 11, 2006
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $0.15| Rating: 10
Pros:
Mental calm, reduced social anxiety, mood stabilizer
Cons:
Physical jitters
Adderall IR has been amazing -- life changing.
Brookester Member
Registered: December 2006 Location: California Posts: 47
Review Date: Thu December 21, 2006
Would you recommend the product? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
Pros:
cannot give any positive input
Cons:
caused a high feeling, disrupted thoughts, feelings of being out of control
I would be very careful with this medication due to its stimulant effect.
Joepesto Member
Registered: November 2004 Location: Northern California Posts: 25
Review Date: Wed December 27, 2006
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $130.00| Rating: 7
Pros:
Keeps me awake and focused
Cons:
difficult sleeping
I have been taking adderal for a few years now and it has helped a great deal. Without it, unfortunately, I am listless, unfocused, groggy and unmotivated. It is way too expensive. Without health insurance it is simply unaffordable.
AlliKamikaze Member
Registered: December 2006 Location: Ohio, United States Posts: 67
Review Date: Sun December 31, 2006
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $1.80| Rating: 10
Pros:
Helps me focus, Helps me get up in the morning even when I wonder if I can face the day, I feel less mentally exhausted, I feel happier
Cons:
If anything, it takes a little longer to kick in than other medications I've taken
I've been taking adderall for about 5 months or so for my ADD. I've also tried Straterra, Concerta, and Ritalin, but I like Adderall the best of those. It surprises me how much I hear about side effects from this drug, especially because I have never really experienced any. The only time, I had any problems at all, was when I first started taking it. I'm sure my body was trying to adjust to the new medication (switch from concerta to adderall) and for two nights, I got about 5 hours of sleep and felt great (which pretty much doesn't ever happen lol). I felt fine even then because I was happy and feeling productive. Part of me was weary that it may be a bad thing if this sleep cycle continues too long. But after that 2 days, my sleep cycle went back to normal and my body adjusted. The hardest time for me to take it is in the early morning, when I'm hardly motivated enough to wake up and take it. But once I do, I feel so much better. I've had to put it by my bed with something to drink so that I can make it as easy as possible to take when I feel like I can't do anything yet. Compared to other ADD drugs, I'd say this one has less of a drop off when medicine loses effect. I still take my meds at 2 times a day, to anticipate the drop before it can happen. But with other meds, such as concerta, I could feel much more of a sudden low, when my medicine had worn off. Adderall seems to fade away much more quietly. Adderall also seems to give me more of a boost in energy, which I definetly appreciate. I loved the way I felt when on concerta, but I would often let my happiness fill my dreams and prefer to sleep. With adderall I'm happier because I feel more productive and less sluggish. So I definetly recommend it to someone who has ADD/ADHD and is guided under a knowledgable psychiatrist.
joan2 Newly Joined
Registered: January 2007
Review Date: Fri January 26, 2007
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
Pros:
functioning, completing tasks, emotional control, less impulsivity.
Cons:
some dulling of emotions
I have recurrent major depression and dysthmia, and both are treatment-resistant (for me). In addition to psychotherapy, this medication helps me to stay functiong and productive even when the antidepressants stop working. It is especially helpful with my reading and writing. I recommend it for people whose depression is severe and refractory if it is monitored by a physician and accompanied by psychotherapy. Since I have started using it I no longer drink. I also have ADD, and adderall is essential for that as well.
pinacolada Newly Joined
Registered: February 2007
Review Date: Sat February 24, 2007
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7
Pros:
definitely improved organization, concentration and ambition, long lasting, multitasking mastered
Cons:
addicting, severe anxiety, suppression of emotion, obsession with perfection
Although This drug is addicting, it;s seems to be the best treatment for Adhd. For me I felt more confident in my skills in the workplace. Adderall also alowed me to remember all the priorties for errands to sucessfully take care of my family. I tackeled my projects with ambtion instead of frustration of not knowing where to start. However it stifled my emotions and sense of humor. Like A Robot Living only to perform routine deeds. I found myself trying to perfect everything around me and became insenstive to others.
lostinthemix Newly Joined
Registered: March 2007 Location: Alabama
Review Date: Tue March 20, 2007
Would you recommend the product? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
Pros:
It helped me focus before the headache set in (a few days).
