ADHD Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Adderall Sexual Side Effects
Some potential Adderall sexual side effects include impotence or a decreased sex drive. However, because these side effects occur so infrequently, it is difficult to know whether these problems are caused by another condition, Adderall itself, or a combination of both. Therefore, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider if you develop any sexual side effects while taking Adderall. There are some treatments, such as erectile dysfunction medication, that he or she can recommend.
Adderall® (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is a prescription medication used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. A long-acting version (Adderall® XR) is also available for the treatment of ADHD. As with any medicines, Adderall has possible side effects. Some reported sexual side effects of Adderall include:
- Decreased sex drive (libido).
- Impotence. Impotence is usually defined as a total inability to achieve an erection, an inconsistent ability to do so, or a tendency to sustain only brief erections. Ultimately, impotence is the repeated inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. Impotence is also known as erectile dysfunction (or ED for short).
Based on data from clinical studies, these sexual side effects have been reported infrequently.
It is impossible for your healthcare provider to know whether you will develop any sexual side effects while taking Adderall. Because sexual side effects of Adderall occur so infrequently, it is difficult to know whether these problems are caused by another condition, Adderall itself, or a combination of both.
However, if you develop any sexual side effects while taking Adderall, make sure to talk with your healthcare provider. There is treatment that he or she may be able to recommend, such as an erectile dysfunction medication. Depending on the severity of your sexual side effects, he or she may also recommend that you adjust your Adderall dosage or try another medicine to treat your condition.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD