*An off-label use of a medication is a use that is not FDA-approved. Prescribers can decide to use a medication off-label because, in their professional judgment, they believe it may offer a benefit to someone.
The most prevalent Adderall withdrawal symptoms people experience are anxiety, cravings, trouble sleeping, depression, and sluggishness. Withdrawal symptoms vary from person to person but typically set in one to two days after stopping the drug. For some, symptoms last for several weeks or even months. The most common cause of Adderall withdrawal is abruptly quitting or lowering the drug dose.
It is important to discuss medication withdrawal risks with your prescriber. If you want to discuss your current prescription with a provider or are considering a prescription for Adderall, online psychiatry platforms such as Klarity ADHD and Circle Medical can be good places to start. They are two platforms that can and will offer assessments and prescription consultation for stimulant medications, which are controlled substances. They can also discuss the risks of Adderall withdrawal and how to avoid it.
Boxed Warning: Amphetamine, dextroamphetamine mixed salts (Adderall) - Risk of medication misuse or abuse
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.
Adderall is a controlled substance, which means that it’s more likely to be misused or cause dependence. There are federal and state laws that limit the amount of medication that can be prescribed or dispensed within a certain period of time.
What Is Adderall Withdrawal?
Adderall withdrawal occurs after a person dependent on Adderall abruptly stops taking it. People may develop Adderall addiction or dependence after using it for an extended period. While withdrawal is typically brief, symptoms may linger for several days after discontinuing the drug, and on rare occasions, it can cause suicidal and violent thoughts and behaviors.
Typically, stimulant like Adderall is a first-line treatment for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a syndrome of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Adderall increases the production of norepinephrine and dopamine, the chemical transmitters in the brain, which may boost alertness, focus, and cognitive functions. Moreover, people may use stimulants for pleasure, potentially developing addiction and/or physical dependence.
People physically dependent on stimulants can go through unpleasant drug withdrawal symptoms when they abruptly quit taking them. Nonstimulants, on the other hand, are not addictive and are the treatment of choice for people with a long history of addiction, behavioral, and heart issues.1 Non-stimulants may be used if stimulants do not work, are not suitable, or cause serious side effects.
Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS): Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
Post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) includes persistent impairments resulting from the cessation of alcohol, benzodiazepines, or other substances. Post-acute withdrawal symptoms often include anxiety, mood swings, and sleep disturbances that last weeks or months. The exact causes of PAWS are unknown, but research suggests that increased tolerance may be a factor.
Factors Influencing Adderall Withdrawal
The most common risk for Adderall withdrawal symptoms in many people is when they reduce their doses or stop the medication with no medical guidance. While many symptoms are moderate and short-lived, withdrawal from Adderall may cause depression, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts. These symptoms are dangerous and require immediate medical attention. The severity of Adderall withdrawal can vary depending on the dosage, gender, age, weight, any underlying psychological or physical conditions, and many other factors.
Factors that influence Adderall withdrawal include:
- Length of time taking the drug: Each person’s withdrawal process takes a different amount of time. The length of time a person takes the drug affects the intensity of symptoms and how long they last. The withdrawal symptoms may continue for a week or two, although they can last longer if the drug is used for a long time.
- Dosage: Withdrawing from high Adderall doses after an extended use may cause fatigue, irritability, and cravings that may continue for weeks.
- Using other substances: Combining Adderall with tobacco, alcohol, opioids, heroin, or cocaine affects the drug’s effects, leading to severe heart problems and behavioral issues during drug withdrawal.2
- Biological factors: Gender, age, and weight can affect how each person’s body breaks down the drug.
Causes of Adderall Withdrawal
Adderall boosts dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, triggering feelings of excitement, and wakefulness. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on the drug and relies on the higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters it produces. However, in the absence of a drug, there is a sudden absence of feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain, which can cause withdrawal symptoms.3
Possible causes of Adderall withdrawal include:
- Abruptly stopping Adderall after long-term use
- Missing a dose
- Rapid reduction in the drug dose
- Difficult to obtain the drug due to current shortages
Preventing Adderall Withdrawal
People should be careful not to stop taking Adderall abruptly in order to prevent an Adderall withdrawal period. With the assistance of a mental health professional or primary care physician, they should gradually wean themselves off the medication over the course of several weeks. Adderall withdrawal can be managed using coping mechanisms, and most people start to feel better after a few days. This is crucial for those whose depression worsens or who start to have suicidal thoughts when they’re withdrawing.4
While there aren’t any medications that can cure withdrawal symptoms, there are medications that can temporarily alleviate some of them. However, there are strategies to make the experience easier to tolerate. Maintaining proper sleep, keeping a healthy diet, continuing regular exercise, deep breathing, meditation, and avoiding other stimulants like caffeine and cigarettes may ease the discomfort during withdrawal.
