Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) is prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall XR (amphetamine) treats only ADHD. Either drug can cause side effects ranging from mild to serious, such as headache and nervousness.

Specifically, Adderall and Adderall XR are used to treat ADHD in adults and certain children. Adderall is also approved to treat narcolepsy (extreme, involuntary sleepiness) in adults and certain children. (“XR” means “extended release.” With this, the drug releases into your body slowly over time.)

The active ingredients of these drugs are:

  • Adderall (oral tablet): mixed amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts
  • Adderall XR (extended-release oral capsule): mixed amphetamine salts

This article refers to both drugs using the name “Adderall” unless noted otherwise. Keep reading to learn about common, mild, and serious side effects that Adderall can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.

Adderall has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effects explained” section.

Below are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Adderall XR in studies. These side effects can vary depending on what condition the drug is being taken to treat. (The prescribing information for Adderall tablets has not recorded rates of side effects.)

More common side effects in adults taking Adderall include:

  • dry mouth
  • appetite loss
  • insomnia
  • headache
  • weight loss

More common side effects in children and adolescents taking Adderall include:

  • appetite loss
  • insomnia
  • abdominal pain
  • nervousness
  • mood changes

The following sections include more side effects of the drug. Each person’s experience with side effects may differ.

Keeping track of side effects

During your Adderall treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking a new drug or combination of treatments.

Your side effect notes can include things such as:

  • what dose of the drug you were taking when you had the side effect
  • how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
  • what your symptoms were
  • how your symptoms affected your daily activities
  • what other medications you were taking
  • any other information you feel is important

Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Adderall affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.

Mild side effects have been reported with Adderall. These include:

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be managed easily. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Also, do not stop Adderall treatment unless your doctor recommends it.

Adderall may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See details in the drug’s prescribing information for the tablets and capsules.

While not common, serious side effects have been reported with Adderall. Certain people may be at higher risk of these side effects based on other medical conditions they may have.

Serious side effects reported include:

  • new or worsened tics, including worsened symptoms of Tourette syndrome
  • problems with blood flow, including Raynaud phenomenon
  • seizure
  • serotonin syndrome, if taken with other medications that increase serotonin
  • slowed growth and weight gain, in children
  • new or worsened symptoms of mental health conditions
  • serious sexual side effects
  • boxed warning: risk of drug misuse and dependence

Learn more about serious side effects that Adderall may cause. See the drug’s prescribing information for the tablets and capsules.

If you develop serious side effects while taking either drug, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

You can learn more about these side effects in the “Side effects explained” section:

  • boxed warning: risk of drug misuse and dependence
  • serious sexual side effects
  • new or worsened symptoms of mental health conditions

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Adderall, visit MedWatch.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Adderall can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Adderall treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911. Or call your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

Your doctor can confirm whether you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Adderall. If so, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Learn more about some of the side effects Adderall may cause.

Boxed warning: Risk of drug misuse and dependence

Adderall has a boxed warning regarding the risk of drug misuse and dependence. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Treatment with Adderall carries a high risk of drug misuse and dependence.

  • Drug misuse refers to taking a medication in a way other than how it’s prescribed. An example is taking a medication to feel “high.”
  • Drug dependence is when you develop physical dependence on a drug. This condition occurs when your body needs the drug to function as usual. (This is not the same as drug addiction.) Drug dependence can occur after taking Adderall for a long time, even when it’s taken as directed by your doctor.

Misusing Adderall can cause serious side effects or overdose, which can be life threatening or fatal.

Some factors can increase the risk of drug misuse and dependence when taking Adderall. This includes having a substance use disorder, such as opioid use disorder or alcohol use disorder.

Due to these risks, Adderall is a controlled substance. This means strict laws regulate how Adderall is prescribed and dispensed.

What might help

Before prescribing Adderall, your doctor will evaluate your risk of drug misuse and dependence. Based on this evaluation, they may recommend a different treatment for your condition. If they do prescribe Adderall, they’ll monitor you closely for symptoms of drug misuse or dependence.

To help prevent these risks, do not give your Adderall to anyone else. Also, keep your prescription locked in a safe place. Be sure it cannot be found or accessed easily by others, especially children.

Sexual side effects

Sexual side effects have been reported rarely with Adderall. Sexual side effects may vary slightly in men and women. (In this article, we use “male” and “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. And we use “men” and “women” as referred to in the drugs’ studies. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.)

Sexual side effects reported include:

What might help

Let your doctor know if you experience sexual side effects while taking either drug. Depending on your symptoms, they may:

  • suggest decreasing your dosage
  • prescribe a treatment for your side effects, if there’s a safe and appropriate treatment available
  • suggest stopping treatment with Adderall and exploring other treatments for your condition

New or worsened symptoms of mental health conditions

New or worsened symptoms of mental health conditions with either drug are rare. But side effects reported with Adderall tablets and Adderall XR capsules include:

Other symptoms include behavioral or personality changes, such as increased aggression or hostility.

You may be at higher risk of this side effect from taking the drug if you have an existing mental health condition. This includes schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

What might help

Before you begin taking Adderall, discuss your mental health with your doctor. If you have an existing mental health condition, your doctor can help determine whether taking Adderall or Adderall XR is safe for you.

Tell your doctor immediately if you develop new or worsening symptoms of mental health conditions while taking Adderall. Treatment will differ based on your symptoms. But it may include your doctor suggesting that you stop taking Adderall or Adderall XR.

In this case, they’ll develop a plan to lower the risk of withdrawal symptoms so you can safely stop taking the medication. (Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug on which your body has become dependent.)

Help is out there

If you or someone you know is in crisis and considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

If you’re calling on behalf of someone else, stay with them until help arrives. You may remove weapons or substances that can cause harm if you can do so safely.

If you are not in the same household, stay on the phone with them until help arrives.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Adderall.

Boxed warning: Risk of drug misuse and dependence

Adderall has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Side effects explained” section.

Other warnings

Adderall can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Adderall is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Adderall. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.