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Drug Info

Signs your adderall dose is too low

It’s important to be patient when starting Adderall, as it could take months to find the right dose for you
Leandra Beabout
By | Nov. 19, 2024 Medically reviewed by Leslie Greenberg, MD
A prescription bottle with an exclamation mark on it: Signs your Adderall dose is too low

Key takeaways

  • Finding the best Adderall dose is a process that could take weeks to months.

  • When taking the right dose of Adderall for ADHD there is a noticeable improvement in focus and ability to plan ahead. Adderall should also improve your control over moods and impulses.

  • Feeling no improvement in ADHD symptoms is a clear sign that your Adderall dose is too low.

  • If you think your Adderall dose is too low, talk to your prescriber. Dose changes should happen gradually and under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.

  • Taking Adderall first thing in the morning, avoiding other stimulants, and getting enough sleep are a few ways to get the most out of Adderall while minimizing side effects.

In this article:

Adderall (dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) is a controlled brand-name oral medication that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It belongs to a class of drugs called central nervous system (CNS) stimulants and works by boosting levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine. 

Getting the correct dosage for ADHD medications like Adderall is a process, as the starting dose may not be the optimal dose to treat ADHD symptoms. It’s important to know the signs that it’s working and tell your healthcare provider if you’re not getting the intended results or if you’re experiencing unwanted side effects. Here’s what you need to know about how Adderall should make you feel, signs your Adderall dose is too low, and how to minimize common Adderall side effects. 

How should Adderall make you feel if you have ADHD?

When the dosage of Adderall is correct, it should help control the primary symptoms of ADHD:

  • Inattention
  • Hyperactivity
  • Impulsivity

Given that, a person who takes Adderall for ADHD should appreciate improved focus, concentration, and, in some cases, mood regulation, according to Sid Khurana, MD, psychiatrist and cofounder of Nevada Mental Health. 

It’s important to understand that feeling more focused and calm on Adderall can be confusing or unsettling for someone who has never received ADHD treatment. Dr. Khurana says that even when an Adderall dose is just right, some people report feeling “too calm” or “mellow” at first. “There’s a little bit of a learning curve for them with liking that ‘new me’ because they’re so used to people saying they are so vibrant,” he explains. “I teach my patients that this takes some time and that friends and loved ones may have to get used to the new you.” 

Bottom line: If you have ADHD, an effective Adderall dose should make it easier to concentrate on tasks and conversations. You should also feel calmer and more in control of your moods and impulses. 

RELATED: How long does it take Adderall to work? 

Signs your Adderall dose is too low

It takes time to find the best Adderall dose. Treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders like ADHD is one that typically involves rating ADHD symptoms on a standardized scale before treatment and in follow-up appointments, then tweaking dosage or medications as needed. In most cases, a 30% improvement on an ADHD rating scale is considered the minimum standard for optimized dosage, according to a report in Focus, a journal of the American Psychiatric Association.

Fortunately, there are ways to recognize when your Adderall dose is too low. Dr. Khurana and Lisa Dorfman, LMHC, RD, a Miami-based licensed mental health counselor and dietitian, both say that the main indication of sub-optimal dosage is not feeling any different than you did before starting treatment. An under-dosed person will continue to experience ADHD symptoms such as:

  • Chronic inattention: Inattention is a key indicator of ADHD. Continued inattention could mean that even while on Adderall, the individual still struggles to stay focused, finish tasks, follow through on plans and responsibilities, or stay focused in conversations with others. Inattention can also manifest as messiness and loss of important items (such as frequently misplacing a phone or keys).
  • Continued hyperactivity: ADHD hyperactivity symptoms include fidgeting, the urge to leave your seat and walk around, feeling like your “internal motor” never stops, and excessive talkativeness. Continued hyperactivity while on Adderall is a sign of under-dosing.
  • A continued pattern of impulsivity: People with ADHD might have difficulty thinking before they act. If someone on Adderall still exhibits a pattern of interrupting, blurting out answers, not waiting for their turn, or quickly getting impatient, the Adderall dose might be too low.

Dr. Khurana sums it up: “When [Adderall] is underdosed, you’ll notice no difference. When you’re overdosed, you’re too numb or wired. And in between are the ‘just right’ doses, which means you’re getting things done, and the impairments you were having are becoming less and less.”

How to adjust your Adderall dose

First things first: Never adjust your Adderall dose on your own. ADHD medications should be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare professional such as a primary care provider or psychiatrist. 