Cons:
headache, nervousness
It gave me the worst headache I have ever had from a med, I could not get rid of it until I stopped taking it. It also made me too jittery. I thought this was a great med before my brain felt like it was going to explode.
Zeemee Junior Member
Registered: May 2007 Location: Southern CA Posts: 17
Review Date: Fri May 18, 2007
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
Pros:
able to focus, complete tasks, reduce impusiveness, prioritize in life
Cons:
I have had no problems w/this medication, w/out RX coverage, this medication costs well over $100
Adderall allows me to have a reasonably normal life, it has stopped my running around from task to task, not finishing anything. It stops the procrastination and the inability to finish/complete the basic things I need to do in life. My mind is focused and doesn't feel like a squirrel cage. I don't rock back and forth like a whirling dervish. I no longer feel like the Energizer bunny 24/7. My ADHD was so bad that I was told that I was in constant motion, even while sleeping. My life is better with it. Ritalin helped me too but I have not tried any other meds for my severe ADHD. The cost is prohibitive for those with out prescription coverage.
nibbanalice Newly Joined
Registered: May 2007
Review Date: Thu May 24, 2007
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
Pros:
calms you down, concentrate better, better sleep
Cons:
nausea
Good medicine. But it increases my appetite, makes me sleep more at night and sometimes take a nap. Calms me down. Feel less depressed. Can read better.
Can see better. It stops me from talking too much and pay attention.
Too small and don't like the colour but it's fine.
Definitely improved my sleep and productivity. My room's organized now.
khenry75 New Member
Registered: June 2007 Posts: 1
Review Date: Fri June 22, 2007
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $0.10| Rating: 7
I am currently on the maximum dosage for Adderall (60mg: 20mg 3x/day). I think this is due to the fact that I take lithium as well (I also have bipolar disorder), which can reduce the effect of Adderall. I have yet to be as alert, focused and organized as I was in the very first week of taking Adderall, but I am still seeing a difference in my daily life. I have had some minor tics throughout the years, off and on, however this medication has brought them back and intensified them. Also, I was 116 lbs when I first started Adderall, and after that I was down to 100 lbs due to the suppressed appetite from this drug. I am now up to 106 and am still trying to gain weight. It doesn't help that I am home all day with 2 highly energetic and curious toddlers - sometimes I forget to eat because of them, but with Adderall I don't get that eventual hunger pang that would normally remind me to eat. Overall, I think the pros outweigh the cons with Adderall.
Gymratdeb Newly Joined
Registered: July 2007
Review Date: Fri July 6, 2007
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
Pros:
calm feeling; mind seems clearer; more organized and focused; weight loss
Cons:
Very thirsty the first two weeks; after that, none
I am 49 years old and have been taking Adderall for four months. What a positive difference it has made in my life! I'm often wish I had known about it when I was younger. The biggest impact it has made in my life is my mind is calmer. I also no longer make irrational decisions which used to happen because of feeling overwhelmed when confronted in making a decision. I now actually finish projects, again without that feeling of being so overwhelmed. I can also read books again without feeling the words are just jumbled. Except for the first couple of weeks when I was extremely thirsty, I haven't had any negative side effects. It didn't effect my sleep at all. I was very cautious in the beginning when I drank coffee because I was afraid it would give me the jitters. But those fears have been unfounded. Of course, the best fringe benefit has been the weight loss. I have only been losing about a pound a week, but it is coming off without any anxiety. Like I said, it has made such a positive difference in my life. Even my husband cannot believe the changes in my personality.
Treading_Water Newly Joined
Registered: August 2007
Review Date: Fri August 3, 2007
Would you recommend the product? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7
Pros:
A godsend at first -- makes you superhuman
Cons:
Eventually levels off, but you are hooked
I am conflicted about whether to recommend. If I had it to do over again, I wish I never heard of this drug. When I first went on it, it was amazing. The world was bright, I had amazing drive, I lost weight -- life was good! Over the years, I slowly drifted back to my "default" position. Now I have to take just to get to where I was. I still have significant blocks of time where I just cannot pull it together. I would say that my thoughts are better connected, but as far as allowing me to get things done -- eventually no better than when I started. And I worry a lot about the long-term effects. They tell you there is no concern, but come one, taking amphetamines for a decade plus? I try to get off and my mind fragments -- I can't get off it. All of that said, there may indeed be some who really need this. I may be marginally better off, but not worth the ball and chain.
