Adderall Withdrawal: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment

Adderall is a widely prescribed medication used to treat the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. While it helps with focus and attentiveness, Adderall may be habit-forming – especially when taken in the long term – and may be misused. Stopping Adderall abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms that can be intense, but medical detox can help.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medication that combines two stimulant drugs: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It’s often prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Adderall works by increasing the activity of two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain to improve focus, attention, and impulse control.

Though Adderall can be effective when taken as prescribed, it carries a high potential for misuse. People may take larger or more frequent doses than prescribed, or possibly use it without a prescription, to enhance academic or athletic performance, stay awake longer, or get high.[1] Taking Adderall for long periods or misusing it can increase the risk of physical and psychological dependence.

When you develop a dependence and stop taking Adderall suddenly, withdrawal symptoms can appear. While they’re not usually life-threatening, they can be intense enough to disrupt your daily life or increase the risk of relapse to relieve the symptoms.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Adderall withdrawal can be mild or severe and may include several symptoms:[2]

• Fatigue or excessive drowsiness
• Depression and mood swings
• Irritability or agitation
• Increased appetite
• Slowed thinking or motor skills
• Sleep disturbances
• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Strong cravings for the drug

In severe cases, it’s possible to experience overwhelming depression with suicidal thoughts. In addition to withdrawal, some people experience ADHD rebound symptoms (irritability, hyperactivity, difficulty focusing, fatigue, anxiety) when they stop taking Adderall, which means the symptoms of the condition being treated (ADHD, in this case) return after stopping the drug, often more severe than they were initially.[3]

Adderall Withdrawal Timeline

The duration and intensity of Adderall withdrawal can vary based on your dosage, frequency, and duration of use, as well as individual health factors.

Typically, the more severe symptoms occur within the first day or two of stopping the drug, leading to extreme fatigue and depressed mood.[4] This can occur gradually after the last dose, sometimes in just a few hours.

In the next 3 to 5 days, the symptoms intensify, particularly psychological symptoms like depression and irritability.[5] Headaches and nightmares may occur. The symptoms begin to taper after 5 to 7 days, but you may feel moody and slightly depressed without a desire to socialize.[6]

The symptoms gradually taper off in the following weeks. People who have taken Adderall for a long time or at high doses may have prolonged withdrawal symptoms that can last weeks or months.

Factors That Affect Adderall Withdrawal

Not everyone experiences Adderall withdrawal the same way. Several factors influence the severity and duration:[7]

• Dosage: Higher doses often lead to more intense withdrawal
• Duration of use: Long-term Adderall use may have a prolonged withdrawal process
• Frequency: People who use Adderall daily are more likely to experience withdrawal
• Individual factors: Genetics, metabolism, and overall health can affect how the body processes and eliminates Adderall
• Co-occurring mental health conditions: Anxiety, depression, or other disorders can complicate withdrawal and recovery
• Method of stopping: Quitting Adderall cold turkey is not recommended and may cause more severe symptoms than tapering under medical supervision

Can I Detox from Adderall at Home?

Some people can safely detox from Adderall under a doctor’s supervision, but it’s usually only if you’ve taken the drug in lower doses or for short periods of time. There’s a lower risk of withdrawal if you’ve been taking Adderall as prescribed, you don’t experience severe psychological symptoms, and you have no history of addiction.

However, if you’ve been taking Adderall for a long time or in high doses, particularly misusing Adderall, the risk of severe detox is high. Home detox is not recommended if you experience severe depression with suicidal ideation or you’ve tried to quit Adderall – or other drugs – in the past and relapsed.

Always talk to your doctor about how to safely stop taking Adderall. They may recommend a taper schedule to wean you off the drug and reduce withdrawal symptoms slowly. Some people may need medically supervised detox and addiction treatment, especially if Adderall is being misused or there’s a high risk of relapse or suicidal thoughts and actions.[8]

Adderall Detox

Adderall detox is the process of clearing Adderall from the body. This is the first step in treating dependence and managing withdrawal symptoms. If withdrawal is mild, a tapering plan under medical supervision may be enough to clear the drug from your system.

If withdrawal symptoms are severe or there’s an increased risk of relapse, mental health issues, or suicidal thoughts or actions, medical detox may be necessary. Medical detox provides a 24/7 medical team to manage symptoms, administer medications, and provide supportive care like hydration and nutrition to make detox as safe and comfortable as possible.

Is Adderall Addictive?

Yes, Adderall is a stimulant drug that affects the brain’s reward system by increasing levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and motivation. This creates feelings of energy and well-being that can become a coping mechanism for stress.

Not everyone who uses Adderall will become addicted. If you take Adderall at higher doses, more frequent doses, or without a prescription, you’re more likely to become addicted. Using Adderall for performance enhancement, such as staying up all night to study for an exam, can increase the risk of addiction. People with existing substance abuse issues are also more likely to become addicted to Adderall.

Over time, using Adderall builds tolerance, meaning higher doses are needed to achieve the same effects. This eventually leads to dependence, or the body relying on the drug to function. While dependence isn’t addiction on its own, it can be a factor. Addiction is characterized by compulsive use of a substance despite harmful consequences.

The signs of Adderall addiction include:[9]

• Taking Adderall for more extended periods or in larger amounts than intended
• Trying to reduce or stop Adderall use without success
• Spending a lot of time obtaining, using, or recovering from Adderall
• Experiencing intense cravings for Adderall
• Failing to fulfill obligations at work, home, or school
• Continuing to use Adderall despite the problems it causes
• Giving up on activities or hobbies once enjoyed
• Using Adderall in risky situations, such as driving under the influence

Treatment for Adderall Addiction

If you’re misusing Adderall or addicted to it, detox may not be enough. While it can provide a strong foundation for recovery, detox doesn’t treat the underlying factors in addiction on its own. A comprehensive addiction treatment plan may be necessary to address the psychological, emotional, and social aspects of substance abuse.

Addiction treatment is individualized based on your history and goals. It can take place in an inpatient or outpatient setting, depending on your needs. It may include a combination of therapies like individual therapy, group counseling, support groups, and behavioral therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Addiction treatment is essential for not only overcoming addiction but managing the symptoms of co-occurring disorders, such as ADHD or depression, while you work through recovery.

Get Help for Adderall Withdrawal

Adderall is generally safe and effective for treating ADHD and narcolepsy, but it can be habit-forming. If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall withdrawal or addiction, you don’t have to do it alone. Professional drug rehab can help you overcome withdrawal and build a foundation for healthy, sustained recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adderall Withdrawal