Adderall XR Side Effects

Although most people tolerate Adderall XR well, there are some potential side effects of the medication. Some of the most common Adderall XR side effects include loss of appetite, dry mouth, and difficulty sleeping. In many cases, Adderall XR side effects are minor and may easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.

 

Adderall XR Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects of Adderall XR® (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine extended release). However, not everyone who takes Adderall XR will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Adderall XR well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(The side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with Adderall XR. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
 

Common Adderall XR Side Effects

Adderall XR has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, the side effects occurring in a group of people taking the drug are always documented and compared to the side effects that occur in a similar group of people not taking the medicine. Based on these studies, the most common Adderall XR side effects include:
 
  • Loss of appetite (anorexia) -- occurring in up to 36 percent of people
  • Dry mouth -- in up to 35 percent
  • Difficulty sleeping (insomnia) -- in up to 27 percent
  • Headaches -- in up to 26 percent
  • Abdominal pain (or stomach pain) -- in up to 14 percent
  • Temporary increase in blood pressure -- in up to 11 percent
  • Weight loss -- in up to 11 percent (see Adderall and Weight Loss)
  • Emotional changes -- in up to 9 percent
  • Nausea, upset stomach, or vomiting -- in up to 8 percent
  • Dizziness -- in up to 7 percent
  • Diarrhea -- in up to 6 percent
  • Feeling of weakness (asthenia) -- in up to 6 percent
  • Increased heart rate (tachycardia) -- in up to 6 percent
  • Infection, including urinary tract infection (UTI) -- in up to 5 percent
  • Fever -- in up to 5 percent
  • Heartburn -- in up to 2 percent.
     
Adderall XR can also cause a temporary slowing of growth in children. This slowing of growth is usually small (less than an inch and less than two pounds), and children usually catch up to within normal limits in time.
 
(Adderall XR Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;