Last updated : May 12, 2025
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) doesn’t just disappear when children reach adulthood. Some people learn to manage their adult ADHD symptoms, however, and don’t continue with medication as adults.
We commend those who step up to that challenge using diet and other methods, such as different types of therapy, to help them reign in their brains. Others—the possible percentage ranges between 30% and 70%—continue to seek medical care for the condition. Physicians often prescribe Adderall which was likely the medication taken as a child to manage adult ADHD as well.
ADHD doesn’t “come out of nowhere” for some people after they reach adulthood—they just slipped through the cracks as a child. The stress and strain of adulthood could cause more obvious symptoms to develop, however, which become apparent in problems that arise on the job or in relationships. Others, who never received a diagnosis, may not realize they have ADHD but assume, instead, they’re simply incapable of following through with the tasks at hand that are necessary to reach their goals.
Signs and symptoms
The symptoms of Adult ADHD vary, but all tend to present in ways that make someone who suffers from the disorder sometimes feel as if their lives are on the verge of spinning out of control.
Signs and symptoms include, but aren’t limited to:
- Chronically running late—No matter if it’s work, church, or making the start of the movie, others come to expect tardiness.
- Risky driving—Studies show that teens and adults with ADHD are more likely to speed, be involved in an accident, or lose their driver’s licenses.
- Easily distracted—Trouble prioritizing or starting and finishing tasks without jumping to something else are common traits for adults suffering from ADHD.
- Inability to focus—This symptom can manifest itself in reading comprehension, concentration, and following through with commands—all can sabotage a career.
- Self-control issues—This can be exhibited in the following ways:
- Difficulty controlling anger
- Impulsive behaviors
- Blurting out rude comments or insulting thoughts
- Hyperfocusing—This is the ability to become intently focused on things that interest or bring joy into someone’s day, but if they find the task or chore boring, it’s a huge struggle to see it through to the end.
Some may wonder if the constant barrage of information put in front of us each day as we respond to text messages, emails, phone calls, and fast-paced lives both at work and at home causes the onset of ADHD in adulthood. However, most people can remain focused on their key responsibilities and work all the rest in around them. People suffering from ADHD can’t. Every new thought that pops in their brains can seem paramount in the moment.
How does Adderall work?
Adderall is the brand name for a medication that combines dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. This prescription medication is a stimulant which may seem as if it would be the last thing that you want to give someone whose diagnosis includes the word “hyperactive.” However, Healthline described that it alters “certain naturally-occurring chemicals in your brain by enhancing the effects of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and, to a lesser degree, serotonin.”
It works by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. When released, dopamine helps the brain reinforce rewarding behaviors. Norepinephrine affects heart rate, blood vessels, blood pressue, and breathing.
Physicians start their patients off on low doses of the medication and work their way up if symptoms remain unmanageable.
Some medications negatively interact with Adderall. Make sure your physician is aware if you take any of the following types of medication:
- Certain anti-depression medications
- Some blood pressure medications
- Seizure medications
- Blood thinners
- Decongestants
- Stomach medications—which include antacids and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
After being prescribed Adderall, people with ADHD often see improved focus and attention and feel less “hyper” or impulsive. They are often encouraged to add behavioral therapy to the mix to give them added tools to manage their disorder. A more comprehensive treatment plan may include social , psychological, or educational therapies.
Negative side effects
There are potential negative side effects to look out for when taking Adderall.
They are:
- Stomach ache
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Decreased appetite
- Headaches
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Difficulty sleeping
- Slowed speech
- Hoarseness
- Irritability
- Increased heart rate
- Changes in vision
Serious side effects can include:
- Weakness or numbness of the limbs
- Spiking a fever for seemingly no reason
- Uncontrollable shaking or tics
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Paranoia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Increased blood pressure
- Stroke
- Heart attack
Withdrawal symptoms
We mentioned above that Adderall is a prescription medication. It’s listed on the DEA’s Controlled Substance list as a Schedule 2 drug due to it containing amphetamine.
Physicians would wean patients off this drug rather than stopping it abruptly. Addicts, however, may be forced to go “cold turkey” at any moment.
Withdrawal symptoms they may suffer can include:
- Feelings of uneasiness
- Insomnia
- Sleeping too much
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Hunger
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Irritability
- Phobias
- Panic attacks
- Suicidal thoughts
Symptoms can persist from a few days to a few weeks.
Pulling it all together
Adderall has long been a beneficial treatment for many suffering from Adult ADHD. Results are strengthened when coupled with behavioral therapies that equip patients with ways to further take charge of their lives.
Having the ability to calm their thoughts and focus on the tasks at hand are life-changing skills for many. Moreover, seeing the positive results brought forth in their lives increases self-worth.
It’s important to note that because amphetamine is a primary ingredient in this drug, it can cause a positive result on a drug test. It’s important for patients who are prescribed Adderall for treatment to make their employers aware of that fact. Preferably before the drug test is administered, by the way.
However, that’s surely a no-brainer for them now that their brains don’t continuously hop here, there, and yon.
All day.
Every day.
