Adderall is a stimulant medication used to treat Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Adderall is a controlled substance as it comes with heightened risks, and only certified professionals can give a prescription. Adderall is used to treat those with ADHD who may have difficulty functioning in social settings or completing daily tasks. Adderall does not cure ADHD but can help individuals manage symptoms of ADHD that interfere with everyday life.
Do I Need an Adderall Prescription?
Adderall may be part of a treatment plan for ADHD, but not all patients need to take Adderall to manage symptoms. The medication works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which are neurotransmitters used for attention processes and emotional regulation. Specific ADHD symptoms may indicate Adderall can help you manage the disorder.1 An evaluation from a healthcare professional can determine if Adderall should be part of your treatment.
Below are signs you may benefit from a prescription for Adderall:2
- Trouble managing day-to-day responsibilities
- Forgetting important things
- Intense chronic feelings of frustration or guilt
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Who Should Not Take Adderall?
Each person is different, and while Adderall is a common medication for ADHD, this medication is not the right treatment option for everyone. While Adderall is safe and effective for those aged six and up, there are exceptions to consider.
People who require additional considerations before taking Adderall include:
- Children: Physicians usually recommend starting with behavior therapy before trying stimulant medication like Adderall for children. 3
- Teens: Specific dosing and close monitoring are required as teens have frequent behavioral and hormonal changes that need extra attention while taking Adderall.2
- Pregnant women: Adderall is a category C medication, meaning the impacts on pregnancy are unknown. Studies of Adderall on pregnant animals have had adverse effects on offspring, but experts have yet to conduct similar research on humans. Adderall is passed from mother to baby in breast milk, and taking Adderall while breastfeeding should be avoided. It is crucial to discuss treatment options with your doctor if you are planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant.4
- Those with mental illnesses: Individuals commonly seek to address other mental health issues before starting any stimulant medications.2
How to Get an Adderall Prescription
Adderall is a controlled medication that requires a new prescription for every month medication is needed. Sharing Adderall with others for whom it is not prescribed is illegal and dangerous. A great place to start is with your primary care physician, as they can refer you to the proper practitioners if needed. If you already see a mental health provider, speak with them about your interest in finding out if Adderall can work for you. As with any controlled substance, you should expect to complete a full and comprehensive evaluation before you are given any prescription of Adderall.2
Getting an Online Adderall Prescription
In-person doctor appointments are not the only way to get an Adderall prescription. Many traditional healthcare institutions offer telehealth appointments and many healthcare providers exist entirely online. Some patients report that virtual appointments are less stressful and make difficult conversations easier. You have the benefit of staying in the comfort of your home and avoiding a new and sometimes stressful environment at the doctor’s office.
Special considerations should be taken when seeking prescriptions for medications online, especially Adderall. Each state has specific requirements regarding prescriptions for Adderall. You should check with your preferred pharmacy and your health care prescribing provider about what your state’s laws entail.2 There are many great online psychiatrist services to choose from, so it should be no problem finding the right provider for you.
Online Psychiatry
Circle Medical – ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment Affordable and accessible ADHD evaluations and treatment, including possible controlled substances medication if clinically appropriate. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same & next day appointments available. Visit Circle Medical
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
Who Can Prescribe ADHD Medication?
Some states have laws letting other clinicians prescribe Adderall, so check with your care team. These clinicians can include physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and osteopathic physicians. No matter who you choose to work with, it is crucial to ask your care professional about their training and experience. A qualified and experienced professional will gladly provide this information.2 It is vital to seek ADHD evaluations and medications only from licensed mental health professionals or physicians.
Licensed professionals who are authorized to prescribe Adderall include:
- Physicians, including primary care physicians and neurologists. If you plan to ask your primary care physician, let them know you are interested in ADHD treatment, as scheduling a longer-than-normal appointment may be necessary.
- Clinical psychologists: These professionals have special training to diagnose and prescribe medications.
- Psychiatrists: Psychiatrists are physicians and can prescribe Adderall, but many may not provide therapy along with prescriptions.
Do Over-the-Counter ADHD Medications Exist?
Currently, there are no FDA-approved over-the-counter medications to treat ADHD. Many over-the-counter and natural products claim to help with the treatment of adult ADHD, but quality studies are limited and have yet to show whether such supplements improve ADHD symptoms. Some may help, but they can also interact with other medications you may be taking. Check with reputable sources and your healthcare providers before taking any supplements.
