Adderall is a prescription medication that contains two drugs: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. It’s most commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s also used to treat narcolepsy.

Adderall is considered a first-choice treatment option for ADHD. Studies of Adderall and Adderall XR show that the drugs improve attention and focus, and reduce impulsive behaviors. Between 75 percent and 80 percent of children with ADHD will see improved symptoms with the use of stimulants such as Adderall.

Adderall is also effective for increasing daytime wakefulness in people with narcolepsy, although there is little related research available.

Adderall and Adderall XR

Adderall comes in two forms:

Adderall oral tablet, which is an immediate-release (IR)* form of the drug.

Adderall XR oral capsule, which is an extended-release (ER)* form of the drug.

Is Adderall a controlled substance?

Yes, Adderall is a controlled substance. This means that it can cause psychological or physical dependence and has the potential for misuse (also called abuse).

The government has created special regulations that determine how controlled substances are prescribed and dispensed. These regulations also require that you get a new prescription from your doctor for each refill.

Generic Adderall

Adderall comes in two forms:

Adderall oral tablet, which is an immediate-release (IR)* form of the drug.

Adderall XR oral capsule, which is an extended-release (ER)* form of the drug.

Both forms of Adderall are available as generic medications. The generic name for the drug in both the tablet and the capsule is amphetamine/dextroamphetamine salts.

Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths.

Note: Adderall tablets and capsules have been produced by different manufacturers since they were initially created. Generic amphetamine/dextroamphetamine may sometimes be prescribed instead of the brand-name medication. This article focuses on the brand-name Adderall and Adderall XR medications. Your doctor can provide more information about availability of the brand-name and generic forms of Adderall.

* IR means the drug is released into your body right away after taking a dose. ER means the drug is gradually released into your body.

Adderall ingredients

Adderall contains a mixture of different forms of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Specifically, these forms include:

amphetamine aspartate

amphetamine sulfate

dextroamphetamine saccharate

dextroamphetamine sulfate

Adderall side effects

Adderall can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Adderall. This list doesn’t include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Adderall, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

More common side effects

The more common side effects of Adderall can include:

lack of appetite

dry mouth

trouble sleeping

headache

stomach pain

constipation

nausea

weight loss

anxiety

dizziness

These side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

heart problems, including high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, heart attack, and stroke

depression

hallucinations

impaired or delusional thinking

agitated or aggressive behavior

irritability

blurred vision

severe allergic reaction

muscle breakdown called rhabdomyolysis

Long-term effects

Adderall is safe to use long term when taken at doctor-recommended dosages. For many people, common side effects such as loss of appetite, dry mouth, or insomnia are reduced with continued use of the drug. For others, these side effects may continue.

Long-term use of Adderall or other stimulants may cause some changes in the brain, such as decreases in the amount of the chemical messenger dopamine. This seems more likely to happen in people who misuse Adderall in high doses. (Drug misuse is also called abuse.)

When Adderall is misused, long-term use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Inappropriate use can lead to many serious side effects, including:

severe insomnia (trouble sleeping)

fatigue

depression

skin disorders

moodiness or irritability

symptoms of psychosis such as aggression and hallucinations

heart damage

anorexia and unwanted weight loss

Adderall high

When taken at typical doses for conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Adderall doesn’t usually cause a feeling of being high.

Some people who take Adderall may experience feelings of being energetic, focused, excited, or self-confident. Feelings of euphoria also sometimes occur. These effects are more likely when the medication is misused. For more information, see the “Adderall misuse (also called abuse)” section below.

Headache

Headache is one of the most common side effects of Adderall. In some studies, headache occurred in up to 26 percent of people who took Adderall XR. This side effect may decrease with continued use of the drug.

Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect of Adderall. In some studies, nausea occurred in 5 percent to 8 percent of people taking Adderall XR. This side effect may decrease with continued use of the drug.

Constipation

Constipation is a common side effect of Adderall. In some studies, constipation occurred in 2 percent to 4 percent of people who took Adderall XR. This side effect may decrease with continued use of the drug.

Hair loss

Some people who take Adderall have reported hair loss. However, it’s not clear how often this occurs or if Adderall was the cause of this effect.

Psychosis

Symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations, agitation, or disordered thinking, are a rare side effect of Adderall. In some cases, these symptoms have occurred in people taking typical, recommended doses of Adderall.

Symptoms of psychosis are more likely to occur in people who have a history of psychosis before they start taking Adderall. They’re also more common in people who misuse Adderall. (Drug misuse is also called abuse.)

If you have this side effect while taking Adderall, talk with your doctor right away. You may need to stop taking Adderall.

Dry mouth

Adderall XR commonly causes dry mouth in up to 35 percent of people who take it. This side effect may decrease with continued use of the drug.

Sweating

Some people who take Adderall report increased sweating. This seems to occur in about 2 percent to 4 percent of people taking Adderall XR. This side effect may decrease with continued use of the drug.

Insomnia

Insomnia, or trouble sleeping, is one of the most common side effects of Adderall. As much as 27 percent of people who take Adderall XR can have insomnia. This side effect may decrease with continued use of the drug.

Chest pain

People with a healthy heart don’t usually have chest pain while taking Adderall. If you do, it might mean that you have a heart condition.

If you have chest pain after taking Adderall, call your doctor right away.

Fatigue

Fatigue may occur in 2 percent to 4 percent of people who take Adderall XR in commonly prescribed dosages. This side effect may decrease with continued use of the drug.

Fatigue may be more common in people who misuse Adderall, especially in higher doses. Also, people who have become dependent on Adderall can experience extreme fatigue if they stop taking the drug. For more information, see the “Adderall misuse (also called abuse)” section below.

Side effects in children

Some children can have slightly slowed growth in height and weight while taking Adderall. This is usually temporary, and growth typically catches up over time. Your doctor will monitor your child’s growth during treatment with Adderall.

In some cases, if a child’s growth is slowed too much, the child’s doctor may stop their treatment with Adderall.