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
The prevalence of Adderall withdrawal syndrome is high and with 87.6% of individuals who have stopped taking Adderall experiencing six or more signs of withdrawal. People who have a higher tolerance for Adderall have a more severe withdrawal. Withdrawal risk is also higher for those who take a high dose, have used it for a long time, or have used it for a long time. Additional factors that influence how an individual reacts to going off a drug include genetics, personal history of addiction, and physical and mental health.5
Symptoms typically include fatigue, mood swings, heightened anxiety, disrupted sleep, increased hunger, and gastrointestinal issues. Others may experience a lack of motivation, lethargy, and irritability.
Individuals who take Adderall for an energy boost or the sensation of euphoria tend to have the worst withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings, especially if they’ve become psychologically dependent on the drug to seek pleasure. If your symptoms are severe, dial 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Common Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
The duration of withdrawal is unique to each individual and depends on the dosage and how long the person is taking the drug. Typically, the withdrawal symptoms last for a week or two, but for some, the symptoms can persist for weeks if they have used the drug for a prolonged period. People may experience physical symptoms like weight loss, dehydration, fatigue, disturbed sleep, and lack of energy. They may also undergo behavioral symptoms like depression with suicidal thoughts, intense drug cravings, anxiety, impaired memory, loss of interest in activities, and intense vivid dreams.5
Common Adderall withdrawal symptoms include:
- Fatigue with lack of energy
- Feeling jittery
- Headaches
- Dehydration
- Difficulty concentrating and impaired memory
- Achiness
- Anxiety and irritability
- Depression and suicidal thoughts
- Disrupted sleep
- Increased hunger
- Stomach aches or cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vivid dreams
- Drug craving
Severe Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
Generally, Adderall withdrawal symptoms are not dangerous; however, depressive symptoms with profound negative thoughts, suicidal ideation, or attempts may rarely occur and are the potentially dangerous problems seen during the drug withdrawal.
Additionally, people who have a higher tolerance for Adderall have a more severe withdrawal. The severity of withdrawal symptoms is substantial if people taking a higher-than-prescribed drug dose for a long time or using it more frequently than prescribed. Sometimes untreated withdrawal symptoms can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening complications, such as seizures, delirium, and possibly coma or death.
Adderall withdrawal symptoms that may become severe include:6
- Symptoms of depression
- Symptoms of anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts or attempts
- Seizures
- Coma or death
Adderall Alternatives Compared
If you’re seeking alternatives to Adderall, there are several options to consider. These include prescription medications like Concerta, Ritalin, Strattera, Vyvanse, and Intuniv. Other medications, non-prescription treatments, and lifestyle changes may also be beneficial. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before making any switch to ensure the right choice for your specific circumstances.
Discontinuation of Adderall After Long-Term Treatment
When someone has been taking Adderall for a long time, it increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in their brain. These neurochemicals are responsible for transmitting information between nerve cells. If they stop taking the drug, they may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms since their body has become dependent on it. It may take longer for their body to readjust without the drug, and they may have trouble sleeping, feel depressed, and have difficulty focusing on tasks.
Individuals may need to be gradually tapered off the drug with close medical support. The exact amount to reduce the dose can be determined by a medical professional based on an individual’s need. Depending on the individual, tapering could last anywhere from a few weeks to months.7
Discontinuation of Adderall While Pregnant
Although rare, Adderall use during pregnancy has increased over time. A small study analysis revealed three birth defects with early pregnancy ADHD medication use.
Pregnant persons should review their treatment choices for ADHD symptoms with their healthcare providers before and during pregnancy. Exercise and meditation regulate emotions and may also be safe for the pregnant person and baby.8
Adderall Withdrawal Timeline
When people stop using Adderall, they may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms within 24 hours of the last dose of Adderall. The effects of Adderall withdrawal vary significantly from person to person, and the precise withdrawal timeline is influenced by the half-life and the duration of the drug.
The time it takes for a drug’s active ingredient to decrease by half in your body is known as the half-life. A time guide for a drug to reach a stable level in your body when you first start taking it. It depends on how your body processes and gets rid of the drug. Adderall half-life is typically 10 to 13 hours.9
Acute withdrawal symptoms generally include severe depression, anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, marked fatigue, intense craving for the drug, and delusions. These symptoms usually resolve in 1-2 weeks. Whereas long-lasting symptoms like mood swings, poor sleep and concentration, depression, and fatigue can persist for weeks or months after stopping the drug.
