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Adderall side effects in females

Adderall side effects that are more common in females include anxiety, nausea, headaches, and painful menstrual cramps, but the drug is generally safe if taken as prescribed
Ashley Broadwater, writer for SingleCare
By | Mar. 7, 2024 Medically reviewed by Jessica Walker, Pharm.D., MBA
A healthcare provider speaking to a female: Adderall side effects in females
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Adderall, the brand name of the drug amphetamine-dextroamphetamine, is a prescription medication and stimulant taken orally. It’s often used to treat people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), but a doctor may also prescribe it as an effective treatment for narcolepsy. 

Adderall works as a central nervous system stimulant that increases levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters, in the brain. This is a different pathway from Provigil, an Adderall alternative for narcolepsy.  

But be aware that Adderall does have a high potential of causing mild side effects and severe side effects. Further, some of the unwanted effects of this stimulant medication are specific to women. Examples include anxiety, Nausea, headaches, and dizziness.

Common side effects of Adderall in females

Common side effects of Adderall include:

  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Headache
  • Changes in libido
  • Painful menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)
  • Dry mouth
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Weight loss

Some of these side effects, such as anxiety, are more common in women. “Because females have higher baseline rates of anxiety, anxiety as a side effect is somewhat more common in women,” says Zoë A. Martinez, MD, Ph.D., the lead psychiatrist at Donefirst.com.

Nausea, headaches, dizziness, and decreased appetite are also side effects that are typically prominent in women, according to Sasha Hamdani, MD, a psychiatrist and ADHD clinical specialist at Psychiatry Associates of Kansas City. 

A study published in the journal Substance Use & Misuse shared similar results, finding female prescribed users reported appetite, bodily, and anxiety-related side effects more often than male-prescribed users.

Adderall side effects in females sexually

As far as the sexual side effects of Aderrall in females, more conclusive research is needed. Dr. Hamdani also says that more or less sexual desire is possible when taking Adderall. Dr. Martinez agrees about noticing decreased libido and adds the possibility of delayed orgasms. However, she believes this only happens in rare cases and is generally unlikely. Low libido is possible with Adderall, but it isn’t known how often this happens. 

Decreased libido could be a side effect of ADHD in itself, without medication. In one small study published in 2020, females with ADHD reported lower sexual desire and overall satisfaction than males with ADHD.

Serious side effects of Adderall in females

It’s important to note that some side effects of Adderall are serious. Call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical attention for serious side effects such as:

  • A heartbeat that’s either fast, slow, pounding, or uneven
  • Fingers and toes feeling numb, cold, pale, or painful, or having unexplained wounds on them
  • An allergic reaction, which could include itching or hives, swelling in the face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, chest tightness, and trouble breathing
  • Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there
  • Chest pain or trouble breathing
  • Fainting
  • Seizures 
  • Confusion, agitation, or unusual behavior
  • Motor or verbal tics

Adderall and weight loss

Some people use Adderall as a weight loss drug, but doctors advise against doing so. “It’s important to note that Adderall should not be used for weight loss,” Dr. Martinez says. 

Not only is it unhelpful, but worse, it can be unsafe. “You can gain tolerance to the effects, and it poses the risk of addiction and overdose if used in excess,” Dr. Hamdani adds. Side effects she mentions are a rapid heart rate or arrhythmias, elevation in blood pressure, panic attacks, and weakening of the cardiac muscle.

Additionally, Adderall isn’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss. 

How soon do Adderall side effects start?

Any time a doctor prescribes a new medicine, patients may wonder when the side effects will begin. Dr. Hamdani says they could start as quickly as within the first 10 minutes of taking the first dose, depending on the amount taken and timing.

How long do Adderall side effects last?

Most of the side effects are temporary in the sense that they usually occur only when a patient is taking the medication, according to Dr. Martinez. They may even go away with consistent use. The body typically adjusts within a few weeks, according to Cleveland Clinic. Further, Dr. Martinez says, “Many individuals become accustomed to the common side effects, but this is best determined while working with one’s clinician.”

As far as a day-by-day basis, patients experience the side effects most within two to four hours of taking the medication, according to Dr. Hamdani.

Long-term side effects of Adderall in females

Long-term side effects of Adderall are generally the same for males and females. However, females need to be aware of possible risks related to pregnancy. Some research published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates a connection between taking ADHD medicine during early pregnancy and birth defects. However, this was one of the first few studies to look at ADHD medicine use among pregnant women, and more research is needed. The CDC notes that there’s still a “very low risk” of having a baby born with these defects after taking ADHD medicine. Women who are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should speak with their healthcare providers about whether Adderall is safe to take during pregnancy.

