Effectiveness
Users report improvement75%
Side Effects
Reported side effects37%
Would Recommend
To others with same condition72%
Avg. Duration
Average reported usage duration1-2 years
Side Effects Frequency
Percentage of users reporting each side effect
Sentiment Analysis
User sentiment from reviews and feedback
Positive
58%Neutral / Mixed
16%Negative
26%Featured User Reviews
Recent experiences from users
CH
Mixed
1/12/2024
I used it a couple of times when I was in college because my girlfriend at the time had a prescription for it and gave them to me. It was pretty effective at keeping me focused and motivated.
The side effects were usually getting a little jittery and anxious mostly. I'd sweat a bit, but I think that was from being anxious. A few hours later, I'd sort of crash and be really tired. I don't miss taking them at all and can't recommend doing so if you don't need it. If you do, just be careful and try not to make it a regular thing.
JE
Negative
10/1/2014
I took adderall for a while and just went on it again. This time, which I don't remember from before, I have no appetite at all. The way I can tell I need to eat is because I start feeling really sick, not because I'm hungry. Really strange, I'm a big guy, never had an issue wanting to eat in my life.
PO
Mixed
10/1/2014
I think most of the big ones are probably going to be covered by other people: change in appetite/nausea, clamminess/increased sweating and weird temperature fluctuations (feeling really hot or really cold), dry mouth (which is really just "dry everything". It's dehydration), an on edge jittery feeling (this will usually subside as you get used to the medication, and if it doesn't you might want to your doctor about lowering your dosage and slowly raising you back up over itme). Grinding and clenching your mouth shut can become an issue. I'd honestly recommend people on Adderall just start following advice that people with TMD (thats what people who's jaw locked because of habitual grinding/clenching have) follow. Most of these just seem to be general stimulant side effects. They've been the most noticeable on Adderall because that's been the strongest stimulant, but I've noticed all these side effects to varying levels on...
AM
Positive
1/4/2022
I am 5ft2 and 125 lbs and I take 5mg Adderall and 200mg wellbutrin. When I first started I was like wow I can think uninterrupted!! Occasionally I might take 7.5 but generally anything over that is too much for my tiny self. I only ever seem to need the smallest doses for any medication.
JE
Negative
10/1/2014
I took adderall for a while and just went on it again. This time, which I don't remember from before, I have no appetite at all. The way I can tell I need to eat is because I start feeling really sick, not because I'm hungry. Really strange, I'm a big guy, never had an issue wanting to eat in my life.
UN
Positive
1/4/2022
I started methylphenidate last week at a 5mg twice a day one-week test dose. I heard the same thing on Reddit - “that’s nothing, it probably won’t do much.” I definitely felt calmer and my brain was way quieter. I didn’t feel super different overall but I was a lot more at ease. If that’s all the effect I got it would be worth medication.
My prescription kicked up to 10mg twice a day as of yesterday. I really really really notice it. I can see why people clean their whole house on their first day of meds. It’s very odd but nice. The best way to describe it is that I can think/see/do one thing at a time, which is novel! Lol
For dosage comparison I’m 5’9” 240lbs.
LI
Positive
1/4/2022
It's not a stupid question and you don't sound ignorant. You're taking a powerful chemical that alters your chemistry and the way you function, and can vastly improve the way you function in the world. Good on your for asking and for noticing the change in yourself.
It can absolutely be effective.
10 mg (while a higher dose) taken once daily in the AM was life-changing for me. I felt like a different human...and bear in mind, I'm a 6' male who weighs 190lbs.
It makes sense that 5mg would impact you.
Also, a quick aside: trust how you feel rather than how you're supposed to feel. I do find it helpful to read how things affect others because it helps me make sense of my own experience...but it's important that we trust how we feel.
PO
Mixed
10/1/2014
I think most of the big ones are probably going to be covered by other people: change in appetite/nausea, clamminess/increased sweating and weird temperature fluctuations (feeling really hot or really cold), dry mouth (which is really just "dry everything". It's dehydration), an on edge jittery feeling (this will usually subside as you get used to the medication, and if it doesn't you might want to your doctor about lowering your dosage and slowly raising you back up over itme). Grinding and clenching your mouth shut can become an issue. I'd honestly recommend people on Adderall just start following advice that people with TMD (thats what people who's jaw locked because of habitual grinding/clenching have) follow. Most of these just seem to be general stimulant side effects. They've been the most noticeable on Adderall because that's been the strongest stimulant, but I've noticed all these side effects to varying levels on...
NA
Positive
1/4/2022
I am on adderall Wellbutrin combo too. The first week i took 7.5. My husband took the kids out like he always does for me to decompress and then…
Nothing. I didn’t have to do anything. I was not thinking about anything. AMAZING!!!!!
NE
Positive
1/4/2022
it's not really the number that matters, it's how it affects you. YOU know YOU better than anyone else. yes, one can feel the effects of a new 5mg prescription, as you clearly are right now i've not heard of that 'if you tell them 5mg helped, they can tell you're faking' nonsense, but any psych worth their salt is going to listen to your individual experiences, and help guide you on a path that's a good fit for YOU. unfortunately, there are a lot of doctors out there NOT worth their salt, but i'd say it's a pretty big red flag if they try to cut you off/give you a hard time after a starting dose like that when i had my first check-in with my psych after starting adderall (5mg also!), i described feeling like it's quieter in my brain, like it's easier to retrieve the thought that...