Post-acute withdrawal symptoms (PAWS) or protracted withdrawal is when someone experiences symptoms common to acute withdrawal but persisting beyond the expected timeframes and last longer than two weeks. Severe and ongoing depression in this phase may result in suicidal attempts is a major concern.3
How to Cope With Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
The goal of Adderall withdrawal treatment is to make it easier for people to return to productive functioning in the family and community. Treatment providers can improve chances for long-term recovery through ongoing supervision and early intervention.
It is crucial to understand that these healthy coping mechanisms can successfully lessen the impacts of withdrawal and stop cravings. In addition to tapering, maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising, caring for oneself, and getting support from others are essential to assist people in returning to a regular, healthy lifestyle. Denial, hostility, misinformation, and a lack of support are just a few obstacles that negatively affect recovery and make it difficult for people to practice coping mechanisms.
Ten strategies to help relieve symptoms of Adderall withdrawal include:
- Prioritizing Sleep: The impact of sleep on mental health is important as it profoundly affects mood and emotional reactivity. Adequate sleep can lower the risk of suicidal ideas or behaviors.
- Exercising Regularly: One primary mental health benefit of exercise is to regularly pump the feel-good hormone serotonin to improve your mood and energy during withdrawal. It improves sleep, reduces stress, helps avoid triggers, and distracts attention from symptoms as well.
- Consult therapist: Behavioral therapy or counseling can help you cope with the emotional and psychological aspects of withdrawal. Speaking with a therapist can also help you develop strategies to manage cravings and prevent relapse.
- Self-care: Do relaxing activities and self-care to help you deal with any uncomfortable emotions you may be experiencing. Take herbal teas, relax in hot baths, and engage in energizing hobbies like music, yoga or meditation.
- Support group: Joining an online support group for people who have gone through similar experiences can provide emotional and practical support, as well as a sense of community. This can inspire you to keep going through the journey and know it will improve.
- Hydration and Nutrition: Eating a well-balanced diet and hydration can improve concentration and attention span, and help with symptoms of depression and anxiety.
- Avoid other stimulants: Use of nicotine, coffee, or other stimulants may increase anxiety. So it’s best to stay away from them, especially if you’re about to go to sleep.
- Time off: Give a few days off from work, school, and studying so that you may rest and recover. You might decide to focus on enjoying your hobbies.
- Celebrate each accomplishment: Celebrate gaining new coping skills as you learn them. If you feel discouraged or symptoms recur, reflecting on your accomplishments may help.
- Medications: Modafinil, benzodiazepines, and medications to treat depression and anxiety may be used if suddenly stopping Adderall.
Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Adderall Withdrawal
Questions to ask your care team about Adderall withdrawal include:
- Why do you think I should stop this medication?
- Should I stop taking Adderall all at once or over some time?
- What are the risks of stopping Adderall?
- When could I start feeling withdrawal symptoms?
- What should I do if something feels off during my withdrawal process?
- Would starting a new medication help limit the withdrawal symptoms?
- Could my ADHD symptoms get worse after I stopped taking Adderall?
- What should I do during the Adderall shortage?
- Can I quit Adderall during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
- What are the treatment options for the symptoms due to the drug withdrawal?
- How long does Adderall withdrawal last?
- What is my likelihood of Adderall relapse?
- Are there Adderall alternatives for me to consider if I stop taking it?
- How long does Adderall last in your system?
- How do I get rid of an Adderall headache?
- Can Adderall help with anxiety symptoms?
Adderall Detox
The process of detoxing from or withdrawing from Adderall allows the substance to leave your system. Health experts advise tapering or gradually weaning off Adderall because a sudden cessation can be uncomfortable and harmful. Adderall can be stopped at home in a supportive setting and doctors may advise you to reach out to a facility under medical supervision if you experience anxiety or have suicidal thoughts. It is important for those who have been using the drug illicitly to remain in a detox facility during the detox process.
Detox is the beginning step to stabilize the body and mind so that recovery may begin in earnest. A medical detox program can help minimize discomfort, improve the safety of the individual and is the best first step for a successful recovery.
Adderall Alternatives Compared
If you’re seeking alternatives to Adderall, there are several options to consider. These include prescription medications like Concerta, Ritalin, Strattera, Vyvanse, and Intuniv. Other medications, non-prescription treatments, and lifestyle changes may also be beneficial. It’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional before making any switch to ensure the right choice for your specific circumstances.
Adderall Withdrawal Treatment
Treatment varies depending on the individual’s age, gender, underlying health, mental health, other medications, and history of addiction. No single treatment is appropriate for everyone. Supportive and behavioral therapies, including family or group counseling, are the most commonly used methods if there are no life-threatening signs and symptoms. A continuing-care approach provides promising results for many individuals, with the treatment intensity varying according to individuals’ changing needs.
