I am 27 with ADHD. How do I cope with Adderall side effects?
Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am 27 and recently diagnosed with ADHD. After struggling with focus and organization my whole life. My psychiatrist started me on Adderall 20 mg twice daily, and while it helps with concentration, I am having trouble sleeping, and my appetite has disappeared completely. I have also noticed my heart racing sometimes, especially in the afternoon. Are these side effects normal, and will they go away, or should we try a different medication? I am worried about the long-term effects of stimulants on my heart and whether I will become dependent on them.
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I understand your concern.
The side effects you are describing, like insomnia, reduced appetite, and episodes of a racing heart, are fairly common with stimulant medications like Adderall, especially when starting or at higher doses such as 20 mg twice daily. Sometimes these effects improve as your body adjusts, but if they persist or are severe, your psychiatrist may adjust the timing or dose or consider switching to an extended-release formulation, which often has smoother effects and fewer peaks that trigger side effects.
Alternatives include non-stimulant medications such as Atomoxetine, Guanfacine, or Clonidine, which may be better tolerated if stimulants cause significant issues.
Regarding long-term effects, stimulants can increase heart rate and blood pressure, so periodic monitoring of cardiovascular health is important, particularly if you have any personal or family history of heart disease. Physical dependence (your body adjusting to the medicine) is possible, but when used as prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), stimulants are not typically associated with addiction in the same way as recreational use.
It would be wise to discuss these side effects with your psychiatrist soon so the regimen can be tailored to balance effectiveness with tolerability.
I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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