What Are The Most Common Adderall Long-Term Effects?

What Are the Symptoms and Side Effects of Using Adderall?

Standard, therapeutic doses of Adderall, while effective for managing ADHD symptoms and narcolepsy symptoms, are still associated with common side effects, including:[2]

• Dizziness
• Dry Mouth
• Stomach pains
• Decreased appetite
• Mood swings
• Nervousness
• Rapid heart rate
• Trouble sleeping
• Weight loss

These Adderall effects are fairly mild and not generally cause for concern. They are generally safe. If you experience other or more than mild effects like these, consult with your healthcare provider.

What are the potential long-term effects of Adderall?

Adderall is a stimulant medication that contains a combination of two drugs, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Due to its benefits for alertness and concentration, it has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat both Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

Misuse or overuse of Adderall increases the risk of overdose. A stimulant overdose could lead to other health issues, including cardiovascular issues, ischemic strokes, or intracerebral hemorrhages.[3]

Overall, the long-term effects of Adderall aren’t well understood. There is still much research and study to be done in research is needed on its effects. In addition, there are other more serious side effects and adverse effects associated with Adderall, including:[4]

• Cardiac issues or heart attack
• Hypertension (increased blood pressure)
• Raynaud disease
• Hypersensitive allergies
• Increased risk of seizures
• Skin reactions (Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
• Psychosis
• Weight loss

The stimulant medication, like other stimulants, is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that can reduce restlessness and improve attention and concentration. Adderall increases neurotransmitters in the brain, including dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.[5]

Can long-term use of Adderall cause permanent brain damage?

Despite its effectiveness as a treatment for narcolepsy and ADHD, CNS stimulants like Adderall may influence brain development or lead to other adverse effects on behavior or brain function. Some animal studies show that high doses can cause brain damage, but prescribed therapeutic doses in adults over time may not have the same effect.

The concern for negative effects on the brain is elevated when it comes to Adderall abuse. Some Adderall effects on the brain may include:[6]

• Higher potential for neurotoxicity
• Increased risk of psychosis
• Abnormal dopamine function
• Higher risk of Adderall abuse (cyclical)

Can long-term Adderall use cause permanent changes in brain function?

Ongoing Adderall use can indeed lead to tolerance, which makes the brain less sensitive to dopamine, and, over time, this potentially affects Adderall’s effectiveness. However, it’s unclear whether the long-term effects of Adderall on the brain result in permanent or irreversible changes to brain function.[7]

How Does Adderall Addiction Develop?

As a stimulant, Adderall regulates how your brain produces dopamine. This alone can influence the development of an Adderall addiction, especially with misuse. Adderall dependence and addiction can take shape rapidly if the substance is misused or over time with regular use.

In either case, Adderall addiction will be defined by several markers and behaviors associated with stimulant use disorder. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), when you or someone you love meet at least two of the following criteria during a 1-year timeline, it may warrant a substance use disorder diagnosis:[8]

• Taking higher doses or taking for longer than intended.
• Inability to control or reduce stimulant use.
• Much time is spent obtaining, using, or recovering from stimulant use or the effects of misuse.
• Craving the stimulant, in this case, Adderall.
• Stimulant use results in an inability to maintain work, school, or home obligations.
• Maintaining stimulant use despite the social, professional, or other fallout.
• A lack of interest in typical social or recreational activities due to stimulant use.
• When, where, or how using stimulants could be physically hazardous.
• Continuing stimulant use even though physical or psychological problems are caused or made worse due to the stimulant.
• Tolerance to the substance.
• Withdrawal symptoms when stimulant use is stopped or taken to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Despite these seemingly bleak markers, hope and a brighter future are ahead. Clinicians, patients, and pharmacists must work together to navigate treatment, set recovery goals, increase awareness of drug interactions, and recognize patterns of stimulant misuse.[9]

Treatment For Co-Occurring Disorders: ADHD and Substance Use Disorder

A 2021 survey revealed that approximately 1.5 million people over the age of 12 struggled with prescription stimulant use disorder within that year.[10] The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that those with a mental health condition are more likely to experience a substance use disorder and that approximately 21.5 million U.S. adults suffer from a co-occurring disorder. [11]

Co-occurring disorders recognize the presence of both a mental health condition, like ADHD, and a substance use disorder. Our holistic, patient-centered approach to treatment addresses the unique challenges and complexities of how they intersect. Our range of therapies to address one or both disorders includes:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Motivational Interviewing (MI)
• Contingency Management
• Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET)
• Experiential Therapy
• Relapse Prevention
• Twelve-Step Facilitation (12-Step)

Get Help For Adderall Addiction

Don’t wait to see how your brain or body reacts to long-term Adderall use or discover the psychological impact of Adderall abuse. Substance abuse treatment can help you overcome a dependence on stimulant prescription drugs while also treating any underlying mental health issues. Reach out to an addiction healthcare professional and overcome Adderall misuse with the help of an expert team.