DA
Positive
1/4/2022
The best way I can put it is that everything finally feels still. Without the meds, it’s like theres not enough time in the day, but on adderall, time slows down. People who take it recreationally talk about speedrunning through entire college courses on adderall, meanwhile when I take it I vacuum the floor and just sit with my thoughts for a bit. It just feels normal.
I’m curious- how are you with caffeine? Can you drink a cup of coffee and fall asleep?
ST
Positive
1/4/2022
I had this same reaction and same question after starting on my 5mg dose! I actually called my psychiatrist on the third day because I was so calm... it was worrying me that it was the wrong reaction lol. I was even falling asleep on it. But then coming on adhd reddit I realized that this is the reaction we should have, and the reaction I saw from people abusing it in college is not it.
She had me try 10mg instead, which seemed to produce calm + awake (thank god finally) but I feel like I will probably end up settling in at like 20mg a day or something after my next check in with her.
BE
Positive
1/4/2022
I totally relate to the brain being quiet! It’s unbelievable how much of a difference there is. I can actually think straight instead of starting 8 different tasks or thought trains in my head then wondering why I can’t complete any of them or get side tracked easily. My only regret is not speaking up sooner in my life (diagnosed ADHD predominantly inattentive at 31) and just accepting that I was what society said I was: lazy and unorganized. Turns out with proper medication, your brain chemicals can balance out!
GW
Positive
1/4/2022
Hi! 5’4 130lb F here. I also started on 5mg IR and it was amazing. It definitely made me calmer. A week later it did start to taper the effects. The next month they moved me to 10mg IR. I currently take 20mg IR a day (I don’t take it everyday). It is so nice to be able to wanna do something and then just do it. I also have CFS so adderall helps wake me up from my fog. I can’t imagine life without it tbh.
Edited to add: My doctor offered me XR but I chose to stick with IR for now as I don’t like to take it at work. It’s nice to kind of pick and choose my productive time-slot. Everyone is different though, but consider your life and what’s best for you.
KH
Positive
1/4/2022
The same exact thing happened to me at 5 mg the first time. I seriously was like, "What is happening? I feel so calm and "normal" for the first time in my life." I was ecstatic. Then I cried because it made me realize how abnormal I had felt previously and explained so much.
[D
Positive
1/4/2022
Im taking 5 mg 3 times a day and i feel it in my lack of anxiety and my general sticking to tasks.
NO
Positive
1/4/2022
I'm 5'9" 130lbs and when I take adderall less is more. I take 5mgXR or 2.5mgIR and definitely feel it. TBF I have some trauma from being overdosed on the stuff at 16 and going into stimulant psychosis so I could be hypersensitive
NO
Positive
1/4/2022
Yes for sure that’s a thing. Medication sensitivities vary. It might not be your final dose, and then again it might be! Be prepared for your body to adjust to it and for a bigger dose to become necessary as you work towards finding your idea dose, but also don’t up your dose on any set schedule or because ‘most people’ need a higher dose. Stay on the 5 as long as you feel like it’s working and only if it starts to feel like it’s not quite cutting it anymore then you can go up to the next dose. I had the same experience, although I started on dexadrine rather than adderall, and it took a bit for me to need a bump. AND I’m also sensitive to ssris so both for my teenage depression and my adult anxiety I could tell the medication was making a difference immediately,...
PI
Positive
1/4/2022
yes that’s reasonable. i’m 25f, weigh about 110-120lbs. i’ve been taking 5mg of Adderall for years now, ever since I was diagnosed when in college. 5mg is all i need to feel my best—calm, focused, more energetic..etc
SP
Positive
1/4/2022
Was a Ritalin LA guy 40mg a day. Moved, found new shrink and he put me on old-fashioned adderall 10mg. I'm 5'11", 195 pounds, 57 years-old and I felt it. Shrink even said 10 mg/day is crazy low so he urged me to up it to 10mg 2-3/day. And he just recently put me on the 20mg extended release version. Adderall is WAY cleaner for me - I'm more focused, more clarity LESS jittery. I've always tried to keep my med levels at the lowest possible levels but I'm giving myself completely to my new shrink and will try higher doses as a test. My goal is the lowest dose possible that gives me that fraction of a second to grab a thought or short-circuit the faulty filters in my noggin... I don't mind ADHD. I was just in a Lowes parking lot literally turning circles trying to remember the...
BR
Positive
1/4/2022
Don't listen to people who say 5mg is 'nothing' .. .they don't know you. Talk to your doctor. 5mg of adderall is VERY powerful.
15mg for me and I'm normal. 20mg and I'm INSANE! I don't like it...that delta is 5mg.
SP
Positive
1/4/2022
My first dose of 5 mg Adderall knocked me off my fucking socks. Totally reasonable.
[D
Positive
1/4/2022
Adderall is a STRONG drug. 5 mg definitely makes a difference. I get panicky without adderrall because my mind won't stop racing. It feels so much better to have a mind that isn't constantly overwhelmed
[D
Positive
1/4/2022
It didn’t last long enough for me but my intial dose was 5mg 2x a day and yeah I felt it. Not unusual with stimulants from what I understand
TH
Positive
1/4/2022
Not weird at all. Your first dose always hits you the strongest since your body won't be used to it at all. You also don't weigh much so any medication will affect you more than someone who weighs more. I'm over 180 lbs and take 5mg boosters (in addition to 30mg extended release) and I definitely notice that I wake up way faster and have an extended peak of I take both the XR and the booster together in the morning. And if I take a booster in the PM when the XR is wearing off it gives a a real *boost*. My psychiatrist initially gave me 10 mg boosters and that was way too much for a booster for me; I'll take 10mg if I don't want to take my XR but still want to feel human.
