ADHD Channel
Topics & Medications
Quicklinks
Related Channels
Adderall Side Effects
Although most people tolerate Adderall well, there are some potential side effects of the medication, such as headaches, weight loss, and emotional changes. In many cases, Adderall side effects are minor and can be easily treated by you or your healthcare provider. However, there are several side effects of Adderall (such as chest tightness) that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects associated with Adderall® (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine). However, not everyone who takes Adderall will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate Adderall well. When side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor, meaning they require no treatment or are easily treated by your or your healthcare provider.
(The Adderall side effects discussed below are not a complete list of side effects reported with the medication. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
Adderall has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials, with many people having been evaluated. In these studies, side effects occurring in the 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 the studies of Adderall XR (a long-acting version of Adderall), the most common side effects included:
- Loss of appetite (anorexia)
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Headaches
- Abdominal pain (or stomach pain)
- Temporary increases in blood pressure
- Weight loss (see Adderall and Weight Loss)
- Emotional changes
- Nausea, upset stomach, or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Feeling of weakness (asthenia)
- Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
- Infection, including urinary tract infection (UTI)
- Fever
- Heartburn.
Adderall can also cause a temporary slowing of growth in children. This slowing of growth is usually minimal (less than an inch and less than two pounds). In time, children usually catch up to within normal limits.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD