ADHD

Adderall

How it works for ADHD, possible side effects, and more

  • THE BASICS
    What is Adderall?
  • TAKING ADDERALL
    What are common Adderall side effects?
  • WHAT TO KNOW
    What are the risks of Adderall?

Popular Adderall articles

Questions to consider before starting Adderall
Adderall is one of many treatment options for ADHD. To understand why a healthcare professional may prescribe Adderall, it's helpful to learn about its potential effects and how it compares to other ADHD medications.

    While many ADHD medications work similarly, there may be differences in how your body responds to certain medications. It may take a while to find the ADHD treatment that works best for you.

    Different drugs may also have higher or lower availability in your area. Depending on your health insurance status, certain ADHD drugs may also cost more than others.

    To learn more about how Adderall compares to other ADHD medications, explore these side-by-side overviews:

    LEARN MORE

    Many factors can affect how long it takes your body to metabolize Adderall, including:

    • the dosage you take
    • your body composition
    • your age
    • your sex at birth
    • other medications you take

    The immediate-release form of Adderall typically lasts four to six hours per dose. The extended-release version is usually taken in the morning and lasts over the course of the day.

    LEARN MORE

    Like most medications, Adderall can interact with other drugs. These interactions can make Adderall less effective, and they can increase your risk of side effects or other harmful conditions.

    Some types of medications that can interact with Adderall include:

    • selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and Zoloft (sertraline).
    • serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor XR)
    • proton pump inhibitors, such as omeprazole (Prilosec) and esomeprazole (Nexium)

    Before you start Adderall, tell your doctor about all medications you take, including supplements, vitamins, and herbs.

    SEE MORE POSSIBLE INTERACTIONS

    ADHD medications typically fall into two categories: stimulants and nonstimulants. Adderall is a stimulant. This type of medication increases dopamine and norepinephrine hormones in the brain to improve concentration and focus. Some other stimulant medications for ADHD include:

    Nonstimulants are often a second- or third-line treatment if stimulant medications are not safe or effective for you. These medications also affect neurotransmitters in the brain, but they don’t increase dopamine levels. Generally, results may take longer to see from nonstimulants. Nonstimulant medications for ADHD include:

    SEE THE ADHD MEDICATIONS LIST

Explore More ADHD Medications

Frequently Asked Questions

Only a licensed healthcare professional can prescribe Adderall. Most often, ADHD medications like Adderall are prescribed by:

  • primary care physicans
  • psychiatrists
  • pediatricians
  • neurologists

Depending on state laws where you live, nurse practitioners and physician assistants may also be able to prescribe Adderall.

While there is no specific test for ADHD, you will likely need to undergo an ADHD evaluation to determine if Adderall or other ADHD medications might be right for you. If you’re interested in a prescription for Adderall, start by talking with a licensed healthcare professional, either in-person or online. You can search for ADHD care near you through Healthline’s FindCare tool.

Yes. Taking more Adderall than your doctor prescribes can lead to serious side effects, including:

  • fast breathing
  • irregular heart rate
  • shaking
  • confusion
  • hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)
  • panic attack
  • seizure
  • coma

If you think you’ve taken too much Adderall, call your doctor right away. If your symptoms are severe, immediately call 911 or have someone take you to the nearest emergency room.

Adderall has a boxed warning for increased risk of misuse and dependence. In some cases, misuse of Adderall can lead to addiction. Before prescribing Adderall, your doctor will assess your risk of misuse and dependence to determine if Adderall is the right medication for you.

Yes. Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Drugs in this category are defined as having a high potential for abuse or misuse, potentially leading to severe psychological or physical dependence. Dependence means you need to take the drug in order to function as usual.

Because Adderall is a controlled substance, you cannot get refills for your prescription. You must have a new prescription from your healthcare professional each time you need a new fill of Adderall.

Depending on your state and your insurance coverage, you may also have a required amount of time between prescriptions. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider to understand rules for Schedule II controlled substances that may apply to your Adderall prescription.