Adderall Headaches: What You Need to Know

Can Adderall Cause Headaches?

Adderall, a central nervous system stimulant, is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. There are several side effects associated with the medication, with one of the most common for adults being headaches.^{1, 2}

When starting the medication, some may experience headaches within the first week, but as your body gets used to treatment, they may stop. Sometimes, these headaches do not stop until the person is taken off Adderall with their doctor’s help.

Is it Normal to Get a Headache From Taking Adderall?

While taking Adderall, it is a common side effect to have a headache, but headaches should not impact your quality of life. If your headaches persist or get worse while on this medication, that is not considered normal and you should consult your doctor. In some cases, headaches can appear with other serious side effects and may require immediate medical care.

*All medications, including Adderall, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Why Does Adderall Cause Headaches?

The reason why headaches occur is not clearly understood, but there are potential triggers that are linked to their occurrences. Adderall combined with other triggers may increase the likelihood that you experience a headache.

Dilation & Constriction of Blood Vessels

One theory about Adderall headaches is that they are caused by a change in blood flow within the body. When the blood vessels in the brain constrict and dilate, it may trigger a series of actions, such as a release of chemicals, which results in pain when nearby pain receptors are triggered. ³ These actions are thought to cause headaches, like migraines.

Dehydration

Dehydration may be a potential trigger for headaches while taking Adderall. Increased focus can cause you to forget to drink water throughout the day. Also, sweating from activities or as a side effect from Adderall can lead to dehydration.⁴

Poor Sleep

A lack of sleep, or even sleeping too much, may be a trigger for headaches.⁴ Stimulants like Adderall may contribute to a lack of quality sleep if taken too close to bedtime, potentially keeping you up at night.⁵

Adderall Withdrawal

Adderall withdrawal, also known as Adderall crash, is caused when a person suddenly stops taking their medication. This can result in withdrawal symptoms, such as irritability, increased appetite, and even headaches.⁶ Headaches from withdrawal coupled with other symptoms can make for an unpleasant experience. It is encouraged to talk to your doctor before stopping Adderall to avoid withdrawal symptoms. With a doctor’s help, they can create a plan for you to taper off Adderall, avoiding withdrawal symptoms when it is finally stopped.

What You Eat & Drink

Adderall is known to cause appetite suppression as a side effect, potentially causing people to not properly eat or drink while on the medication.  ⁴

What Does an Adderall Headache Feel Like?

Adderall headaches can be different depending on the person. Some may feel a mild to moderate headache, while others may experience a severe, pounding pain that tends to be worse in one particular area. Severe headaches may be accompanied by other symptoms.

How Long Do Adderall Headaches Last?

The duration of headaches can vary from person to person. Some may experience headaches when they first start Adderall, where it may go away in a week or two when their body gets used to the medication. Others may experience headaches for as long as they are on the medication, requiring them to stop Adderall in order to resolve these pains.

Types of Adderall Headaches

Adderall headaches can differ from person to person. Some may experience mild headaches that can go away with time or pain relievers, while others are more severe, requiring a doctor’s intervention. Tension headaches and migraines are two specific types of headaches that may occur in some patients.

The different types of Adderall headaches include:

• Tension headaches: There is no direct connection between Adderall and tension headaches, but it could be due to headache triggers. Dehydration, as well as increased tension in the muscles, may trigger a headache.
• Migraine headaches: A neurological disorder and a debilitating type of headache that can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and visual disturbances. There is evidence to say that ADHD and migraines are linked.⁷ Also, medication-related headaches are typically not migraines.⁸

How to Know the Difference Between an Adderall Headache & Other Headaches

Headaches can be attributed to many different causes. Non-medication causes can be stress, dehydration, poor sleep, and other reasons that need to be remedied in order to see if the headaches resolve. Working with your doctor can help to determine if the cause for your headache is Adderall, and if it is, then they can provide you with solutions based on your symptoms.