Other potential long-term side effects of Adderall include the following: 

  • Nervousness
  • Restlessness or difficulty sleeping
  • Hypertension (aka high blood pressure)
  • Growth suppression in children 
  • Tolerance of the medication
  • An addiction to the medication
  • Agitation, impaired focus, anxiety, panic attacks, and—in extreme case cases—a psychotic episode

Little to no information is available regarding how many people are affected by those possible side effects. However, generally speaking, any permanent effects are unlikely, especially if Adderall prescriptions are taken as prescribed and not recreationally. 

“If someone sustains side effects (such as cardiac issues or neurological problems) from excessive doses of Adderall, those would be considered adverse events, not side effects,” Dr. Martinez says.

At the same time, it’s important to note that the risk of side effects does seem to be higher for people with existing heart conditions, such as arrhythmias.

Adderall interactions

Adderall can interact negatively with other drugs, foods, and drinks. Drugs in the following drug classes can increase amphetamine levels in the blood, thus increasing the risk of adverse effects:

The use of amphetamine with other medications that increase serotonin can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about these medications so they can determine whether Adderall or an alternative is safer. 

As far as foods and drinks, a few to be aware of include:

  • Alcohol: Mixing alcohol and Adderall can lead to heart problems, high blood pressure, agitation, impaired judgment, difficulty sleeping, a higher risk for seizures, and blurred vision, among other side effects. 
  • Coffee and other caffeinated beverages: Mixing these with Adderall may result in an usually fast or irregular heartbeat, trouble sleeping, irritability, anxiety, digestive issues, insomnia, and more.
  • Acidic fruits, such as grapefruit: These can , in which case a higher dose may need to be prescribed.

Safety measures while using Adderall

Adderall may be unsafe for people who have any of the following conditions: 

  • Advanced arteriosclerosis
  • Moderate to severe high blood pressure
  • Symptomatic cardiovascular disease
  • Glaucoma 
  • Hyperthyroidism 
  • A medical history of drug abuse or a future risk of misuse
  • Hypersensitivity to amphetamines
  • A history of seizures or an abnormal brain wave test (EEG)
  • A mental health condition such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, or Tourette syndrome
  • Kidney problems
  • A history of circulation issues in the fingers and toes

Certain populations may want to be careful with Adderall, too:

  • People who are 65 years or older: Adderall use hasn’t been studied in this population, so talking to a doctor is recommended.
  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding: Research around safety hasn’t been fully established, but the medication may lead to premature birth, low birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. The Adderall drug label shows no reports of adverse effects in a breastfeeding infant, but long-term effects are unknown. Additionally, large doses of amphetamine could inhibit milk production. In short, Adderall XR users are encouraged not to breastfeed while on the medication.
  • Children: Adderall is FDA approved for use by children with ADHD ages 3–17. If the child is being treated for narcolepsy, Adderall is FDA approved once they’re 6 years old. However, note that growth suppression is a common side effect for this population when taking this medication. Be sure to talk through all of the side effects with the child’s doctor.

Regardless, a patient’s best bet is to talk with their doctor about what taking Adderall might look like for them.

Boxed warning for Adderall

In 2023, the FDA added a boxed warning, also called a black box warning, on ADHD drugs due to their potential for addiction and misuse. 

Overdosing on Adderall is possible

Adderall is typically prescribed at doses no higher than 40 milligrams (mg) for ADHD and 60 mg for narcolepsy, although there’s no specific maximum dosage. Someone who has overdosed on Adderall may show symptoms of amphetamine toxicity, which may include agitation, hallucinations, suicidal behavior, seizures, blurred vision, and chest pain. 

If there’s a possibility that someone has overdosed on Adderall, seek medical attention immediately. What’s considered a lethal dose differs from person to person, so it’s best to play it safe and avoid an even more serious medical emergency. 

How to avoid Adderall side effects

While many potential side effects of Adderall exist, they can be eliminated or lessened through some simple best practices: 

  1. Take it in the morning to avoid insomnia at nighttime. 
  2. Follow dosage instructions and take it only as prescribed.
  3. Be wary of taking it with acidic foods. 

Bottom line: Is Adderall safe for females?

Generally speaking, Adderall is safe to take and can be an effective treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy. At the same time, it is important to communicate with your healthcare provider about whether you’re taking other medications or have another medical condition so they can advise you on whether Adderall is safe for your specific needs. If pregnant, thinking about becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider about whether to take Adderall. If they recommend that you stop taking Adderall, follow their advice for weaning yourself off of the drug since withdrawal symptoms are more likely to occur if you abruptly stop taking it.