Although most people tolerate
Adderall® (
amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) well, it is not free of side effects and other potentially serious problems. Some of the most common side effects of Adderall include weight loss,
headaches, and
insomnia. In most cases, side effects of Adderall are typically minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. However, there are also potentially serious side effects of Adderall that require immediate medical care, such as chest pain,
seizures, and hallucinations.
Other Adderall dangers can include abusing the medication. As an amphetamine (or a stimulant), Adderall can be habit-forming when used in higher doses than recommended or for extended periods of time. Stimulants such as Adderall can increase alertness, attention, and energy, which are accompanied by increases in
blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. The consequences of Adderall abuse can be extremely dangerous. Taking high doses of a stimulant can result in an irregular heartbeat, dangerously high body temperatures, and/or the potential for cardiovascular failure or
seizures.
Adderall should not be mixed with
antidepressants or over-the-counter
common cold medicine containing decongestants. Antidepressants may enhance the effects of Adderall, and taking Adderall with decongestants may cause blood pressure to become dangerously high or lead to irregular heart rhythms.
(Click Adderall Abuse and Adderall Side Effects for more detail on other possible dangers of Adderall, including information on possible side effects, when to notify your healthcare provider for help, and potentially life-threatening consequences of abusing this medication.)