SH
Positive
1/5/2022
I started on 5mg IR Dex, and immediately I found my thoughts settled. It didn't seem to increase my focus much, but not having to constantly regulate emotions let me get a lot accomplished.
That was six months ago, and three months ago I switched to 10mg ER. The effect is getting more subtle, but I am going to discuss upping the dose again next month. I'm hoping I can find a sweet spot, probably around 20-30mg, that will give me calm and focus without making me jittery.
GO
Mixed
1/5/2022
I'm 5'9" and 145lbs and 5mg of Adderall IR was actually TOO MUCH. My body is very sensitive to medication. The adderall helped no doubt but even 5 mg caused insomnia for me
Everyone is different
LE
Positive
1/5/2022
I'm on 5mg XR, and it makes a \*huge\* difference for me. But then again, I'm super sensitive to stimulants...one Excedrin with 60mg of caffeine first thing in the morning, and I'll be awake all that night. I can't drink regular coffee or I'll won't sleep for several days.
Even on just 5mg, my mind is quieter, my mood is better, and I have only one thought at a time. I don't think I want to go up in dosage, as I don't want to disrupt my sleep (although I actually do sleep a little better on the Adderall, oddly enough).
PR
Positive
1/5/2022
When I took a test dose I became centered and could listen to a music playlist without getting bored of a song halfway and changing it. I'd never listened to 10 whole songs in a row before.
I believe you can be affected by a test dose and maybe it just means you've discovered your ideal medicine right off the bat?
EX
Positive
11/7/2025
Ask your pharmacist for different brands one may work for you I had my fare share of generics and just one works for me , with only one other I feel something but its barely does much. all others nothing. Sleep wake up 8 hours later with dilated pupils that's it. I'ma try just the Dex next visit.
Just say it isn't working. He may help ur pharm give a different brand too. I wouldn't be worried about being labeled a druggie. You basically have a risk score they go off of. I always tell any doctor exactly what I've been doing. What works for me what doesnt even second visit w ADHD doc. Told her straight up told her to double it up, I already take more than this a day. Third visit she adjusted it to mg I normally take a day.
OF
Positive
3/26/2026
I see your flair is diagnosis - is this the first medication you've tried? I've tried several different meds in the adderall family and I have never had that 'aha' lightbulb moment where I feel 'normal' that some people describe. I can still hyperfixate with the best of them and I can't say that my focus is necessarily better, but I have felt more emotionally regulated and some things feel LESS impossible or I'm better able to use the tools I have set up for myself, not that I don't need them at all. I would say that being able to concentrate and finish tasks IS feeling the medicine working. it's subtle - you may just feel like things were less of a challenge in hindsight when you're reflecting on the day and not be able to really feel that in the moment. there are also so many other options...
PL
Negative
3/26/2026
Currently going through menopause so those a-ha moments are farm view between. But I do notice that the generic Adderall is trash! This is the second brand I’ve tried this month and feels like I’m taking a placebo. I’ve been on Adderall less than six months.
JC
Positive
11/23/2025
Diagnosed at 40 and first week on adderall I know others have said it but this feels like a cheat code. I was just diagnosed at 40 and always just assumed ADHD was that kid bouncing off the walls in the classroom. Then this last year I learned what the symptoms actually are and it explains my whole life. I never struggled in school enough for people to notice but I know I never did my best. Didn’t pay attention in class, didn’t do my homework until last minute and somehow was able to hyper focus when I needed to study for tests. I have gone my whole life since 1st grade noticing that people don’t stay friends with me longer than a year or two. I’ve been tired, overwhelmed, and just angry/irritated at life. I needed caffeine multiple times a day just to have energy and have a binge...
RE
Negative
11/3/2024
Story time!
I used to take adderall and god it sucked
The side affects I got made me into a zombie, stole my hunger, and somehow turned me into an introvert????
CA
Positive
12/13/2025
The first day feels absolutely magical then the next day it doesn’t feel the same- but it means the dose needs adjustments I think- I’m still in my trial of adderall dose adjustments until I get my perfect dose- good luck though!! Starting meds is huge!!!
EX
Positive
12/13/2025
So. The first day or few will feel amazing. Then it will slow down to its normal working feeling. (For most people) the crash shouldn’t be horrible on only 10mg as that’s just a way to kind of test your body’s reaction to it. However when I got up to 20mg I started crashing hard. Tips to avoid or soften the crash. You most likely won’t want to eat when you take adderall- don’t listen to it. Make sure you still eat food otherwise it will be bad. Eat lots of protein too as it helps the adderall stay in your system longer instead of dumping it all at once. DRINK LOTS OF WATER!!! exercise as well. Especially if you feel yourself coming down get some exercise to give your mind a boost. If all that fails (it sometimes did with me) ask your doctor about extended release. What I...
LA
Mixed
12/13/2025
I am speaking solely based off of my experience with adderall so don’t take everything as a guarantee, just be aware!!
When the medicine is working at its peak, it’s great. I can focus, get work done quickly and easily, and I feel motivated to get things done that have been on my to-do list for days. The crash makes me feel incredibly moody and depressed. Some of the side effects I often experience *while* the medicine is working: I have zero appetite, I’m very zombie-like, my muscles are tensed, and I’m not very in the mood to do anything that I’d normally consider exciting. Please make sure to drink a LOT of water!! Chewing gum also helps me, it keeps my mouth from being dry/sore at the end of the day.
