Why does Adderall make me poop?

In this article:

• How Adderall works
• Does Adderall increase bowel movements?
• Managing and preventing digestive problems when taking Adderall
• When to consult a healthcare provider

In this article

• How Adderall works
• Does Adderall increase bowel movements?
• Managing and preventing digestive problems when taking Adderall
• When to consult a healthcare provider

Adderall (dextroamphetamine/amphetamine) is a prescription drug that treats medical conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. 

Some symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults include forgetfulness, an inability to stay focused, procrastination, and others. As far as narcolepsy, people may notice the following symptoms: daytime sleepiness, sudden muscle weakness, temporary paralysis, fragmented sleep, and hallucinations.

The dose of Adderall is individualized based on age, medical condition, and treatment response. For ADHD, the starting dose for children aged six and older is typically 5 mg per day, with gradual increases if needed. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 40 mg to 60 mg, depending on the condition being treated.

The drug can affect digestion—and therefore bowel movements—which explains the possible link users may have noticed between Adderall and pooping more. In fact, this is a common concern among Adderall patients.

How Adderall works

Adderall and other ADHD medications work by increasing the levels of two neurotransmitters—norepinephrine and dopamine—in the brain. Those neurotransmitters play a role in the body’s “fight or flight” response and affect the central nervous system, which can speed up other bodily processes.

For example, Adderall stimulates the central nervous system, which may indirectly affect metabolic processes while the drug is active. However, significant changes to the overall metabolic rate are not typically observed.

Once a person stops the prescription medication, their metabolism will revert back to its usual “speed.” 

Common side effects of Adderall include decreased appetite, dry mouth, stomachache, weight loss, anxiety, and irregular heartbeat. Other possible side effects of amphetamines include the risk of misuse and a lower sex drive.

Serious cardiovascular side effects, such as elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, heart attack, or stroke, are rare and more likely in individuals with preexisting heart conditions or with improper use of the medication. Additionally, potential side effects include the worsening or reemergence of psychosis, seizures, aggressive behavior, and more.

In rare cases, Adderall can cause side effects such as elevated blood pressure, fast heartbeat, serotonin syndrome, and growth suppression. In children, Adderall may temporarily slow growth due to appetite suppression, but this effect is usually reversible with ‘drug holidays’ or after discontinuation.

Does Adderall increase bowel movements?

As mentioned, Adderall affects several bodily systems. “While it’s primarily a stimulant that affects the central nervous system, some individuals find that it speeds up their digestive processes, leading to increased bowel movements,” says Dr. Sasha Hamdani, MD, a psychiatrist and ADHD clinical specialist at Psychiatry Associates of Kansas City. “Increased stimulation of the nervous system can lead to heightened gut motility, resulting in diarrhea or other gastrointestinal discomfort.”

However, that’s not the case for everyone. Some people can get dehydrated on Adderall, which contributes to constipation, she adds—aka the opposite issue.

If Adderall does lead to more bowel movements, here’s one reason why: “By speeding up the metabolism, Adderall also speeds up the digestive process, which can cause food to move through the system too quickly,” says Dr. Jason Kellogg, MD, a psychiatrist and medical director at Hotel California by the Sea. “This can lead to digestive discomfort, including cramping, bloating, and diarrhea, as the body has less time to fully process nutrients.”

Additionally, Adderall can relax the smooth muscles (aka muscles that aren’t subject to direct voluntary control) in the digestive tract. 

Managing and preventing digestive problems when taking Adderall

Wondering how to fix “Adderall stomach,” aka how to reduce Adderall’s side effects that are gastrointestinal? The following steps may help. 

Stay hydrated

Adderall can cause dehydration in a few ways.

For starters, it reduces the sensation of thirst. “Norepinephrine can suppress the brain’s thirst signals, making you less aware of the need to drink water,” Dr. Kellogg says. This can contribute to constipation.

Dr. Hamdani adds that Adderall can suppress appetite, too. Since eating enough helps with bowel regularity and hydration, this side effect is a double whammy on your digestive system.

Adderall can increase sweating and bowel movements, as well, which also contributes to fluid loss. “This can be problematic if not managed by proper hydration,” she says.

Re: sweating and dehydration: “Its stimulant effects can increase heart rate and potentially cause sweating, which may further deplete your body’s hydration levels,” Dr. Hamdani explains. “It’s essential to stay mindful of your fluid intake while on this medication.”

Know what foods are helpful and unhelpful

High-fiber foods generally promote bowel regularity, but excessive fiber can sometimes worsen diarrhea. A balanced fiber intake tailored to individual needs is recommended. For example, fiber can make stool firmer—which can relieve diarrhea—but too much can cause constipation.

Generally speaking, Dr. Hamdani encourages high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to promote regularity. 

Dr. Kellogg shares other safe foods to eat. “If experiencing digestive issues while on Adderall, it’s helpful to add bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, bread, and oatmeal,” he says. “Eat more fruits and vegetables to increase fiber and help regulate your bowel movements.”

These doctors say that foods that may irritate the digestive system include spicy or greasy foods, excessive caffeine, and processed sugars.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals.

This can prevent overloading of the digestive system and reduce discomfort, Dr. Kellogg says. 

Whole foods with fiber—such as raspberries, broccoli, whole wheat spaghetti, and lentils—can help you feel fuller longer.

Engage in regular physical activity 

Regular exercise can improve gut motility, Dr. Hamdani says. 

“Gut motility” refers to the movement of food through the body, a key piece of digestive health. Light to moderate exercise enhances digestion.

Talk to a medical professional

If side effects persist and cause concern, Dr. Hamdani encourages discussing them with a healthcare provider. They may suggest adjusting the dosage or exploring alternative medications.

Other treatment options for ADHD include cognitive-behavioral therapy, stimulant drugs, and other medications. Additional treatments for narcolepsy include antidepressants and wakefulness-promoting agents.

When to consult a healthcare provider

If a person does choose to stop Adderall, it’s best to do so with medical supervision. Professionals can help people avoid withdrawal symptoms, which can cause adverse effects such as mood swings, trouble sleeping or excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, cravings, and suicidal thoughts. The latter, especially, calls for immediate medical attention. 

Adderall can have severe side effects, as mentioned above, in which professional help is needed. Dr. Kellogg and Dr. Hamdani list the following examples: 

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Severe headaches
• Extreme agitation
• Significant mood changes 
• Hallucinations
• Severe gastrointestinal symptoms, such as persistent vomiting or cramping
• Sudden numbness
• Weakness
• Blurred vision
• Speech problems
• Signs of an allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling)

“These symptoms suggest an adverse reaction and require immediate medical attention,” Dr. Kellogg says.

But again, each person’s body will react differently to medications. Consulting a healthcare professional for personalized treatment and dosage adjustments is vital.