Barbarian Newly Joined
Registered: November 2007
Review Date: Fri November 30, 2007
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
Pros:
One of the best drugs to treat ADHD; has a smooth release mechanism which reduces feelings of depression; increases bodily energy tremendously; if you're pressed for time in terms of school, then this drug's for you.
Cons:
Extremely addictive; easy tendency to develop tolerance; causes dehydration.
One of the best drugs to treat ADHD. It is known for decreasing the amount of "ups-and-downs" that you commonly experience with methylphenidate drugs, such as Ritalin (the worst drug for ADHD). It is extremely effective in shutting your mouth up as well helping your focus. In the initial time that you take it, you might experience "hyper-focus". Trust me, this will end quickly (within a week or two). You'll then develop tolerance and lose the effectiveness it once portrayed. The addictiveness starts when you feel like increasing your dosage to achieve the same effect you experienced when first taking it.
erikka91 Newly Joined
Registered: January 2008
Review Date: Fri January 25, 2008
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
Pros:
organization booster, keeps you awake, multi-tasking
Cons:
dehydration, major loss of sleep & weight, isolation, mood ups & downs
*cocaine in a pill*
MellyCat Newly Joined
Registered: February 2008
Review Date: Wed February 13, 2008
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7
Pros:
enabled me to concentrate, helped overcome some social anxiety, greatly aided me during school and work
Cons:
"high" feeling makes it addictive, continuously had to increase dosage to maintain effectiveness, makes relaxing very difficult, expensive
While Adderall worked, and quite well, for many years, as my body became more and more accustomed to it, I required higher doses. I found myself wanting to take another dose as soon as the initial high feeling wore off. I was on Adderall and eventually Adderall XR for almost 8 years and decided after much concern over being too dependent on it (and the increased cost due to both increased dosage and then lack of health insurance) to give something else (Vyvanse) a try. If well managed and carefully monitored, Adderall can be a very beneficial medication to treat ADD and ADHD.
pushit555 Newly Joined
Registered: March 2008
Review Date: Tue March 18, 2008
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
Pros:
Solid concentration, increased confidence, able to articulate my thoughts and ideas more clearly
Cons:
lasts too long, no appetite, come down is annoying but manageable
Ok so adderall is probably the most consistent drug in regards to effectiveness to side effects. With XR though, I am able to focus through out the day and its great, however, some days I just want the effects of it to stop. It's nice to feel focused and have clear thoughts, but it gets annoying with XR. I am always analyzing my situation and society in general when I’m doing something unrelated to school—or anything else for that matter that doesn’t distract my mind (like driving or relaxing on the computer) and sometimes, I just want the effects of adderall to end. Has anyone else had this problem and if you have, did u switch to the shorter acting adderall and did that help?
flowry Newly Joined
Registered: March 2008
Review Date: Sun March 23, 2008
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 8
Pros:
more organized, really productive, head is clearer, feeling alert and energetic
Cons:
Difficult to sleep -- effects wear off beyond 12 hours
Adderall has been great for me so far. I've been on it for 3 weeks for Bipolar II because of concentration and focus issues. Turns out I may have mild ADD as well. The drug is really helping me get more done and have a full, productive day. Before I would spend many hours in the evening in front of the TV, as if my brain was exhausted. I am feeling very alert now. I am hoping it will help some of the social anxiety I have had as well. The only problem is, I feel alert pretty much all the time. I have trouble sleeping without sleep aids, and often wake up way too early in the morning. I'd be curious to know if others who have experienced this --and if this side effect subsided with time.
odineu Newly Joined
Registered: May 2008
Review Date: Thu May 15, 2008
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
Pros:
Alterness, Ablility to Concentrate, Happiness
Cons:
Easy to get Addicted to.
I take Adderal from a friend here and there to get me through a bad day. It makes me feel very happy, and lets me focus on things, I am also ten times more productive.
The problem is that when I feel this way I want to keep feeling this way. So obviously it is easy to get addicted to if you aren't careful about how much you take.