IK
Negative
12/13/2025
Adderall only informed me that stimulants worked for me. It has a strong onset and just as potent comedown, so you'll be able to tell when it's active and when its not. I did not enjoy the strong wave-like effect of Adderall in the sense that I need stability in my dosage, not a burst of it over 4 hours. I went to Adderall XR next and while the midday crash was less (because a second dose is built in to be delayed release and they overlap), the therapeutic effect varied too much for me through the day. It was like flooring it in your car to 100 mph and then moderately applying the brake until you came to a full stop. I switched to Vyvanse. The come up is gentle, as is the come down. I get a consistent dose throughout the day (as the liver metabolizes the drug...
TH
Positive
12/13/2025
I also started on Strattera, from my PCP. It didn't really do anything for me at all. Once I finally got into a psych, I was prescribed 10mg extended release Adderall, and it's been much better. The first few days, it almost felt like too much, but by day 5 it started to feel normal and I feel better. I have inattentive ADHD and it's made a difference in me being able to stay on task without getting distracted with another. My only tip is, if you consume a lot of caffeine, cut back. I drink a lot of coffee, largely because it's one of few drinks I really enjoy. I switched mostly to decaf and only have regular coffee occasionally and I believe that helped me get back to regular sleep schedule. Just a little too much caffeine or caffeine too late in the day now makes it difficult...
FA
Mixed
12/13/2025
Dry mouth like you wouldn’t believe. And for me sadly it causes acne. Only certain manufacturers seem to case it. It’s very helpful for some symptoms. Dyslexia for one. Totally cured on it. I can focus but it’s a hyper focus. Sometimes I don’t leave my seat for the entire day. I hate it but I also love it. I don’t take it on the weekends unless I have to be a social event or have to be really productive. I like taking breaks. The crashes when it wears off can easily turn you into a nightly funk. Oh and eat something when you take it. It works a lot better.
DR
Mixed
12/13/2025
You will probably never feel the clarity and quietness of mind felt on the first day of an effective adderall dose again. Treasure it! Take advantage of it! I have a vivid memory of standing out on my back stoop without a thought in my mind. I just took in the peace and quiet inside and outside. I honestly don't remember if that was after taking the initial 10mg dose or after being bumped up to 20mg. But, if I had known to experience such profound peace, I might have tried to be in nature or something. More about my experience with adderall - Eventually went down to 15mg ER because 20mg ER was causing crazy weight loss (40lbs). Have been off Adderall for several months now since doing TMS therapy and have no plans of returning to Adderall (or other psych meds if I can avoid it). There were...
SU
Mixed
12/13/2025
Don’t take it at 4pm.. I learned that the hard way when I was awake for 2 days straight and wasn’t eating due to the appetite decrease. But be consistent across side affects go away after a little bit!
LO
Negative
12/13/2025
Adderall made me extremely me sleepy so it worked better for me to take at night. I usually take my meds an hour before I get up for work so I can drink my espresso on my drive and I ended up over sleeping, being late for work.
XE
Positive
12/13/2025
10 mgs might not help you very much but it’s a wonderful starting point. If you don’t feel much difference, ask your doctor if they can up you to 20mg next month. I started on 10s which kinda sucked but now I’m on 20s and I’m significantly more satisfied with my productivity and motivation. Try your absolute best to take a day or two (or more) off here and there so you don’t absolutely blast your tolerance. Good luck!
BE
Positive
12/13/2025
Drink lots of water, it gives me dry mouth. My friend experienced an increase heart rate, anxiety and a higher blood pressure. I personally didn’t experience any of this, only dry mouth and loss of appetite. I take it only on the days I go to work Monday- Friday and I don’t take it Saturday- Sunday since those are my days off and I’m usually home without stimuli and less tasks. Like any medication, try it out if it doesn’t work contact your psychiatrist. (: I’m on adderall xr . Note: we all have different systems and we’ll experience different side effects.
NO
Positive
3/19/2026
I was also worried since I'm also quite anxious and stimulants like coffee make it worse. however, amphetamines work like a charm. They'll stop your mind chatter, you'll think clearer and thus you'll be less anxious. The issue is not the level of mind activity but the coordination of this activity, at least for me.
EW
Positive
9/12/2024
Is it extended release? If so, I wouldn't take it later than 8 or 9 am the first few days to make sure it doesn't interfere with sleep. Make sure you eat/drink even if you're not hungry in the middle of the day. And something I learned: don't volunteer for new things, or give in to the urge to write long emails or pour your heart out to people while you're getting used to the medication. I have the urge to over commit and overshare on Adderall, and learned to save those emails in my draft folder to reassess later before sending lol. Lastly, you may find you get more frustrated or irritated as it wears off in the evening. I have a kid and this is something I pay extra attention to so I'm not short with him at bedtime.
EM
Positive
9/12/2024
I would suggest starting Friday. When I started, I had the worst crash/headache around 3-4pm once the meds wore off. I’ve been on for 8-9 weeks now and I feel less of the up & down. I also introduced a small coffee (6oz) at 3pm to help me get through the day.
Currently on 10mg XR, and my doc wants me to try 20mg XR since I feel it wears off in a few hours.
DE
Positive
9/12/2024
I would wait for Friday. (When I started out on Adderall, I took my first dose on a Saturday when I didn't have work.) Depending on how the medication works with your body, you might feel really calm and focused, or overly energetic/antsy, or even tired. I remember feeling really great on my first few days, and then *definitely* crashing for an afternoon nap on the 3rd and 4th day, haha. The absolute best naps I had ever had. Things have evened out now, but that first week was interesting. It's hard to know how it'll go for you until you give it a shot :)
I would recommend taking it early in the morning if possible! Like right when you wake up. Get some protein if you can, even just a little bit. Remember to drink lots of water, Adderall can dehydrate you!