“These are controlled substances and are psychotropic medications that affect not just your attention and focus but also your mood, and they could have side effects like irritability and anxiety,” Dr. Khurana says. He warns that misuse can cause side effects such as irritability, anxiety, and even a heightened risk of mania and psychosis.

The general best practice for prescription drugs is “start low, go slow.” Given that, most prescribers recommend starting at the lowest dose and then implementing dosage adjustments to higher doses until the patient experiences symptom relief. Specific dosage guidelines, including maximum doses, vary by age and type (immediate-release Adderall or extended-release Adderall XR).

RELATED: Adderall vs. Adderall XR

“When you are in the process of finding the right dose, I encourage more frequent visits with your doctor,” Dr. Khurana says. “Consider having an appointment every two weeks so you can have close supervision and medical monitoring to get to that right dosage. Once you’re there, then you can decrease your number of visits.”

Remember, you’ll know you’re getting close to the optimum Adderall dose when you notice significant symptom improvement related to inattention, hyperactivity, and impulse control.

Tips for taking Adderall: How to get the most out of your ADHD medication

Like all stimulants, Adderall has a long list of side effects and warnings. People taking Adderall for ADHD frequently experience side effects such as high blood pressure, weight loss, and trouble sleeping. Some also experience more serious side effects, such as rapid heart rate, extreme mood swings, seizures, and eyesight changes. Sometimes, the negative effects of Adderall warrant switching to a lower dose.

Fortunately, there are a few best practices for taking Adderall to support its effectiveness while minimizing its side effects. 

1. Always take Adderall as directed

Adderall is a controlled substance because of its high potential for abuse and misuse. Taking a dose more than is prescribed can cause psychological or physical dependence.

“Taking meds on and off wreaks havoc on the body and mind,” Dorfman cautions. She says taking medication as directed offers a baseline for patients and their caregivers to gauge the medication’s effectiveness. Sticking to your treatment plan also goes a long way toward minimizing Adderall’s potential side effects and avoiding dangerous misuse and withdrawal.

2. Take the first Adderall dose first thing in the morning

Adderall and Adderall XR are best taken immediately after waking up, according to MedlinePlus. Taking Adderall early in the day helps boost focus and concentration when needed most: during the workday or school day. It also helps prevent Adderall-related sleep problems because the morning dosage gives your body time to metabolize the medication as much as possible before bedtime. 

RELATED: How long does Adderall last?

3. Avoid other stimulants

Insomnia and sleep difficulties are common adverse effects of stimulant medications such as Adderall. Patients and their caregivers can help minimize sleep troubles by avoiding all other stimulants. It’s a good idea to cut out caffeinated drinks such as coffee, energy drinks, and sodas.

4. Staying in communication with a healthcare provider

Adderall can interact with other medications and supplements. It can also affect health conditions other than ADHD. As a patient adjusts to a daily dose of Adderall, it’s important to discuss any side effects or symptoms with the prescribing healthcare provider. 

In some cases, a healthcare provider might advise a patient to switch from Adderall to an Adderall alternative, such as Vyvanse, Ritalin, or Concerta. 

5. Prioritize a regular sleep schedule

Insomnia is a common Adderall side effect that can dramatically impact quality of life. Whether a person is new to Adderall or has been on ADHD medication for years, good sleep hygiene can help minimize sleep disruptions. Going to bed and getting up at the same times each day, even on weekends, is essential when a person is having issues with sleep disruption and still finding the best Adderall dose. 

6. Consider an occasional ‘medication vacation’

If Adderall side effects have become a problem, whether spontaneously or due to a recent dosage increase, ask your healthcare provider for medical advice on taking an ADHD “medication vacation.” Some healthcare providers recommend discontinuing ADHD medications from time to time, but this should only be done after a discussion with a healthcare professional about the risks versus benefits.

“For some, taking days off from meds reduces the feeling of dependence, helping them to build confidence and manage mental distractions on their own,” Dorfman explains. “It also can manage eating and food intake in those whose appetite is suppressed, especially younger clients.”

Bottom line

Adderall is a commonly prescribed ADHD medication requiring very individualized dosing. An individual with ADHD should feel more focused, calm, and in control when taking an optimal Adderall dose. When the Adderall dose is too low, there will be little to no change in inattention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity. 

Any Adderall dosage changes must be made under the guidance of a licensed healthcare provider. Finding the correct dose takes time, so it is important for a patient or their caregiver to keep any appointments scheduled with their primary care provider, psychiatrist, or other members of the healthcare team.