How to Get Prescribed Adderall: Everything You Need to Know

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 in the brain to increase levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, which are neurotransmitters used for attention processes and emotional regulation. Specific ADHD symptoms may indicate that you need to take Adderall to help manage the disorder.¹ An evaluation from a healthcare professional can determine if Adderall should be part of your treatment.

Signs that a person may need medication include:²

• Trouble managing day-to-day responsibilities
• Forgetting important things
• Intense chronic feelings of frustration or guilt

Each person is different, and while it is a common medication for ADHD, Adderall 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 that 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 is 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, which means it is unclear if it impacts pregnancy. Studies of Adderall on pregnant animals have had adverse effects on offspring but there have not been studies completed in 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: If you have other mental health issues, it is common to address those conditions first 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’s appointments are not the only way to get a prescription. Many traditional healthcare institutions offer telehealth appointments and healthcare providers that exist entirely online and virtual. 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 not having to put yourself in a new and sometimes stressful environment at the doctor’s office.

Special considerations should be taken when prescribed certain medications online, especially Adderall. Each state has specific requirements regarding prescriptions for Adderall. You should check with the pharmacy where you plan to fill the prescription and your health care provider who will be prescribing Adderall 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!

Who Can Prescribe ADHD Medication?

Some states have laws letting other clinicians prescribe Adderall, so check with your care team. These varying clinicians by state 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 have special training to diagnose and prescribe medications.
• Psychiatrists are physicians and can prescribe Adderall but 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

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.

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)

These effects listed above are not a comprehensive list of possible side effects. Adderall’s side effects may impact women differently than adderal’s side effects in men, and the impact may vary with age. Talk with your doctor about which side effects are typical and which are dangerous and 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.

Heightened Risks With Adderall

There are some serious risks that anyone taking Adderall should be aware of before taking. 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, history of seizures, any family history of drug or alcohol dependence, and any other medications you are taking. If you have already experienced the following with previous treatment, you should tell your doctor immediately.

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)

*Adderall carries a black box warning, the most serious warning from the FDA for these risks.

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 3 to 7-day intervals until you can find the correct amount to manage symptoms of ADHD.² Be prepared that Adderall will not be suitable for everyone, and it may be necessary to switch medications before the right ADHD medication for you is found.

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?
• Do I have other options in addition to Adderall?
• 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?

What Can You Do in Addition to Taking Medication

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:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Breathwork exercises
• Getting adequate sleep for mental health
• 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.