Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAdderall’s EffectsSigns of Irritability & AngerManaging Irritability & AngerWhen to Seek CareOther Side EffectsFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Adderall’s Effects
Signs of Irritability & Anger
Managing Irritability & Anger
When to Seek Care
Other Side Effects
Frequently Asked Questions
For people with ADHD, Adderall can help with symptoms like difficulty regulating focus, low impulse control, and restlessness.When prescribed incorrectly or taken at too high of a dose, Adderall and other amphetamine-derived medications can cause irritability and anger.
This article covers how Adderall could cause irritability and anger, how to manage Adderall-related irritability and anger, other side effects of Adderall, and when to get help.
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How Does Adderall Cause Irritability and Anger?
Adderall is a stimulant medication. In other words, it helps people feel alert and energetic. This occurs because of changes with the brain chemicals dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, as follows:
People with ADHD often struggle with elevated levels of irritability and anger. For most people, Adderall helps with ADHD-related emotional responses. However, if irritability is worsened with Adderall, a change in medication or dosage (with the help of a healthcare provider) might be required.
Types of Adderall
Thetwo types of Adderallare:
Adderall can be addictive for some people, and it is highly advised to take the drug as prescribed.The body can become dependent on Adderall in higher doses, and people with ADHD who take the drug can also develop a tolerance to it. Tolerance is when a higher dose of a drug is needed to achieve the same effect.
Adderall and Withdrawal
Adderall withdrawal (symptoms that occur after stopping or reducing the drug) can also cause irritation. Adults and children who take Adderall or other amphetamine-derived medications can experience withdrawal symptoms when:
Speak to a healthcare provider before discontinuing or changing an Adderall prescription to create a safe withdrawal plan.
Signs of Increased Irritability and Anger
Signs of irritability and anger that could stem from taking Adderall include:
Can Adderall Help Relieve Anxiety?
Managing Irritability and Anger
If a child or adult’s increased irritability occurs because of Adderall, consult your healthcare provider, who might recommend the following:
Studies indicate that increased irritability and anger can also be a part of living with ADHD for some people with the disorder. About 70% of people with ADHD are likely to feel more impatient and emotionally excitable, and 85% of people with ADHD might feel more frustration than people without ADHD. People with ADHD are also more likely to have anger directed at them.
To manage ADHD-related irritability and anger, the following techniques could help:
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Contact a healthcare provider if you feel irritable because of Adderall. Your healthcare provider might recommend:
Do not change or stop your medication unless under the direction of your healthcare provider.
Other Side Effects of Adderall
Other side effects of Adderall include:
The following Adderall side effects require emergency medical care:
Summary
Adderall is the brand name for a stimulant medication made with the chemicals dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. The medication is usually prescribed to people with ADHD to help with regulating focus, controlling impulse, and restlessness.
A Word From Verywell
Many people who take Adderall to manage ADHD symptoms find it helpful. However, for some, Adderall can increase irritability or anger. Speaking to a healthcare provider to possibly modify a dose could help with Adderall’s side effects. Changing medications, which could include other types of stimulants, such as Ritalin, could also help with managing side effects.
Adderall isn’t likely to cause irritability if taken as prescribed. However, if you’re questioning how your medication makes you feel, there are other options for people living with ADHD that could help you get on the path to successfully managing your symptoms.
Aggression can be a side effect of taking Adderall if the drug is being taken incorrectly. This can mean taking too high a dose or the wrong formula of Adderall, or abusing the drug. It could also mean that Adderall is not the right medication for the person taking it. Adderall withdrawal can also cause aggression and irritability. If Adderall causes symptoms of aggression, speak to a healthcare provider about withdrawing from or switching medications safely.
If Adderall is taken with a prescription, it is not likely to change a person’s personality. However, for people with ADHD, Adderall helps with symptoms like restlessness, impulse control problems, and focus regulation issues. This might include speaking and acting more carefully and being able to complete tasks. If Adderall creates symptoms of anger, emotion, or agitation, speak to a healthcare provider about dosage or switching medications.Learn MoreADHD Medication: Types, Side Effects, and More
If Adderall is taken with a prescription, it is not likely to change a person’s personality. However, for people with ADHD, Adderall helps with symptoms like restlessness, impulse control problems, and focus regulation issues. This might include speaking and acting more carefully and being able to complete tasks. If Adderall creates symptoms of anger, emotion, or agitation, speak to a healthcare provider about dosage or switching medications.
Learn MoreADHD Medication: Types, Side Effects, and More
Learn More4 Types of Adult ADHD Therapy
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