Adderall Weight Loss: Risks & What You Need To Know

Risks of Misusing Adderall for Weight Loss

Because of its link with weight loss, Adderall may seem like an effective option. But there can be serious consequences with the misuse of this medication. Misusing Adderall can lead to a person developing tolerance to the medication over time, leading the individual to need higher doses to achieve the desired effects which can increase the risk of adverse reactions. Due to Adderall’s high risk for abuse, both immediate and extended-release formulations are prescribed only to certain groups to avoid potential harm.

Adderall misuse may be especially risky for those with certain health conditions. Cardiovascular problems, such as heart and blood pressure conditions, can be problematic with Adderall as it can increase your heart rate and blood pressure, increase your risk of a stroke or heart attack, and even cause sudden death in those with heart problems or defects.

Adderall abuse may also worsen symptoms of mental health conditions such as anxiety, agitation, psychosis, and even trigger or worsen psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder. Notably, aggressive and hostile behavior was observed in adolescents with ADHD in clinical trials.

Adderall’s appetite-suppressing effects can lead to not getting enough calories or nutritional intake. Prolonged periods of caloric and nutritional deficiencies may result in serious health conditions. This effect is especially concerning with adolescents when it’s used for ADHD or for weight loss. It has been observed in a study that extended-release Adderall (Adderall XR) had greater weight loss with higher doses and longer-term growth suppression.

Using Adderall as an Off-Label (Non-FDA-Approved) Treatment for Weight Loss

Adderall is only approved for use in ADHD and narcolepsy, but sometimes physicians will prescribe this medication for off-label uses. An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not approved by the FDA, but prescribers can decide to use it if, if it’s widely recommended or shown effective in studies and in their professional judgement, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.

In this case, Adderall may be used as a weight loss aid for patients who have health problems due to their obesity. It is important for patients to discuss the medication’s benefits with their prescriber and not take more than what is prescribed. If you experience side effects that you find intolerable, immediately consult a pharmacist or physician to see if this medication is right for you.

Serious Side Effects of Adderall

As with all medications, there are side effects associated with using Adderall. These may happen even at prescribed dosages but can worsen if Adderall is misused. If you or someone you know is experiencing side effects, then seek appropriate care and contact emergency medical services should they be serious in nature.

Some serious side effects of Adderall use that may require medical attention include:^1,3

• Rapid heart rate
• Elevated blood pressure
• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Convulsions
• Muscle pain or weakness
• Severe insomnia
• Extremely high fever (106℉ or higher)

Can You Become Addicted to Adderall?

Adderall is classified as a Schedule 2 controlled medication which means that misuse of this medication may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence, especially when it is taken without proper medical supervision.

There is a high risk that you can become addicted to this medication and this may lead to serious health consequences.² When a person misuses Adderall, they can build a tolerance to the medication and thus end up taking more to achieve the same effects which can result in a substance use disorder, commonly known as an addiction.

Signs of possible Adderall addiction may include:

• Repeatedly running out of an Adderall prescription early
• Loss of coordination
• Behavioral changes (anxiety, hostility, suicidal/homicidal ideation)
• Development of severe skin conditions
• Sense of being invincible, intense positivity
• Being fearful of not having enough Adderall
• Severe insomnia

If you have been prescribed Adderall, it is important to take the medication as directed. If you feel that the medication is not working or if the side effects are intolerable, then speak with a prescriber or seek immediate medical attention if necessary.

Weight Loss in Children Taking Adderall

In clinical trials for a similar medication to Adderall, children may experience growth suppression. It was suggested that there was a temporary slowing in their height and weight while they were consistently medicated. Similar findings were expected to occur in children with chronic use of Adderall.

It is recommended that children’s growth be monitored during treatment with stimulants. Regular checkups with a physician are encouraged as well as the guardian being mindful over the child’s eating habits as some children may not want to eat due to appetite suppression. If you are concerned about your child’s growth, or if they cannot maintain their weight while on Adderall, please seek guidance from their physician or a pharmacist.

Can ADHD Medications Cause Weight Gain?

Weight loss is a more common side effect of taking ADHD stimulant medications. Taking Adderall or Ritalin may lead to weight loss because stimulants tend to increase metabolism, which is the process of changing food into energy for the body. While some individuals may experience weight gain instead, medications currently available for ADHD typically cause weight loss or are weight-neutral.

