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  • Mental Health Issues
    • Anxiety
    • ADHD
    • Bipolar Disorder
    • Depression
    • Grief
    • OCD
    • Personality Disorders
    • PTSD
  • Relationships
    • Dating
    • Marriage
    • Sex & Intimacy
    • Infidelity
    • Relationships 101
  • Wellness
    • Anger
    • Burnout
    • Stress
    • Sleep
    • Meditation
    • Mindfulness
    • Yoga
  • Therapy
    • Starting Therapy
    • Types of Therapy
    • Best Online Therapy Services
    • Online Couples Therapy
    • Online Therapy for Teens
  • Medication
    • Anxiety Medication
    • Depression Medication
    • ADHD Medication
    • Best Online Psychiatrist Options
  • My Mental Health
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    • About Us
    • Find a Local Therapist
    • Join Our Free Directory
  • AdderallAdderall
  • Why It Affects FemalesWhy It Affects Females
  • Side EffectsSide Effects
  • MenstruationMenstruation
  • SexSex
  • PregnancyPregnancy
  • Weight LossWeight Loss
  • What to AskWhat to Ask
  • ConclusionConclusion
  • ResourcesResources

Adderall Side Effects in Females

Osama Tariq, MD

Written by: Osama Tariq, M.D.

Dena Westphalen, Pharm. D.

Reviewed by: Dena Westphalen, Pharm.D

Published: June 27, 2022
Osama_Tariq_MD Headshot
Written by:

Osama Tariq

MD
Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Reviewed by:

Dena Westphalen

PharmD

Adderall is a controlled stimulant used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). As it has misuse/abuse potential, it should be used with caution. While research on the effects of stimulants on menstruation, fertility issues, and breastfeeding is limited, there are general recommendations females taking stimulants should be aware of.

*The use of females or males in this article refers to the sex assigned at birth of the individual

Boxed Warning: Adderall

 Warning: Risk of medication misuse or abuse for amphetamine, dextroamphetamine mixed salts (Adderall)
Adderall has a black box warning. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Amphetamines, an active ingredient in Adderall, have a risk of misuse (abuse) which can lead to dependence on the medication, serious heart conditions, and even sudden death.

What Is Adderall & What Is It Used For?

Adderall is a stimulant controlled by the DEA due to its abuse/misuse potential. It can be prescribed by your primary care physician for the treatment of ADHD symptoms. It increases the release of neurotransmitters and decreases their reuptake in the brain.1 Adderall comes in immediate release (lasts 3-4 hours) and extended release (lasts up to 12 hours.)1

Which ADHD medications can help you?

There are many effective medications for ADHD including Strattera and Clonidine, which a Plushcare doctor can prescribe. In as little as 15 minutes, you can speak with a board-certified doctor from PlushCare to receive ADHD treatment.

Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by Plushcare. Plushcare DOES NOT prescribe controlled substances, including Adderall.

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Adderall Misuse

Roughly 20% of college students abuse stimulant medications to boost their academic performance.1 76% of college students who use stimulants without a prescription believe it positively affects their grades, although studies show negative effects with non-prescription use. Males are more likely to use non-prescription stimulants vs. females.2

Abuse/misuse of stimulant medication is also a growing concern in patients with eating disorders and users who want to lose weight.3

Severe Side Effects

Stimulant medications come with many potential side effects, including risk of abuse/misuse as well as addiction. They can put a significant burden on cardiac tissues and result in heart attacks, arrhythmias, and palpitations.1 They can also cause nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite resulting in weight loss.1 While stimulant use for patients that have ADHD is FDA-approved, patients should be aware.

Why Does Adderall Affect Females Differently?

Adderall’s effects on females have been poorly studied; however, there are studies that show the possible effects of stimulants on menstruation. During the estrogen predominant phase of the menstrual cycle, the follicular phase, the effects of stimulants may be more pronounced.4 Females report feeling more euphoric, energetic, and intellectually efficient.4

Females do not report this feeling during the combined progesterone and estrogen phase, the luteal phase. This suggests that estrogen may have an enhancing effect while progesterone may have a masking effect on stimulants. It’s important to note that there are no guidelines suggesting that females increase or decrease their Adderall dose due to this effect.

More research is needed to understand if Adderall does affect females differently.