VE
Positive
10/29/2025
Diagnosed with ADHD at 34F. Took my first Adderall and I could cry
Women are so often underdiagnosed with ADHD. Today I finally have a name for why six alarms never got me up, why I could not fall asleep before 4 am, why conversations vanished, why deadlines slipped, why the anxiety sat on my chest every day.
I took my first Adderall and something clicked. My brain feels steady and clear. My hands shook and I cried from relief. I feel like I can breathe again. I feel free. I can start building a life that fits the way my mind works instead of fighting it.
To every woman still walking around undiagnosed and wondering what is wrong. I am thinking of you. There is hope.
JE
Positive
3/21/2021
My doctor is a god of ADHD treatment. He has ADHD himself, has numerous ADHD patients, and takes the exact same medication I do (generic adderall). Here are some of his tips that I've found very helpful As the title says my doctor is a god and I'm so lucky to have him. Here are some tips he's gave me that have been extremely helpful in my treatment. * **Medication holidays**: Don't bother. He's been on Adderall for over 2 decades now and it still works at the right dose. He also says that taking med holidays can even set you up for anxiety and depression because of the withdrawal and recovery * **Tolerance building**: There is a limit to how much tolerance you can build. It's OK to increase your dose if you need to. Eventually you will no longer need to increase it * **Waking up in the...
BR
Positive
12/17/2025
I don’t feel judged here… medication has changed the course of my son’s life. I was very hesitant about meds. My son is 6 and an extremely sensitive, kind, and bright kid. Socially, he’s wonderful, but when being challenged in any way he shuts down. He just started kindergarten in August at age 6, and it has been a STRUGGLE. His teacher brought it up about 2 months in because he was by far the slowest in the class to complete routine tasks, writing or reading work, or anything that didn’t interest him. He’s always been SO chill, as a baby he needed speech and physical therapy because he was perfectly content letting us meet his needs lol. As kindergarten went on he was falling way behind because he said his mind would distract him. He couldn’t sit still and docus for more than 3 min, even if it was...
TO
Positive
4/27/2019
One month on Adderall. My life has changed. I can live an adult life finally. I have never been so optimistic. It's so crazy. One month and five days ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of 41. I was struggling at my job and forced to take a hard look at my life. I took "the test" and passed the ADHD diagnosis with flying colors. My prescription was given to me four weeks ago today. I got the prescription filled, swallowed the pill, and waited to see what would happen next. It's one month later. My desk at work has been kept clean and neat and organized for the entire time. (My previous record was, at most, two days. This is for all 41 years of my life. Not just at my current job.) My vast sea of laundry has been whittled down to what I need....
MA
Negative
2/13/2025
Yeah, meds worked great for me for a decade. Then they just stopped working as well. Now if I don’t take them, my ADHD is three times worse than it ever was before I went on medication. It seems I have to take the medication just to be as functional as the old, unmedicated me was. It’s depressing. I feel like it’s burned out my Dopameme receptors or something.
IN
Negative
2/13/2025
I haven’t even been on them long term and feel this way. I use adderall IR as needed and try to keep it limited to weekday or 3-4 days a week max and on non med days I have a very hard time getting motivated. It makes me almost want to stop altogether and be the “not super motivated” version of me I was before meds instead of “totally useless me” on off days from meds. The worst catch 22 ever. 😭
GE
Positive
11/21/2024
I microdose it, 5 mg’s a few days a week. I haven’t taken any this week but it helps when I need to buckle down. I wouldn’t want to take more than that on a consistent basis
CI
Negative
11/21/2024
I think so. I was prescribed Adderall for a later diagnosis of adhd in my late 20s. I ended up getting psychosis from it which is a side effect for some people. The worst most traumatic experience of my life.
If I had known that was a possibility I never would have risked it, never will again.
PA
Negative
11/21/2024
I wouldn't say it's good for your health in the long term. I had two friends who were addicted to Adderall, and both fell into the cycle of taking Adderall and then drinking to fall asleep because Adderall doesn't allow for proper REM sleep cycles. Most people cannot fall asleep on it since it is a reasonably harsh stimulant. There is addictive potential to it, and it also affects the ability to eat/appetite.
Both of my friends are now dead, and I partially blame Adderall as a part of the issue that led to their death. I took it for 4 years during college, and I had no dopamine left that I could produce on my own, and it made me into a robot with very little emotion or feeling. It took me a few years to restore my dopamine receptors after being on Adderall for 4 years.
MC
Negative
11/21/2024
Felt like a zombie during the comedown of that stuff. Realized my personality was changing. Quit that stuff cold turkey and never looked back. I cant believe i used to even run on adderall…crazy me in my 20s
TH
Positive
1/14/2026
When I don't take my meds it really sucks. Not because I'm dependent. Because it's medicine and improved my life. I have been on Adderall for 15 years. Never had to increase dosage. You can't really control tolerance because it's not a certainty. It's something that some people experience. Am I a different person? That's a bigger question that you may realize. Who is "me"? Why isn't how I feel on meds "me"? Why is it discounted? Maybe it's closer to being the "real me" as it's closer to the person I would be if I didn't have ADHD. I would suggest you just take your meds and enjoy life. If you ever experience tolerance that can be dealt with at that time. No point in worrying about something you can't really control. And I think you'll find over time that medicated you doesn't take anything away - it only...
