What to know about Adderall withdrawal as ADHD drug shortages continue

What to know about Adderall withdrawal as ADHD drug shortages continue

There has been an Adderall shortage in the United States since October 2022. Adderall withdrawal tends to be more severe for people who took higher dosages before stopping the medication. If there is no access to Adderall in your area, talk to a doctor about alternative treatments such as Vyvanse, Ritalin, Focalin, Concerta, and Strattera.

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Since October 2022, the United States has been experiencing an Adderall shortage, making the drug difficult to obtain. Many who rely on the drug to manage their health problems - such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) - and keep their symptoms at bay are still waiting for their prescriptions to be filled.

As a result, some people have abruptly stopped taking Adderall. While most do not experience extreme withdrawal or unpleasant side effects, suddenly stopping treatment carries the possibility of health consequences.

"Normal daily users of higher doses may feel fatigued and irritable for a few days or even weeks in some cases. And people taking the highest doses may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as depression and cravings that can last for weeks," said Dr. Will Cronenwett, chief of psychiatry at Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineHealth.

Before stopping Adderall, it is important to consider withdrawal symptoms and how you can comfortably manage a change in medication routine.

What causes Adderall withdrawal?

Adderall consists of two stimulants: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These chemicals awaken the central nervous system and put it into a more alert, active state. In people with ADHD whose brains are constantly seeking stimulation (which may be due in part to reduced dopamine activity in the brain), the medication increases dopamine levels.

This cause and effect alleviates the brain's urge to seek stimulation, said Zishan Khan, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist at Mindpath Health. In people without ADHD, Adderall causes an excess of dopamine levels, which triggers feelings of euphoria and alertness.

Over time, the brain can become dependent on the drugs and rely on the higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters it produces, Dr. Khan. When this addiction occurs, your brain naturally produces fewer neurotransmitters. When you take away the drug, these feel-good neurotransmitters in the brain suddenly become absent, which can lead to noticeable withdrawal symptoms, Dr. Khan.

“For some people, stopping Adderall abruptly can potentially lead to what is known as a ‘crash,’” he said Ximena Sanchez-Samper, MD, a board-certified addiction psychiatrist and chief medical officer at Charles River Recovery in Weston, Massachusetts.

Symptoms of Adderall withdrawal

Most people will be able to stop taking Adderall without any problems. “When taking low doses and not every day, most people do not experience any withdrawal symptoms,” said Dr. Cronenwett. In fact, many parents of children with ADHD schedule planned breaks from medication on weekends or when their child is not in school - a tactic called "drug vacations." Strategic breaks like these allow the individual to easily discontinue the medication.

However, if a person takes too high a dose, or if they take it for a long time or use it too frequently, they are at higher risk of withdrawal. “A lower dosage is less likely to cause withdrawal symptoms than a higher dosage,” said Dr. Sanchez Samper. Other factors that influence how a person responds to stopping a drug include genetics, family history of addiction, and physical and mental health.

Withdrawal symptoms typically begin one to two days after stopping the stimulant - this varies from person to person. Symptoms often include fatigue, mood swings, increased anxiety, difficulty sleeping, increased hunger, and gastrointestinal problems. Others may experience a lack of motivation, lethargy and irritability, Dr. Cronenwett.

People who take Adderall for a boost of energy or the feeling of euphoria tend to have the worst withdrawal symptoms and intense cravings, especially if they have become psychologically dependent on the drug to "feel normal," Dr. Cronenwett. But even in severe cases, Adderall withdrawal symptoms are not life-threatening like alcohol or opioid withdrawal symptoms, he added.

Adderall withdrawal symptoms

While symptoms vary from person to person, those experiencing Adderall withdrawal may notice:

FatigueMood swingsIncreased anxietyDisturbed sleepIncreased hungerGastrointestinal problemsIrritabilityLethargyLack of motivation

The duration of the revocation is individual for each person. “How long withdrawal symptoms last depends on the dosage and how long the person has been taking the medication,” said Dr. Sanchez Samper. Generally, withdrawal symptoms last for a week or two, Dr. Khan added, but for some, symptoms can last for weeks - especially if they have abused the stimulant over a long period of time.

Best online ADHD therapy

What to do if you experience Adderall withdrawal

The majority of people will be able to get through any withdrawal symptoms at home without serious health consequences. But if symptoms become unbearable or begin to interfere with your daily function, Dr. Khan to contact a mental health specialist or family doctor. This is particularly important for people who experience worsening depression or develop suicidal thoughts during withdrawal.

There are no medications that can cure withdrawal symptoms; However, there are some strategies that can make the experience more bearable. “Maintaining adequate sleep, a healthy diet, regular exercise and symptomatic treatment can reduce discomfort during withdrawal,” said Dr. Khan.

Are you looking for support?

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at1-800-662-4357Information about support and treatment facilities in your area.

If it is an emergency call:

911

If you can't find Adderall at a nearby pharmacy or from a certified prescriber, it's not worth buying secondhand from a dealer or source. In recent years, accidental deaths and hospitalizations have occurred due to counterfeit Adderall laced with fentanyl and other dangerous substances such as methamphetamine.

“Without access to prescription stimulants, it is important for people to be mindful and never Buy Adderall off the street as it may not be pharmaceutical grade Adderall,” said Dr. Sanchez-Samper.

Zishan Khan, MD

Maintaining adequate sleep, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and symptomatic treatment can ease discomfort during withdrawal.

— Zishan Khan, MD

How to Quit Adderall Safely

For those who have the ability to stop taking Adderall on their own schedule, doctors recommend tapering off slowly. This will help you avoid potentially unpleasant withdrawal symptoms, Dr. Khan.

If you're worried about being affected by the Adderall shortage, Dr. Cronenwett suggests asking a doctor about your risk for withdrawal symptoms. Each situation is unique and requires an individual schedule - your prescriber can create a plan to help you safely stop taking the medication if necessary.

Adderall Alternatives Worth Considering

If access to Adderall is lacking in your area, talk to a doctor about alternative treatments, such as Vyvanse, which is also an amphetamine-based stimulant, or Ritalin, Focalin, Concerta, which are part of a different class of stimulants categorized as methylphenidate.

What you should know about Strattera

Some of these medications also have limited availability, so it may be worth asking a doctor about non-stimulant treatments. Some FDA-approved options include Intuniv, clonidine, and Strattera. There are medications that can be prescribed off-label to treat hyperactivity and inattention, such as Wellbutrin, along with a number of non-pharmaceutical interventions that can help, such as behavioral support therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, and biofeedback.

Because treatments have different effects on different people, it is important to speak to a doctor about the full range of options and whether or not they will be useful for you. “The reason why consulting a psychiatrist is the best route,” said Dr. Khan, “lies in their ability to correctly determine the correct dose of replacement stimulant to prevent their patient from experiencing withdrawal.”