6 Tips for Preventing Adderall Headaches

There are ways to manage and decrease the likelihood that you will suffer a headache from Adderall. Below are tips on how to take your medication as well as general practices in headache prevention.

Take Medication As Prescribed

It is important to take medications as prescribed. Taking Adderall in a larger quantity or at a higher frequency than what was prescribed can increase your risk of unintended side effects, including headaches. Abuse or misuse of Adderall may result in headaches as well as other serious side effects. Take your medication as prescribed to reduce these risks.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated can decrease your chance of getting a headache from Adderall. Stimulant medications like Adderall may cause sweating and reduced appetite as side effects, leading to decreased hydration. Drink water regularly throughout the day, consuming extra water when sweating during higher levels of activity and exercise.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Some patients experience reduced appetite from the stimulating effects of Adderall. Skipping meals may worsen Adderall headaches. Eating a balanced meal may help maintain your blood sugar levels, helping prevent this type of headache.

Get Enough Sleep

High quality sleep helps to decrease the likelihood of a headache. Practicing proper sleep hygiene is recommended to help you get the best sleep possible each night. Some tips include keeping a consistent sleep schedule, turning off electronic devices before bed, and avoiding napping during the day.

Watch Your Caffeine Intake

Be aware of possible interactions between caffeine and Adderall or other stimulant medications. Caffeine acts as a stimulant in the body which can increase the likelihood of a headache while taking Adderall. This can be especially true if you consume a large amount or you suddenly stop consuming caffeine, potentially leading to caffeine withdrawal. These symptoms are unpleasant, thus it is best to moderate your caffeine intake.

Track Your Symptoms

Keep a log of when headaches occur along with their potential triggers. Doing so can help you identify patterns and help you build habits that may prevent future episodes. If needed, these logs may help your doctor with understanding when your headaches occur as well as what the best course of action is to manage your symptoms.

Do Adderall Headaches Go Away on Their Own?

Typically, headaches are mild and can go away with time, but this may not always be the case. If your headaches do not go away once your body is used to the medication, and you have ruled out other causes of your headache, then it is unlikely that they will go away on their own. In these cases, your dosage may need to be changed or you may need to be taken off Adderall completely. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor and do not stop taking Adderall without their supervision. Stimulant withdrawal may occur if Adderall is stopped abruptly.

Can I Stop Taking Adderall if I Get Headaches?

If you want to stop Adderall because of headaches, do not stop abruptly or on your own. This may cause withdrawal symptoms, potentially resulting in unintended side effects, and may even potentially worsen your headache. Stopping your Adderall means that your symptoms may not be adequately treated, which may cause symptoms to return. Always discuss with your doctor before stopping any medication.

Are There Adderall Alternatives That Don’t Cause Headaches?

There is no guarantee that a medication will never cause a headache as a side effect, but there are Adderall alternatives where headaches are not as commonly experienced by patients. These medications are non-stimulants used in the treatment of ADHD, called Intuniv (guanfacine), Kapvay (clonidine), and Strattera (atomoxetine).

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team About Adderall Headaches

If you are concerned about headaches while taking Adderall, preparing questions for your doctor may help. Asking about your likelihood for headaches, how to prevent and manage your headaches, and if Adderall is right for you. Having an honest and open conversation with your doctor can help you find the best plan for your healthcare.

Questions to ask your care team about Adderall headaches include:

1. How can I tell it’s the medication causing headaches?
2. How long will headaches from Adderall last?
3. Am I at risk for headaches if I am already taking other medications, such as antidepressants or anxiety medications?
4. Will a previous history of frequent headaches or migraines make me more susceptible?
5. What is the best dosage to reduce the risk of headaches?
6. Are there drugs I am taking that could have increased effects on headaches?
7. When should I reach out to you if I am experiencing headaches?
8. Are there other ADHD medications with a lower risk of causing headaches?
9. What can I do to manage my headaches if I experience them while taking Adderall?
10. What are signs or symptoms of headaches that would cause me to seek immediate medical care?