Adderall & Weight Loss: What You Need To Know

Adderall weight loss is a common side effect of taking this prescription stimulant medication for ADHD or narcolepsy. However, Adderall is not approved as a weight loss drug and shouldn’t be taken to lose weight.

Stimulant medications like Adderall carry many serious risks and side effects, including addiction. The risks of Adderall are much greater if you take it without a prescription from a healthcare professional. If you have a history of substance abuse or physical dependence, or if you want to lose weight,  ask your doctor about safer alternatives to Adderall.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a common medication and an FDA-approved stimulant drug to treat both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. Also known by its generic names amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration because of its high potential for abuse. [1] Adderall comes in both immediate-release and extended-release tablets (i.e., Adderall IR and XR). Another brand name for amphetamine and dextroamphetamine is Mydayis.

Is There A Connection Between Adderall and Weight Loss?

Some may consider Adderall a quick path to shed a few pounds. As a central nervous system stimulant (i.e., CNS stimulant), Adderall primarily suppresses appetite, which can lead to reduced caloric intake and subsequent weight loss; while it may have some effects on metabolic rate, these are not its primary mechanisms. However, this medication is not recommended for weight loss purposes, and those who take it should use caution as it comes with a few serious risks and side effects.

Adderall Risks

You shouldn’t take Adderall unless it’s prescribed to you by a medical professional. As a controlled substance, it is meant to be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional to treat ADHD or narcolepsy. Adderall is only available by prescription and should be taken exactly as prescribed. Any other use of Adderall can carry some serious risks.

Adderall and Addiction

One of the primary risks of Adderall is its addictive properties. This medication comes with a boxed warning that clearly states its high potential for abuse. [2] You shouldn’t take Adderall if you have a history of substance abuse or addiction. Even people without this history can develop an addiction to Adderall, especially if it’s taken in any way or for any purpose other than as prescribed.

Misusing Adderall can increase the risk of adverse effects, including physical dependence, withdrawal, and even overdose. If you need to lose weight, talk to your doctor or healthcare provider; there are many safer and more effective methods of weight loss and appetite suppression available.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

If you experience Adderall addiction, you may also have withdrawal symptoms if you try to stop taking this prescription drug abruptly. Some of the symptoms of Adderall withdrawal include: [3]

• Mood swings
• Increased appetite
• Fatigue
• Nightmares
• Insomnia
• Agitation
• Depression

These withdrawal symptoms may indicate a substance use disorder that requires treatment. Tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms when trying to discontinue the use of prescription stimulants.

Adderall Overdose Symptoms

Developing an addiction to Adderall may increase the chances of overdose. Tolerance is one of the key signs of addiction, meaning the body needs more of the drug to have the same intended effect. Seek immediate medical care if you or a loved one experiences any of the following overdose symptoms after taking Adderall: [4]

• Aggressive behavior
• Fast breathing
• Blurry vision
• Dark red urine
• Hallucinations
• Panic
• Fainting
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Depression
• Seizures
• Coma

There may be other signs of overdose not listed here. If you’ve taken more Adderall than prescribed by a doctor and begin to experience any side effects, you can call 911 or the poison control helpline.

Adderall: Legal Consequences

Since Adderall is commonly prescribed for the treatment of ADHD, the common perspective is that it’s safe to take, even without a prescription. This is a dangerous misconception. Not only does Adderall carry serious risks like the potential for abuse and addiction, but it may also get you into legal trouble. Taking a controlled substance without a prescription is a felony offense and may carry consequences such as expensive fines and even jail time.

If you have been prescribed Adderall and give your prescription to someone else, you could face legal charges. Unauthorized Adderall use is not worth the risk, especially considering the many other weight loss treatments and lifestyle changes available.

Adderall Side Effects

In addition to its potential for abuse, Adderall also comes with common side effects such as decreased appetite and dry mouth, for example. Adderall has also been linked to some serious side effects, including: [5]

• Hallucinations
• Paranoia
• Delusions
• Depression
• Mania
• Difficulty speaking
• Blurry vision
• Increased heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Signs of cardiovascular problems
• Muscle twitches

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these serious side effects of Adderall, you may need to seek immediate medical attention. In some cases, Adderall overdose can be fatal.

Alternatives to Adderall for Weight Loss

Losing weight can boost your confidence, and sometimes, it can also improve your overall health. If you suffer from obesity or have a desire to lose weight, seek medical advice before taking any weight loss drug, prescription, or otherwise. In the meantime, here are some changes you can consider making now to increase your chances of healthy weight loss: [6]

• Adopt a lifestyle, not a diet. Make small changes gradually that you can stick to for the long term. Crash diets don’t work and can negatively affect your mental health.
• Eat healthy foods you enjoy. Don’t force yourself to eat something you hate just because it’s good for you. There are plenty of nutritious and delicious foods that you can try instead.
• Exercise. The same principle applies to exercise. It’s important to find a physical activity that you enjoy and look forward to. Consider yoga, walking in nature, team sports, or workouts with a friend.
• Set SMART goals. Smart goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. Setting these small goals sets you up for success and provides the momentum you need to achieve your long-term goals.
• Embrace a healthy body mindset: Media messages tell us we need to look a certain way to be admired or loved. This is a lie. Everyone is worthy of love and compassion, regardless of their body size or shape. Don’t let toxic messages from television or social media cause you to make decisions that aren’t healthy and don’t serve you.

Never take Adderall or any other prescription drug without a doctor’s instructions. Doing so can put your health in danger and lead to unwanted legal consequences. Other effective treatment options are available for weight loss.

Help for Substance Use or Eating Disorders

Healthy weight loss can be a form of self-care. In other cases, attempts to shed pounds can lead to serious complications such as substance use disorders or eating disorders. If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health symptoms or unhealthy behaviors due to the desire to lose weight, help is available. There’s no need to navigate these issues alone.