You can also discuss different medication options with your doctor, including non-stimulant medications for ADHD. In fact, non-stimulant medications may be easier for online psychiatrists to prescribe depending on your state, diagnosis, and particulars. Additionally, the NIH has more information about alternative treatments as a part of the National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health.5
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Side Effects of Adderall
Adderall effectively manages symptoms of ADHD for many people, but there are common and severe side effects for any person considering taking Adderall. These effects are not a comprehensive list of possible side effects. Adderall’s side effects may impact women differently than men, and the impact may vary with age.
Talk with your doctor about typical side effects and dangerous ones that require immediate help. Some will go away with time or lifestyle changes, but others are harmful and can create long-term conditions. Your doctor will help you consider the pros and cons of taking Adderall.
Side effects of Adderall can include:4, 6
- Irregular or fast heartbeat
- Nervousness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Changes in sexual performance or drive
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Seizures
- Depression
- Agitation
- Hallucinations
- Muscle stiffness or twitching
- Loss of coordination
- Mania (frenzied or abnormally excited mood)
- Changes in vision or blurred vision
- Lack of blood flow (paleness, numbness, or tingling of fingers, toes, arms, and legs)
Heightened Risks When Taking Adderall
There are some serious risks that anyone taking Adderall should be aware of. Going through a complete health history with your doctor will help minimize these risks. It is important to tell your care team if you have any pre-existing heart conditions, a history of seizures, or a family history of drug or alcohol dependence. Additionally, inform them of any other prescribed medications.
If and when you receive a prescription for Adderall, remember to schedule and keep regular appointments with your care team. Practitioners won’t know what dose will work best in advance and will start with a trial dose. The trial usually begins with a low dosage of Adderall that is gradually increased at three to seven-day intervals until you can find the correct amount to manage symptoms of ADHD.2 Adderall will not be suitable for everyone, and it may be necessary to switch medications before you and your team find the the right ADHD medication for you.
Risks involved with Adderall can include:4, 6
- Substance abuse
- Physical dependence
- Seizures
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Manic episodes
- Psychotic disorders
- Growth suppression (in children and adolescents)
Getting Help Immediately
It is crucial to get help right away if you are in crisis. If you experience any alarming side effects or feel like your life is in danger, you should call 911 immediately.
Questions to Ask Your Health Team About How to Get Adderall
If you are interested in getting prescribed Adderall, your doctor is a great place to start. Primary Care physicians are best equipped to help you since they know your health history and treatment plans.
Questions to ask your care team about being prescribed Adderall include:6
- What type of ADHD do I have, and will Adderall help?
- Is Adderall safe for me to take?
- How often will I need to make appointments?
- What should I do if I plan to travel?
- Will Adderall be okay to take with my other medications?
- Are there Adderall alternatives for me to consider if it doesn’t help or has too many side effects?
- Is it safe to take Adderall with Xanax or other benzodiazepines?
- Are there discounts or coupons for Adderall to cut costs on my prescription?
- Is it safe to take Wellbutrin and Adderall together?
- Can you take Adderall with Prozac?
- How does Desoxyn compare to Adderall as an alternative?
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Complimentary Treatments With Adderall
Each person with ADHD may require an individualized treatment that pairs medication with other specific non-medication therapies. Health professionals widely accept that this combination of treatments improves the overall quality of life.
Some examples of non-medication treatment include:
- CBT for ADHD
- Breathwork exercises
- Getting adequate sleep
- Regular exercise for a healthy mind and body
- Development of daily routines
- School or work accommodations
Final Thoughts
Adderall can be an essential part of ADHD treatment. It is a medication that is not for everyone and comes with significant risks. Understanding how Adderall is best used and knowing the risks will be required before incorporating the drug into an ADHD treatment plan. Be sure to work with your care team closely to get a prescription for Adderall.
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
Online Psychiatry
Circle Medical – ADHD Diagnosis and Treatment. Affordable and accessible ADHD evaluations and treatment, including possible controlled substances medication if clinically appropriate. Diagnosis and prescription over video. Insurance accepted. Same & next day appointments available. Visit Circle Medical
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
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For Further Reading
- Strattera Dosage: Form, Strengths, How to Take & More
- Adderall for Depression: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, & More
- How to Get Prescribed Vyvanse: Everything You Need to Know
- Stimulant vs Non-Stimulant ADHD Meds: Key Differences
- Talkspace Review: Pros, Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For
- Cerebral Review: Pros, Cons, Cost, & Who It’s Right For
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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.