Adderall Side Effects in Females

It’s important to know that patients react differently to medications from person to person. One study found that females report more side effects of decreased appetite and anxiety. Female patients also had more incidence of headaches, nausea, and dizziness.3 Similarly, studies found that females have more adverse reactions in general compared to males. This may be due to differences in metabolism, weight, or body fat percentage.  However, more research is needed to know if Adderall does cause different side effects in females.

It is important that all patients carefully monitor their adverse effects and report them to their doctor.

Adderall side effects include:

  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Decreased appetite
  • Anxiety

Other common side effects of Adderall include:

  • Weight loss
  • Abuse/misuse
  • Addiction
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Palpitations

Severe side effects of Adderall that require immediate attention include:

  • Palpitations or chest pain
  • Very high blood pressure
  • Serotonin syndrome (seizures, tremors, sweating)

Online Psychiatry

Plushcare There are many effective medications for ADHD, including Strattera, which a Plushcare doctor can prescribe. In as little as 15 minutes, you can speak with a board-certified doctor from PlushCare to receive ADHD treatment. Plushcare DOES NOT prescribe controlled substances. Visit Plushcare


Grow Therapy enables you to find a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner that can diagnose your condition, prescribe appropriate medications, and monitor your reaction to medication. Accepting most major insurances. Find A Provider

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Plushcare and Grow Therapy. Plushcare DOES NOT prescribe controlled substances.

Can Adderall Affect Your Period?

Stimulant medications may affect parts of the menstrual cycle differently. Menstrual cycles are broken down into follicular (estrogen) phase and a luteal (estrogen + progesterone) phase. Studies have suggested that amphetamine medication such as stimulants may have a greater effect during the follicular phase vs. the luteal phase. Patients have reported having a more energetic and euphoric response to stimulant medications during this phase.4

However, there are no guidelines suggesting that patients decrease or increase their dosage of stimulants in different parts of their menstrual cycle and more research is needed to understand if Adderall does affect the menstrual cycle. If Adderall is affecting your menstrual cycle, speak to your doctor about different treatment options.

Impacts of Adderall on Sex Life

Although there is little research on female libido and stimulant use, there is an established connection between ADHD and sex. Studies show that stimulants can decrease libido in both males and females; however, the exact cause is unknown. Stimulants can affect libido even in smaller doses.7,8 In males, Adderall has been linked to erectile dysfunction, the inability to orgasm, or even premature ejaculation.9

As a decrease in libido can impact a relationship, it is important to talk to your partner(s). It should also be brought up to your prescribing doctor. If it affects your quality of life, it may be worth it to switch to a different ADHD medication. Sex counseling and sex hygiene are also recommended during this time.

Adderall & Pregnancy

The effects of Adderall on fertility issues and pregnancy are poorly understood. There are currently no recommendations stating that patients who want to become pregnant should stop taking stimulant medications. Some studies show a small increased risk of preeclampsia and preterm delivery.5 There was also a small increase in placental abruption for females taking stimulants in the second trimester, but the clinical significance is unknown and more research is needed.5

For patients that have moderate to severe ADHD, it is unknown if not taking stimulant medication during pregnancy could cause more harm than good. Every patient with ADHD is different and it is important to talk to your doctor about any specific concerns you have.

Adderall & Breastfeeding

Adderall during breastfeeding is generally considered safe. While patients that abuse/misuse their Adderall should stop breastfeeding, patients that take it as prescribed should not be concerned. While Adderall can be passed into breast milk, studies don’t show any adverse neonatal effects.5 If there’s still concern, patients should speak to their primary care provider and see if other medical options would be better for them.

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Abusing Adderall for Weight Loss

Adderall misuse has increased over the years, especially in young adults. This can be due to a multitude of reasons, one being weight control. One study looked at patients that did and did not use stimulants for weight control in order to find key similarities. In this study, females were more likely to try stimulants for weight loss.6

The study also showed that patients who used stimulants to lose weight were more likely to have a history of dieting, poor self-esteem, stress related eating tendencies, and unhealthy eating habits.6

Another study showed that patients who misused stimulants for weight loss were at risk for using other medications for weight loss as well (diuretics/laxatives).7 While Adderall can be used for the treatment of ADHD, misuse is a growing concern that comes with significant and dangerous side effects.

Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Side Effects of Adderall in Females

It is important that all patients taking any prescription medications feel comfortable with their treatment plan. Similarly, patients should understand why they are taking the medication, how the medication works, and side effects they should look out for.