I would recommend this to anyone beyond those who get addicted easily.
lama44 Newly Joined
Registered: July 2008
Review Date: Fri July 11, 2008
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $45.00| Rating: 10
Pros:
Great Focus, Good Energy, No bad COME-DOWNS
Cons:
Loss of Appetite
I had been on Adderall for four years, until my doctor wanted to put me on Focalin. It made me feel high and I didn't like the effects on me.Also, it made me feel depressed, finally my good doctor put me back unto adderall and it made me feel a heck of alot better. It is a great product for ADHD if people don't abuse it.
kimianna Newly Joined
Registered: February 2008
Review Date: Sat July 19, 2008
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 10
Pros:
Every aspect of life is better!
Cons:
If anyone finds out you take it, expect it to get stolen.
I've been on adderall for 5 years, and it cured my depression. I have severe add it runs in my family, and adderall has saved my sanity. I can think clearly now!!
sarahe_21 Newly Joined
Registered: November 2007 Posts: 1
Review Date: Tue April 14, 2009
Would you recommend the product? No |
Total Spent: $90.00| Rating: 5
Pros:
Straight A's in school, much more organized, much less impulsive, much more motivated
Cons:
Feel worried all the time, somewhat depressed, some stomach aches
I have been taking Adderall XR 30mg for about a month. I switched from Adderall XR 20mg after taking that for about a month because it stopped working (doctor said I might have built an immunity). I have decided that the side effects outweigh the positive effects by far and it is not worth taking it. I feel fine for the 1st 2 hours, then I start feeling really worried, and somewhat depressed and anxious. I can't stop asking myself what's wrong. I am normally really happy, I just don't do very good in school and I am very impulsive. I have been taking add meds since kindergarten (I'm 21). I mostly took ritalin the whole time. I know every drug effects everyone differently, and obviously amphetamine is going to make anyone more motivated and focused, but I honestly think Adderall is nearly as bad as smoking crack. I definitely need some kind of help with my schooling and my impulsivity, but it's not worth feeling like crap all the time! BUT it might work for some people since like I said it effects everyone differently, so I wouldn't say don't try it out, but I would suggest trying ritalin, concerta, maybe wellbutrin, or something a little less stimulating first. And be careful because it is addicting and you can get high off of it, and that's a hard place to get out of.
braxton298 Newly Joined
Registered: May 2009 Posts: 2
Review Date: Mon May 11, 2009
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 8
Pros:
intense concentration, usually makes me happy, more energy, decrease in appetite, exits body quickly and completely
Cons:
decrease in appetite, dry mouth, occasionally jittery, temporary shrunken testicles, non-xr formula doesn't last long
i have tried concerta, vyvanse, ritalin and strattera and none of them work as well as adderall. it helps me focus, no matter what. as long as i don't take too much, or am too tired before i take it, i am rarely jittery. it is excellent for keeping me awake and giving me more energy. the only negatives are the decrease in appetite that causes intense crashes when it wears off (when you come down AND you haven't eaten it is not pleasant) and if i take it too late in the day i have trouble sleeping. oh and also, it increases your heart rate slightly, and as an adrenal response in men, it pulls up your testicles (as if you were cold). as soon as it wears off, they go back to normal, but it is kinda weird having them seem so small for a while. highly recommended.
pre-med student Newly Joined
Registered: May 2009 Posts: 1
Review Date: Fri May 22, 2009
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: $80.00| Rating: 8
Pros:
Increased concentration, able to think more clearly
Cons:
Powerful appetite suppressant, lack of emotions and creativity
Initially Adderall gave me a euphoric, high feeling. I was able to concentrate for up to 8 hours non-stop after a single dose. Over time the effect started to wear off, and I had to increase my dose. I have been prescribed Adderall for almost a year, and now I am to the point where it does have a moderate effect on my ability to concentrate, but I am still prone to being distracted. Taking a few day break from Adderall seems to reduce my tolerance slightly. Adderall has always been a very powerful appetite suppressant for me, but recently I have been noticing that while taking Adderall I feel like my emotions are very neutral. I don't feel very happy or very sad, even at times when I should. I also feel like my creativity and sense of humor are greatly reduced while taking Adderall.
sneschalmers Member
Registered: October 2009 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 20
Review Date: Sat October 10, 2009
Would you recommend the product? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
Pros:
It helps me concentrate and sit still
Cons:
It used to cause dry mouth
Since the dry mouth side effect went away I have to say overall my experience with this medication has been excellent
