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ADHD Treatment: Adderall Side Effects

Adderall is commonly used to treat ADHD symptoms. In the beginning, Adderall was sold under another name as 'Obetrol'. It was prescribed to help people in weight and dietary control. It was prescribed to help people in weight and dietary control. So whilst it may have some benefits for people suffering from ADHD, it was originally used for other purposes.

Adderall is an amphetamine that stimulates the central nervous system. It has been approved by the FDA since 1996 for treating ADHD in adults and in children over the age of 6 years old. Adderall tends to have longer lasting results and its side effects are actually not as harsh as the side effects of Ritalin, another drug medication for ADHD.

The most common side effects of Adderall include insomnia, headache, weight loss and appetite loss. It is only fair to expect weight loss and appetite loss when you realize what the drug was originally used for. Children's weight and growth may be affected if Adderall is taken for long periods of time.

Other side effects include stomach pain, nausea, dizziness, addiction and restlessness. These side effects are not as common as the ones mentioned earlier, but they can affect some people and can be really frustrating. Adderall addiction is a main concern as it can cause serious behaviour and medical problems.

However, the most serious side effects of Adderall are Tourettes Syndrome, hallucinations and increased heart rate.

Before you consider taking Adderall as treatment for ADHD, it is vital to discuss with your doctor about the risks involved and whether this medication could really help you. Adderall should not be taken if you have glaucoma, overactive thyroid, heart problems and a history of drug abuse. Never take Adderall with anti-depressant drugs called MAOI as it can cause serious reactions that can be potentially fatal.


Amphetamines have appetite-suppressing properties, so some people take Adderall to lose weight. It is used in combination with other off label prescriptions drugs to treat obesity. This a risky way of losing weight as there have not been any research carried out to test the effectiveness of such treatment.


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