CA
Positive
8/6/2022
I had zero withdrawal symptoms. It’s not like an opiate, you will not get physically dependent on them. You may get mentally dependent on them but it’s not like you’re going to have the shakes. If anything you’ll catch up on sleep.
Side effects were dehydration, low blood sugar (all easy to correct), and back pain because I was so focused I wasn’t listening to my body while working.
WH
Mixed
8/6/2022
I'm on it now. 12.5mg twice a day as needed. Sometimes I don't take the second dose, which can cause a crash.
The big side effect for me is no appetite, which sucks because not eating decreases the effectiveness.
CO
Negative
8/6/2022
I have been taking Adderall for about a year and a half. I have missed taking my meds 4 times. It SUCKS granted I was on 30mg ir for most of the time, down to 25 now. But, when I have missed it, I crash hard, for the whole day. Pretty much non functional (which sucks, but I have a routine so I don't miss days).
Once I got my dose dialed in, my side-effects are very mild. I have a great doctor, so they have been really great about working with me on it. In the afternoon, I have a bit of trouble being very emotional, though that's not frequent.
MY
Negative
8/9/2022
So many side effects for me. Extreme irritability as it wears off, insomnia, slight headache (occasionally), dry mouth, muscle twitching (occasionally). I need a higher dose to see any improvement in focus, and with that comes these awful side effects.
AD
Negative
9/12/2025
Adderall Side-effects (What happened?)
I’ve been taking adderall for over 2 years. Use to be amazing. No matter how little sleep I got, it always gave me energy and made me focused. Recently, it’s been making me sweat profusely. I also noticed that I’m constantly having to use the bathroom on it. Worst of all, it makes me tired and unfocused.
I found an old pill and tested my hypothesis- the old pill was amazing. Instantly I was full of energy, no sweating, and no constipation. I was actually able to accomplish things I needed to finish.
What on earth is going on with medications right now!! I’ve heard from others that other medications have changed as well.
AU
Mixed
12/9/2021
I get all that a lot except for the blurred vision at my low dose. I also feel an "electricity" feeling when I take Adderall or anything stimulating. I do remember having blurred vision, typically because I didn't blink much, which might be your problem, when I was on a higher dose (4x what I'm taking now.)
PI
Mixed
12/9/2021
I’m on X-r and if I don’t eat in the middle of the day I get tingling/pins and needles/loss of feeling in my extremities around 3-4pm. I stash protein drinks in my classroom since eating is tough as a teacher and on adderall.
MR
Positive
1/12/2024
Gets you high AF if you take enough. It's like adrenaline pumping through your body.
Edit: But if you have ADHD, the prescribed amount won't get you high; it'll just make you focus.
[D
Positive
1/12/2024
Incredible amounts of energy. Dry mouth. Teeth grinding.
MA
Positive
1/14/2026
I waited for years, I’m 60 now. I started Adderall and Wellbutrin 2 years ago and for the first time in my life I am a normal functioning member of society. I will never go back as this has given me an opportunity to live and be happy and to know what it’s like to be normal. I exhausted every avenue, therapy, the old I can do this on my own and I wasted 45 years of my life. I think it depends on how bad you are off meds. I was very bad and struggled my entire life. If I could do it over what a life I would have had.
BO
Positive
1/14/2026
I've been on Adderall for over a decade, and once we dialed the dosage and medication in. It helped almost every aspect of my life.
Your full potential cannot afford to be underestimated and unmotivated. Take the meds and follow close with your doc.
GL
Positive
1/14/2026
Been on it for about 2 years now and honestly the dependency fear was way worse in my head than reality. I take breaks sometimes when I'm not working or have lighter weeks and yeah there's maybe a day or two where I'm more tired but it's not like I turn into a zombie
The dose thing really depends on the person - mine's been stable for over a year now. Your doc will probably tell you the same thing but starting low like you did is smart
XC
Mixed
1/14/2026
You are in the honeymoon phase. Eventually the effects will lessen and you’ll have to increase the dose.
I prefer to keep the dose as low as reasonable by taking an occasional day off.
I prefer IR because it fits my life better, with more flexibility. With IR, my prescribed dose is 20mg, when I feel it not working as well, I take a day off. The next day I will start at 10mg and stay on the until it doesn’t work as well, then move up.
On my off day I am extremely tired without the meds. When I restart or move up a dose it does disrupt my sleep for a couple days but i tolerate it ok.
Good luck
HI
Mixed
1/14/2026
57, started a similar dose 2 years ago 10 mg ER. I have IR to take at 3 pm which I often don’t because I have wicked sleep issues (since childhood). I rarely take it on the weekends if I’m not working mainly bc friends warned me not to run out and that was the common workaround.
I inadvertently forgot to pack it for a recent 2 week trip. It was ok but I feel like my sleep issues are now really off, a few weeks later. I’ve never felt the need to increase it. I have zero concern about addiction. I don’t notice the downsides others are indicating but maybe it’s the dose?
NY
Positive
1/14/2026
I only take a day off if I sleep in, and it’s just like I’m not medicated for my ADHD… I don’t get much done because ADHD impacts my executive function. That’s why I take the medication in the first place.
I’ve been on the same dose for more or less 4 years when long-acting medication became accessible to me, aside from having to change doses because of medication shortages.
I personally don’t feel like a different person on my meds, I actually feel more like myself on medication because I can do what I want to do without ADHD getting in the way. I feel the same was with my mood stabilisers. I am not worried about being dependent on medication, it would be silly to be worried about being dependent on my mood stabilisers so I am not concerned about any dependence on my ADHD medication.