Questions a female should ask their care team about side effects of Adderall include:

  1. What are the symptoms that the medication should improve?
  2. What are the common side effects to look out for?
  3. Should I expect this medication to alter my menstrual cycle?
  4. Should I expect this medication to have any effect on my fertility?
  5. Is this medication safe to use while pregnant? Does the benefit outweigh the risks?
  6. Will this medication have any effect on my breastfeeding?
  7. What steps should I take if this medication affects my libido?

Final Thoughts

Adderall side effects in females can be different from side effects in males. It is important that patients understand how the medicine affects their ovulation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and libido. Always consult with your doctor to determine the best medication for you.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Online Psychiatry

Plushcare There are many effective medications for ADHD, including Strattera, which a Plushcare doctor can prescribe. In as little as 15 minutes, you can speak with a board-certified doctor from PlushCare to receive ADHD treatment. Plushcare DOES NOT prescribe controlled substances. Visit Plushcare

Grow Therapy enables you to find a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner that can diagnose your condition, prescribe appropriate medications, and monitor your reaction to medication. Accepting most major insurances. Find A Provider

Online Therapy 

BetterHelp Get support and guidance from a licensed therapist. BetterHelp has over 20,000 therapists, who provide convenient and affordable online therapy.  Complete a brief questionnaire and get matched with the right therapist for you. Get Started

ADHD Management Tools

Inflow App Inflow is the #1 science-based app to help you manage your ADHD. Their support system helps you understand your neurodiverse brain, and build lifelong skills. Free Trial

Free ADHD Newsletter

A free newsletter from Choosing Therapy for those impacted by ADHD. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign Up

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You can search for therapists by specialty,  experience, insurance or price, and location. Find a therapist today.

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Plushcare, Grow Therapy, Inflow, and BetterHelp.

For Further Reading

  • The Centers for Disease Control (CDC): Use of ADHD Medicine is Increasing Among Pregnant Women
  • CDC: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 
  • National Institute of Mental Health (NAMI): Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder 
  • Adderall Side Effects in Men: Erectile Dysfunction & Other Sexual Side Effects
  • Adderall Weight Loss: Risks & What You Need to Know
  • Strattera Side Effects: Common, Severe, & Long Term

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Sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Martin D, Le JK. Amphetamine. [Updated 2021 Aug 3]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556103/

  • Garnier-Dykstra, L. M., Caldeira, K. M., Vincent, K. B., O’Grady, K. E., & Arria, A. M. (2012). Nonmedical use of prescription stimulants during college: four-year trends in exposure opportunity, use, motives, and sources. Journal of American college health : J of ACH, 60(3), 226–234. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2011.589876

  • Gibbs, E. L., Kass, A. E., Eichen, D. M., Fitzsimmons-Craft, E. E., Trockel, M., & Wilfley, D. E. (2016). Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-specific stimulant misuse, mood, anxiety, and stress in college-age women at high risk for or with eating disorders. Journal of American college health : J of ACH, 64(4), 300–308. https://doi.org/10.1080/07448481.2016.1138477

  • Justice AJ, de Wit H. Acute effects of d-amphetamine during the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle in women. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 1999 Jul;145(1):67-75. doi: 10.1007/s002130051033. PMID: 10445374. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10445374/

  • Smid, M. C., Metz, T. D., & Gordon, A. J. (2019). Stimulant Use in Pregnancy: An Under-recognized Epidemic Among Pregnant Women. Clinical obstetrics and gynecology, 62(1), 168–184. https://doi.org/10.1097/GRF.0000000000000418

  • Jeffers, A., Benotsch, E. G., & Koester, S. (2013, January 29). Misuse of prescription stimulants for weight loss, psychosocial variables, and eating disordered behaviors. Appetite. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0195666313000287

  • Jeffers AJ, Benotsch EG. Non-medical use of prescription stimulants for weight loss, disordered eating, and body image. Eat Behav. 2014 Aug;15(3):414-8. doi: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2014.04.019. Epub 2014 May 10. PMID: 25064292. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25064292/

  • Stotz, G., Woggon, B., & Angst, J. (1999). Psychostimulants in the therapy of treatment-resistant depression Review of the literature and findings from a retrospective study in 65 depressed patients. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 1(3), 165–174. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.1999.1.3/gstotz

  • ADDERALL- dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate tablet. DailyMed. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f22635fe-821d-4cde-aa12-419f8b53db81

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  • AdderallAdderall
  • Why It Affects FemalesWhy It Affects Females
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  • Weight LossWeight Loss
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