Other Reasons People With ADHD May Gain Weight

As mentioned above, some patients on ADHD therapies can experience weight gain. This can happen due to a variety of reasons. For example, a person may have an increased appetite upon discontinuing the medication, or perhaps their eating pattern may change. ADHD symptoms, such as impulsivity, lack of attention, and trouble focusing could be a contributing factor to a person’s weight as they could create eating habits that promote weight gain.⁴

Other medications a person is taking could be the cause of their weight gain. Depression is often a condition that presents alongside ADHD, so many are prescribed antidepressants for treatment. It is well documented that some antidepressants may cause weight gain, so if someone with ADHD is also taking an antidepressant, they may experience weight gain.

How to Manage Weight Loss on Adderall

There are many ways to manage weight loss a person taking Adderall may experience. Some methods involve changing your therapy while others choose to modify your behavior so that you can reduce the risk of weight loss while on Adderall. While these methods may be useful, it is important to discuss the benefits of the drug with your doctor and if it outweighs the risks. Be sure to be upfront with your doctor if you have any preexisting health conditions or personal factors like recreational drug usage so that they can make an informed decision on your therapy.

Here are 5 ways to manage weight loss while taking Adderall:

• Adjusting the dosage: Sometimes people experience side effects, such as unintended weight loss, due to the dosage. A prescriber may lower the dosage to help a person better tolerate the medication. Do not adjust your dosage on your own.
• Switching medications:  Sometimes a medication is not the right fit for a patient. A prescriber may switch a person to a new medication to help them better tolerate side effects, such as weight loss.
• Working with a dietician: A registered dietician can help you meet your nutritional needs, considering any barriers unique to you.
• Weighing on a scale: Keeping track of your weight can ensure that you are not seeing continual weight loss while taking Adderall.
• Keep a food diary: Tracking your food intake may help ensure you don’t accidentally skip meals because of suppressed appetite.

Alternatives to Adderall

When considering Adderall alternatives, it is important to understand the difference between stimulant vs non-stimulant ADHD medications. Non-stimulant medications like bupropion, guanfacine, and clonidine may be a good option if you are worried about weight loss and if you were unable to previously tolerate a stimulant.* It may also It may be an option for those those with conditions like past substance use disorder that prevent a person from taking Adderall or similar medications.

While these medications are at a lower risk for dependence, they still carry their own side effects and concerns. Most notably, bupropion carries a warning for increased suicidality. In addition, nonpharmacologic options can aid those with ADHD, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT for ADHD) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These therapies effectively give you the skills to manage ADHD symptoms better and replace them with healthy coping skills.

*It should be noted that while atomoxetine is a non-stimulant, it does have similar side effects of loss of appetite, and thus was not included.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team About Adderall Weight Loss

If you are considering taking Adderall and are worried about side effects in the first week, you should ask what to expect from the medication from your physician and pharmacist. Be well aware of potential side effects and what to look out for in the event that you have a side effect that you cannot tolerate. Some uncomfortable effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if they do not and you find them intolerable, consider talking to your physician or seeking immediate care if they are severe.

Questions to ask your care team about Adderall weight loss include:

1. How can I tell it’s the medication causing weight loss?
2. How long will weight loss effects from Adderall last?
3. Am I at risk for increased weight loss or weight gain if I already take other medications, such as antidepressants or anxiety medications?
4. Will a previous history of weight loss or weight gain make me more susceptible?
5. What is the best dosage to reduce the risk of weight gain or weight loss?
6. Are there drugs I am taking that could have increased effects on weight gain or weight loss?
7. When should I reach out to you if I am experiencing too much weight gain or weight loss?
8. Are there other medications that may have less impact on my weight?
9. Is it necessary to monitor my weight regularly while on Adderall? How frequently should I check?
10. What type of lifestyle should I maintain to manage my weight while taking Adderall? Any specific diets or recommendations?

In My Experience

A common adverse effect I have heard from patients was their lack of appetite while on a stimulant like Adderall. Sometimes this effect was tolerated, especially if the patient was on lower doses of Adderall. Still, sometimes the risk of prolonged weight loss outweighed the benefit of keeping this medication on board.

Side effects vary by person, thus weight loss for some might be an added benefit while it may be why another patient may have to discontinue taking Adderall. If you are unhappy with the side effects you’re feeling from Adderall or another stimulant, contact your doctor to discuss further options as other options may be just as beneficial.

For Further Reading

• Best Online Psychiatry Services for 2023
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• Recovery and Recovery Support | SAMHSA
• Adderall & Alcohol: Understanding the Risks
• Concerta Vs Vyvanse: Differences, Similarities, & Which to Take
• Adderall Withdrawal: Symptoms, Duration, & How to Cope