OK
Positive
1/14/2026
I'm a tiny woman but I require a big dose to harness my ADHD - at least nowadays. I'm at age 44 in my third professional career. I survived active duty military to retirement, then law enforcement for another many years before now - I didn't/don't have substance abuse issues, clearly, as I always had (and still do have) to be tested like the rest of us. I actually have my regular monthly appointment tomorrow. I don't miss appointments - it's important to ensure that I'm still ok, I don't have any unusual side effects or other health issues interfering with these meds, my heart health is still good to go, my blood pressure hasn't changed drastically, and so forth. Honestly it's the same as any other kind of medicine you might need to have prescribed. Monitoring it isn't optional if you really want to be your best self and...
CA
Negative
1/14/2026
I also just got prescribed the adderall xr 10mg and I haven’t noticed a change yet. In fact, I feel like my impulsivity has increased tenfold. I actually am struggling reining it in. I am hoping I find a good dose soon.
DC
Positive
1/14/2026
I’ve been taking adderall for almost 6 years now and I haven’t had any issues. Don’t get me wrong, whenever I don’t take it I feel very tired and just want to sleep. And as for dependence, I’ve only had my dose increased once and after that I’ve been on the same dose for years and It’s fine :)
GO
Positive
1/14/2026
I have taken adderall or vyvanse for at least 2 years now so I feel somewhat qualified to answer your questions I was taking either 20 or 30mg of vyvanse but it killed my appetite and some other stuff so I switched back to adderall sometime last year I currently take 10mg XR I have not needed to increase my dose however I only take it on days that I work which is 4 days a week sometimes 5 so I think that is why I haven’t had to raise it On my off days I am 100% still the same person I used to be I don’t feel any sort of withdrawal or desire for my medication I don’t sleep any more than I usually do and I can still get stuff done but it is harder for me to do so but that’s how I was prior to...
M0
Positive
1/14/2026
i started on the smallest dose of Adderall ( extended release) and i’m up to 20, i found that’s what i need it and have been on the same dose for 2-3 years. Adderall definetly helps me get things done and frees me from my everyday ADHD paralysis. I take days off mostly because there’s days where i forget to take it at all. I feel like when i’m consistently on it, forgetting to take it one day is fine, and i feel better on that day off than when I’m not taking anything consistently at all. its like the momentum of being productive when i take it carries over to the days i forget to take it. The cons of it is that if i don’t eat when i take it my stomach hurts. and i have to be on top of my water intake idk it’s worth looking...
WO
Positive
1/14/2026
I have been on Adderall now for 22 years. The only break I had was when I was pregnant with my second child. I have only had 3 dosages in that time. I started at 25mg. Went to 30mg about 10 yrs in and recently went to 45mg (menopause really increases the severity of ADHD symptoms)
CO
Mixed
8/6/2022
I have been taking Adderall for about a year and a half. I have missed taking my meds 4 times. It SUCKS granted I was on 30mg ir for most of the time, down to 25 now. But, when I have missed it, I crash hard, for the whole day. Pretty much non functional (which sucks, but I have a routine so I don't miss days).
Once I got my dose dialed in, my side-effects are very mild. I have a great doctor, so they have been really great about working with me on it. In the afternoon, I have a bit of trouble being very emotional, though that's not frequent.
MY
Negative
8/9/2022
So many side effects for me. Extreme irritability as it wears off, insomnia, slight headache (occasionally), dry mouth, muscle twitching (occasionally). I need a higher dose to see any improvement in focus, and with that comes these awful side effects.
ST
Positive
2/25/2026
Adderall is amazing. It’s the closest I can get to the boost a cup of coffee gives normal people. No MCAS reaction, but helps me pull myself out of deep fatigue enough to work.
LA
Mixed
2/25/2026
i am supposed to take it- i have symptoms of mcas but am on the mild to moderate side with severe adhd. when i do, it goes great but after it wears off i get a bit of a rebound effect with flushing, racing heart, hot face, slight swelling. not very noticable but i find it perturbing so i dont take it anymore. plus, it screws with my sleep even low dose in the morning anymore, where i used to be able to take it and take a nice quiet brain nap.
ON
Positive
2/25/2026
My mcas is so much worse because of being unmedicated for thirty years. Highly recommend treatment. Reco pouring the dose out into milk, apple sauce etc to avoid dyes. I get sick from the caps. I took months to graduate from 5 mg despite tolerating 20+ because I was still managing reactions to salicylates etc and hadn't figured that out. Acid also ruined my doses back then. I cycled off 10mgx2 and symptoms were horrible but manageable with cannabis. The dysautonomia, gastroparesis, urticaria... all so, so much worse both before and when cycling off, which I was successfully able to do for two months this year as a test. I was mainly worried about rebound LPR, which ended up being a severe salicylate intolerance covered up by my Adderall, cannabis, quercetin and ketotifen combo. I ditched the quercetin of course. The results are that I'm extremely confident Adderall is a...
DE
Positive
8/7/2022
I’ve taken all of them. All of them have the same profile though each feels a bit different. There’s a ramp up, plateau, and a ramp down. For me, the ramp down goes below baseline. You can interrupt the ramp down by dosing again. The extended release meds do that for you. I prefer to maintain flexibility, so I use the single dose versions three times a day. Sometimes four. But after the last one there’s an hour ramp down and at least a half hour below baseline. That’s not “withdrawal” it’s just your brain biochemistry recharging for that half hour. At therapeutic doses there is no dependency, unless you count depending on it to function in muggle society, and no “withdrawal”. The only issue is that any one drug will gradually lose some effectiveness. So you take a weekend off, or a week, or switch to another drug. I...
