What are Adderall withdrawal symptoms?

Adderall withdrawal symptoms include anxiety, depression, extreme fatigue, increased heart rate, and paranoia. More here on what to expect when withdrawing from Adderall.

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Are you planning to quit taking Adderall?

Adderall (amphetaminedextramphetime) is a medication prescribed to treat individuals whom exhibit symptoms of ADHD. Over time, as you use Adderall your body will become dependent on it to function normally. If you decide to stop taking Adderall you will go through a period of withdrawal.  Symptoms which manifest during detox are categorized as Adderall withdrawal syndrome.  During this time, be sure to prepare an Adderall withdrawal timeline.

Here, we describe the possible Adderall dependence symptoms that may occur during the period of detox from amphetamines and for how long. Plus, we invite any questions you may have about Adderall withdrawal symptoms at the end.

Why do Adderall withdrawal symptoms occur?

Adderall is a powerful amphetamine derivative that works on the brain and central nervous system. Adderall works by heightening concentration and focus for people with ADHD. For people without ADHD, it creates a hyper focus. People who use it recreationally do so not only for the mental clarity but for the euphoric high. So why and when does withdrawal from Adderall happen?

Adderall is designed for long term support of ADHD. Because you use Adderall for more than a few months at a time, you will more than likely develop a tolerance and dependence on Adderall. Dependence develops because your body incorporates Adderall into the overall functions of the body. It is no longer a foreign invader but more like the natural cells occurring in your body. So when you stop taking Adderall, a period of withdrawal occurs.

Withdrawal is a process of the body regaining balance and relearning neuropathways without the presence of Adderall in the body. So when you stop taking Adderall, you feel the opposite you did on the medication. Mental clarity becomes lethargy. Mental alertness becomes fatigue. For those who suddenly stop Adderall dosage or who have been abusing Adderall in higher doses will go through withdrawal that is more severe and painful on the body.

What are symptoms of Adderall withdrawal?

There are several symptoms you can expect to experience during the period of withdrawal. Many are uncomfortable but even out after time as your body regains normalcy. The following is a list of Adderall withdrawal symptoms you may experience:

  • abdominal pain
  • anxiety
  • depression
  • drug craving
  • dysphoria (an intense dissatisfaction with life)
  • fatigue
  • increased heart rate
  • insomnia
  • mood swings
  • paranoia
  • panic
  • seizures

Adderall withdrawal symptoms: How long?

Onset of withdrawal symptoms will appear shortly after your last dose of Adderall has worn off. Adderall withdrawalsymptoms will peak in the first 48-72 hours after your last dose of amphetamines and will be and their worst. Because you run the risk of seizures, fatigue, depression, increased heart rate it is advised that you detox from Adderall under medical supervision to monitor the effect of withdrawal.

Adderall withdrawal periods effect each person differently but, in general, withdrawal symptoms from Adderall can last several weeks to several months depending on your level of dependence and how you choose to stop taking Adderall. Once you have taken care of the physical symptoms of withdrawal, you may still have to battle drug cravings and psychological need, especially if you think you may be addicted to Adderall.

Adderall withdrawal symptoms treatment

How do you treat Adderall withdrawal? Well, there are several options that can support Adderall withdrawal symptoms. Always do your research, look around. Talk to friends/family and, above all, YOUR DOCTORS. Physicians are there to help you figure out the treatment alternatives for Adderall withdrawal symptoms. Further, you can seek medical medications that can help in aid or treat symptoms of Adderall withdrawal. Below are three potential options. You are not limited to just these three.

1) Medical support from a medical doctor: Even if you are not abusing Adderall, it can become addictive and habit forming. This can make it hard to quit Adderall. Seeking medical help can help you figure out the best way to stop Adderall. It also lets you know you are not alone in the process.

2) Medications: You don’t have to be in agony in order to stop talking Adderall. There are medications you can take that may be helpful. Sometimes short term anti-depressants can help with mood as well as over the counter medications that can help with the general aches and pains you are experiencing.

3) Tapering: Slowly lowering your Adderall dosage before you completely stop taking Adderall is an effective treatment for withdrawal symptoms. Ideally, you taper Adderall dosage with the help of a doctor. As you are being monitored by a physician they can help reduce your does as to account for withdrawal. Tapering helps your body to slowly regulate as well and have a level of comfort as you continue to process Adderall and remove it from your system.

Adderall withdrawal symptoms questions

Are you planning to go through Adderall withdrawal? Concerned about a set of specific Adderall withdrawal symptoms or how long it will last? Please ask your Adderall questions below. We are happy to respond to you personally, and will try to answer your questions ASAP. And if we don’t know the answer, we will refer you to someone who does.

Reference Sources: FDA: Medication guide for Adderall
SAMHSA: Non-medical use of Adderall
SAMHSA: Prescription Medications: Misuse, Abuse, Dependence, and Addiction
CHCE: Treatment of Acute Intoxication and Withdrawal from Drugs of Abuse 
About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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