What Are the Long-Term Effects of Adderall Use? - GoodRx (2024)

Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most common childhood medical conditions. It also affects 3% to 6% of adults. Prescription stimulants, like Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts), are used to treat ADHD. One study estimated that from 2015 to 2016 around 16 million U.S. adults used prescription stimulants.

We know Adderall is widely used, but what do we know about its long-term effects? Here, we’ll discuss how Adderall works, its side effects, and how to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns related to Adderall.

What is Adderall, and how does it work?

Adderall is a prescription stimulant. It is most often prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Adderall raises the amount of certain chemicals in the brain. These chemicals — norepinephrine and dopamine — play a role in attention and mood. Norepinephrine has an effect on attention and stress responses in the brain. Dopamine affects things like complex thinking and our reaction to rewarding experiences. Having a higher level of these chemicals in the body can lead to more alertness, energy, and attention.

What are the short-term side effects of Adderall?

Some possible short-term side effects of Adderall include:

• Racing heart or high blood pressure

• Anger, restlessness, or irritability

• Dry mouth

• Sleep problems

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Weight loss

• Hair loss

• Muscle twitching

• Changes in sex drive or erectile dysfunction

More serious short-term side effects include:

• Serious heart problems or sudden death

• Aggressive behavior

• Seizures

• Blurred vision

If you take Adderall and experience side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

Are side effects different in women and men?

A survey of over 2,700 young adults taking stimulant medications found that men and women reported different side effects. Women more often reported nausea, headaches, and loss of appetite. Men more often reported sweating and lower sex drive.

Is Adderall bad for your liver?

Adderall is broken down in the body by the kidneys and liver. If you have existing liver damage, you could have higher than normal levels of Adderall in your system after taking it. Though some evidence shows that high doses of amphetamines could lead to liver damage, it’s very unlikely that prescription Adderall alone would cause severe liver injury. Liver damage is more likely if amphetamines are used without a prescription.

Are there any long-term side effects of Adderall?

If used for a long time, Adderall may lead to some serious side effects. These include addiction, heart problems, mental health problems, and slowed growth in children. Many people also wonder if Adderall can cause less-studied side effects, like sexual side effects and dementia.

Below, we’ll discuss each of these potential long-term effects of Adderall.

Addiction

Adderall is a controlled substance medication. Controlled substances are strictly regulated because of their potential for abuse and physical dependence.

Long-term use of Adderall can lead to tolerance. Tolerance is the need to use a substance in greater amounts over time to achieve the desired effect. But, tolerance is different from addiction. Addiction causes difficulties with relationships, responsibilities, and your health. Taking Adderall for any reason other than why it's prescribed, or taking more than the prescribed amount, is more likely to lead to addiction.

You can have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Adderall abruptly. These symptoms might include:

• Depression

• Mood changes

• Greater appetite than usual

• More drowsy than usual

• Slowed movements

Always speak with your healthcare provider before stopping Adderall.

Heart problems

Adderall may raise heart rate and blood pressure. In healthy adults with no cardiovascular disease (heart disease), the chance of Adderall causing new heart problems is low. But, this could be risky if you have an existing heart condition. If you have high blood pressure, an abnormal heart rhythm (e.g., atrial fibrillation), or another heart condition, speak with your healthcare provider before taking Adderall. If you take Adderall and experience chest pains or loss of consciousness, call 911 or contact your healthcare provider right away.

Mental health problems

In 2007, the FDA learned that some people reported changes in mood or behavior while taking prescription stimulants. The FDA checked their database — the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System — to see how common this was. They also required the manufacturers of prescription stimulants to look into this. Overall, 49 studies were analyzed and 11 patients reported symptoms of psychosis (i.e. delusions or hallucinations).

As a result, stimulant medication labels must state that stimulants may cause psychotic symptoms. This can occur in people with or without a history of mental health issues. Adderall’s label also warns that new mental health problems, such as mania and aggressive behavior, can occur. This is especially concerning in children.

This warning is supported by a 2019 study of over 200,000 teens and young adults. In the study, prescription stimulant use raised the risk of developing new psychoses. The risk was two times higher with amphetamine compared to methylphenidate (a different prescription stimulant).

Ultimately, the risk of new mental health problems due to Adderall is low. But it’s possible. And it’s more likely if you have a history of psychosis. Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience any changes in your mood or behavior while taking Adderall.

Slowed growth

Prescription stimulants, like Adderall, could slow down the growth of children. But results of various studies are mixed.

For example, one study looked at the growth of over 400 children and young adults taking prescription stimulants over an average of 6 years. The researchers found that growth slowed down in people taking prescription stimulants. The amount of decline was directly related to the dose of medication taken. Higher doses of stimulants caused more slowing of growth.

Though this study found a small impact on growth during childhood, growth normalized over time. This means that even when growth slowed during childhood, these people had normal height and weight by the time they were adults. And, if growth slowed while taking a stimulant, it normalized once the stimulant was stopped.

Some experts believe that any slowing of growth can be caught early and changes can be made if necessary. Always talk to your child's pediatrician if you have any concerns about their growth while taking Adderall.

Sexual side effects

The prescribing information for Adderall states that it can cause changes in sex drive. It can also cause longer-lasting or more frequent erections, and an inability to get an erection. Additionally, Adderall does have the potential to increase blood pressure, which can restrict blood flow. Restriction of blood flow to the penis may lead to difficulty getting an erection, known as erectile dysfunction.

But research on how Adderall might affect sex drive or sexual function is limited. Of the studies we do have, results are mixed. In this study, prescription stimulant users reported a loss of sex drive. Males were more likely to report this side effect than females.

But another small study from 2020 had different results. This study looked at 17 men with difficulty achieving org*sm. After taking Adderall, an improvement in sexual satisfaction was reported by 8 — or 47% — of the men.

There is little research about how Adderall affects the sexual function of females. If you experience sexual side effects while taking Adderall, talk to your healthcare provider. There may be another medication option for you.

Dementia

It’s possible that taking Adderall may lead to a decline in brain function later in life. Some researchers suggest that the brain could change its wiring after years of stimulants. This could result in a decline in brain function (e.g., memory loss) with rising age.

Unfortunately, there’s not much research on whether prescription Adderall can lead to dementia. Still, it’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider so you can be monitored while taking Adderall.

How do I know if I should stop taking Adderall, and how can I talk to my healthcare provider about it?

If you experience side effects from Adderall, contact your healthcare provider immediately. This is especially important if you experience major changes in your blood pressure or heart rate. Pay attention to the changes you notice in your body after taking Adderall and write them down. This will help you remember which side effects to discuss.

If you’re taking more than your prescribed dose of Adderall or feel like you’ve become addicted to it, talk to your healthcare provider. Your provider can help you get the care you need.

If you or someone you know struggles with substance use, help is available. Call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) to learn about resources in your area.