Long-Term Side Effects Of Adderall That Aren't Widely Discussed

Adderall is a widely known prescription medication used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Also sometimes prescribed for narcolepsy, this medication contains two key ingredients: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It's a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that can be effective and safe when taken as prescribed, but there are also some significant long-term safety considerations to be aware of. Among these include certain CNS-related issues, as well as heart problems and delayed growth.

You might be aware of some of the more common side effects of Adderall, such as nervousness, unintentional weight loss, headache, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Sudden behavioral changes, dizziness, vision changes, and signs of an allergic reaction are additional possibilities that warrant emergency medical care. Yet mild side effects are normally short-term, and can improve after a couple of weeks once your body gets used to the medication. Adderall is typically taken for a long duration, though, with long-term risks considered uncommon but still possible.

Like other types of stimulants, taking Adderall over a long period of time can lead to tolerance and eventual dependence. For these reasons, this medication also carries a black box warning due to its risk of addictiveness and misuse. (In fact, Adderall is technically a Schedule II controlled substance.) Both Adderall tolerance and misuse also increases the risk of overdosing on the prescribed amount, which can cause heart problems and even fatal complications. While such risks may not be applicable to all patients who take Adderall, these are just some of the critical long-term problems doctors will warn you about before prescribing the medication.

The CNS includes your brain and spine, and it essentially helps control a range of functions from motor skills to regulating thoughts and emotions. (It's also worth knowing the differences between the CNS and PNS.) Issues with the CNS can include mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders, both of which might be affected by the stimulating effects of Adderall. As such, Adderall may not be appropriate for patients with personal or family histories of certain mental health and neurodevelopmental disorders.

In terms of mood and behavioral changes, it's important to be aware that this medication may sometimes induce mania and psychosis in people with related preexisting conditions. This is why doctors usually screen for depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and suicidal thoughts or actions before prescribing Adderall. Less commonly, Adderall might induce new mood changes in people without a history of mental health disorders. Possible signs and symptoms include mania, as well as hallucinations, aggressive behaviors, or delusion.

Like other types of CNS stimulants, Adderall may also be linked with the worsening or new onset of certain neurodevelopmental disorders. This is particularly the case with both verbal and motor tics, as well as those associated with Tourette syndrome such as unexplained eyelid twitching. Doctors will also screen patients for a personal or family history of tics before prescribing Adderall.

Some of the most concerning possible long-term side effects of Adderall involve parts of the cardiovascular system. Adderall can even be fatal in people who have preexisting heart conditions — this is especially the case in pediatric patients. To reduce such risks, Adderall should not be prescribed for people with histories of arrythmia, coronary artery disease, cardiomyopathy, or structural heart problems. While not common, long-term amphetamine use is also associated with cardiomyopathy development. There's also a possible link between Adderall and other heart-related issues, such as high blood pressure and an increased heart rate to consider. Due to such risks, doctors may be more cautious about prescribing Adderall for those with high blood pressure.

Also, while unintentional weight loss is considered a common side effect of Adderall, it can also be a long-term issue in children. In fact, children and adolescents may even be at risk of delayed growth overall. It's important to work with your child's pediatrician to determine that they are growing at a healthy rate while taking this medication. The good news is that an Adderall-induced delay in growth may be reversible when detected early.

There's also the possibility of long-term sexual side effects with Adderall. In particular, the medication may lead to a loss of sex drive. Males may also experience priapism, which is a medical emergency that involves a painful erection lasting for more than 4 hours.

When it comes to taking Adderall for ADHD or narcolepsy, it's important to talk with a doctor about all side effects, including those that are CNS and non-CNS related. While severe effects outside of misuse are not common, knowing the risks can help you make an informed treatment decision. You should never suddenly stop taking Adderall, as this may increase your risk for withdrawal symptoms.