Adderall withdrawal is safe only under the medical supervision of a primary physician or psychiatrist. Also, online psychiatry services are available if you need to find a provider. Finding a therapist to work with may also help with an ongoing assessment of individuals’ psychological, physical, and social health and environmental factors that may contribute to drug use. It may also identify the relapse triggers and suggest prevention strategies to deal with triggers to avoid a return to drug use.10
Stopping Adderall abruptly can be harmful. Working on a tapering dose schedule with your doctor is essential. It helps your body to gradually adjust to reduced drug levels until you no longer require them in your system. Call 911 right away if you experience psychotic symptoms, including depression, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts, and then seek support from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, a toll-free hotline open around the clock.
When to Seek Professional Help for Adderall Withdrawal
Most people can stop taking their prescription Adderall when they follow their doctor’s instructions. Strategies like “drug holiday”, when many parents of kids with ADHD plan scheduled breaks from the medication during weekends or when their child is not in school, may allow some individuals to stop taking the drug without any problems.10
Sometimes people may experience withdrawal symptoms like worsening depression or developing suicidal ideation, or if symptoms become unbearable starting to impact daily functioning during withdrawal, it is time to seek medical care. The earlier the treatment is offered in the withdrawal process, the greater the likelihood of positive outcomes.3
In My Experience
In my experience, before stopping or tapering a drug it is important to discuss some relapse prevention techniques and strategies with your healthcare providers to avoid withdrawal symptoms. You may even use these preventions if you don’t need the drug or want to stop for some reason and if the drug supply is short.
It is a good idea to discuss the drug holiday protocol with your doctor for a positive impact on child growth with longer breaks from the drug and improvement in appetite and sleep patterns with shorter breaks. The basis of withdrawal treatment is counseling and supportive care. In addition to psychotherapy, people may need family therapy and parenting instructions.
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.
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Iman Idrees, Alessio Bellato, Samuele Cortese, & Madeleine J. Groom. (2023). The effects of stimulant and non-stimulant medications on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning in people with ADHD: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Neuroscience & Behavioral Reviews. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104968
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Centers for Disease Control. (2023). Other Drugs. Retrieved from Other Drugs | Drug Overdose | CDC Injury Center
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Shoptaw, S. J., Kao, U., Heinzerling, K., & Ling, W. (2009). Treatment for amphetamine withdrawal. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews, 2009(2), CD003021. Retrieved from Treatment for amphetamine withdrawal – Shoptaw, SJ – 2009 | Cochrane Library
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Siefried, K. J., Acheson, L. S., Lintzeris, N., & Ezard, N. (2020). Pharmacological Treatment of Methamphetamine/Amphetamine Dependence: A Systematic Review. CNS drugs, 34(4), 337–365. Retrieved from Pharmacological Treatment of Methamphetamine/Amphetamine Dependence: A Systematic Review | SpringerLink
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Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders. Rockville (MD): Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). (1999). (Treatment Improvement Protocol (TIP) Series, No. 33.) Chapter 5—Medical Aspects of Stimulant Use Disorders. Retrieved from Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorders: Chapter 5—Medical Aspects of Stimulant Use Disorders
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment. Retrieved from TIP 45 Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment
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The Dopamine Dilemma—Part II – PMC -
Anderson, K. N., Dutton, A. C., Broussard, C. S., Farr, S. L., Lind, J. N., Visser, S. N., Ailes, E. C., Shapira, S. K., Reefhuis, J., & Tinker, S. C. (2020). ADHD Medication Use During Pregnancy and Risk for Selected Birth Defects: National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1998-2011. Journal of attention disorders, 24(3), 479–489. Retrieved from ADHD Medication Use During Pregnancy and Risk for Selected Birth Defects: National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1998-2011
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For Further Reading
- What to Know About Adderall Withdrawal, as ADHD Medication Shortage Continues
- Adderall Psychosis: Identifying Signs & Symptoms
- Adderall Crash: How to Cope With an Adderall Comedown
- Adderall Effects on Personality
- Vyvanse Vs Adderall: Differences, Similarities, & Which to Take
- Modafinil Vs Adderall: How Do They Compare?
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Best Online Psychiatry Services
Online psychiatry, sometimes called telepsychiatry, platforms offer medication management by phone, video, or secure messaging for a variety of mental health conditions. In some cases, online psychiatry may be more affordable than seeing an in-person provider. Mental health treatment has expanded to include many online psychiatry and therapy services. With so many choices, it can feel overwhelming to find the one that is right for you.