Effects Overview
Side effects and benefits reported by users
Focus and Attention
The 'Focus and Attention' category represents the benefits users experience in their ability to concentrate and maintain attention. Users frequently report enhanced focus, often describing a state of hyperfocus that allows them to engage deeply with tasks. Common examples include increased ability to concentrate on work or studies, leading to better performance and productivity. This category encapsulates the cognitive enhancements that Adderall provides, making it a popular choice for those seeking improved mental clarity.
Examples: increased focus, improved focus, hyperfocus, better understanding, improved concentration
32%
reported
Productivity and Functioning
The 'Productivity and Functioning' category highlights the positive impact of Adderall on users' ability to perform daily tasks and responsibilities. Many users report significant improvements in productivity and task management, which contribute to better overall functioning in various aspects of life. Examples often include enhanced academic performance and improved execution of daily activities. This category reflects how Adderall can facilitate a more organized and efficient lifestyle.
Examples: maintained productivity, improved productivity, better task management
19%
reported
Mood and Emotional Regulation
The 'Mood and Emotional Regulation' category encompasses the emotional benefits users experience while taking Adderall. Many report an improvement in mood and a greater sense of calmness, which aids in emotional regulation. Users often describe feeling more balanced and less overwhelmed by stressors. This category illustrates how Adderall can contribute to a more stable emotional state, enhancing overall well-being.
Examples: improved mood, calmness, emotional regulation
15%
reported
ADHD Management
The 'ADHD Management' category focuses on how Adderall assists individuals in managing ADHD symptoms effectively. Users frequently report improvements in their ability to complete tasks and manage symptoms, leading to a better quality of life. This category includes experiences of enhanced focus and emotional regulation, which are crucial for individuals with ADHD. Adderall is often seen as a vital tool in achieving better symptom control.
Examples: helped ADHD, improved ADHD management, effective for ADHD, better management of symptoms
12%
reported
Energy and Motivation
The 'Energy and Motivation' category reflects the invigorating effects of Adderall on users' energy levels and drive. Many users report feeling more energetic and motivated to engage in activities, which can lead to improved productivity and a more active lifestyle. Common examples include increased drive to complete tasks and a general boost in vitality. This category highlights how Adderall can enhance motivation and energy, making daily challenges more manageable.
Examples: increased energy, boost in energy, motivation
11%
reported
Anxiety and Stress Relief
The 'Anxiety and Stress Relief' category captures the calming effects of Adderall on users' anxiety levels. Many report a reduction in anxiety and an overall sense of calmness, which can help in managing daily stressors. Users often mention feeling more at ease in social situations and during challenging tasks. This category highlights the dual benefit of Adderall in enhancing focus while also providing emotional relief.
Examples: reduced anxiety, calmness, decompression
7%
reported
Life Improvement
The 'Life Improvement' category reflects the transformative effects of Adderall on users' overall quality of life. Many individuals report significant positive changes, describing their experiences as life-changing. Common examples include improvements in daily functioning and emotional well-being. This category emphasizes how Adderall can lead to a more fulfilling and productive life.
Examples: changed life positively, life changing, improved quality of life
7%
reported
Cognitive Enhancement
The 'Cognitive Enhancement' category highlights the intellectual benefits users experience with Adderall. Many report improvements in focus and concentration, which contribute to better academic performance and understanding of complex subjects. This category includes experiences of increased hyperfocus, allowing users to delve deeply into their studies or work. Adderall is often viewed as a cognitive enhancer that facilitates learning and comprehension.
Examples: improved focus, better understanding, improved concentration
4%
reported
Sleep and Rest
The 'Sleep and Rest' category addresses the effects of Adderall on users' sleep patterns. While some report improved sleep quality and feeling well-rested, others may experience challenges in sleep due to the stimulating effects of the medication. Common examples include waking up faster and feeling more refreshed. This category underscores the importance of monitoring sleep while using Adderall.
Examples: improved sleep, well rested
4%
reported
Social Interaction
The 'Social Interaction' category reflects the social benefits some users experience while taking Adderall. Many report feeling more social and open in interactions, which can enhance relationships and social engagements. Additionally, some users note an increase in libido. This category highlights how Adderall can influence social dynamics and personal connections.
Examples: more social, increased libido
1%
reported
Health Management
The 'Health Management' category focuses on the health-related benefits users report while taking Adderall. One common example is the ability to manage headaches effectively. This category illustrates how Adderall may assist in alleviating certain health issues, contributing to overall well-being.
Examples: ability to manage headaches
1%
reported
Routine Management
The 'Routine Management' category highlights how Adderall can aid users in managing their daily routines. Many individuals report improved organization and adherence to schedules, which can lead to a more structured lifestyle. This category emphasizes the role of Adderall in facilitating better time management and routine adherence.
Examples: routine management
1%
reported
Sleep Effects
The 'Sleep Effects' category captures the unique experiences users report regarding their sleep while taking Adderall. One notable example is the occurrence of vivid dreams, which some users find intriguing or disruptive. This category highlights the varied effects of Adderall on sleep quality and dream experiences.
Examples: vivid dreams
1%
reported
Dosing Flexibility
The 'Dosing Flexibility' category addresses the adaptability users find in their medication regimen with Adderall. Many report appreciating the ability to adjust their dosing as needed, which can enhance their overall treatment experience. This category emphasizes the importance of personalized medication management for optimal results.
Examples: flexibility in dosing
1%
reported