Key Points

  • Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels.
  • It is commonly prescribed for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy.
  • Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance with a high potential for abuse and misuse.
  • It can cause personality changes even with short-term use.
  • People who abuse Adderall may experience psychosis or delirium.
  • In many cases, the personality effects of Adderall use will reverse after cessation.

Adderall is a medication commonly prescribed for individuals with ADHD and narcolepsy, primarily to enhance focus. While it can be effective, it may also produce some negative side effects. Because Adderall acts on the central nervous system, it can trigger a state of fight-flight-freeze, leading users to feel more agitated, irritable, or anxious than usual.[1] These personality changes are temporary and subside as individuals adjust to the medication. However, misuse or abuse of Adderall can result in serious and potentially permanent effects on personality.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a combination medication made from amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.[2] Adderall is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children 3 years of age and older. In comparison, Adderall XR is used for ADHD in adults and children 6 years and older. Adderall is also approved to treat narcolepsy in adults and children 12 years of age and older.[3] The latter refers to a diagnosis from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), for individuals with symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsivity, and inattention that have been present since childhood.[4] Adderall combats these symptoms by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Without Adderall, they may have trouble performing or completing everyday tasks.

Side Effects of Adderall

While Adderall is generally tolerated well, some individuals may experience side effects when using the medication. Adderall side effects include but are not limited to:[5]
  • Stomach pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Mood swings
  • Nervousness
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Dry mouth
  • Difficulty falling asleep
  • Difficulty staying asleep

How Adderall Affects the Brain

Research indicates that individuals with ADHD often have lower-than-average levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter important for enhancing mood and maintaining focus.[6] A dopamine deficiency can create a cycle of seeking stimulation, making concentrating hard. As a result, individuals with ADHD often struggle to stay focused on tasks, which can lead to increased mental stress and a tendency to abandon tasks before completing them. Adderall helps address these challenges by increasing dopamine levels in the brain.[7] This medication breaks the cycle of overstimulation and improves concentration. It also stimulates norepinephrine, a hormone that promotes alertness and focus.[8] By keeping norepinephrine in the brain's synapses longer, Adderall further supports individuals with ADHD or narcolepsy.

Short-Term Adderall Effects on Personality

Adderall is a prescription stimulant medication that activates the body’s fight-flight-freeze response.[5][1] This activation can lead to mood changes due to a constant sense of nervousness, jitteriness, and anxiousness. Many people describe this feeling as being on edge or easily agitated. Consequently, they may lash out at loved ones or withdraw from activities they once enjoyed. In addition to these emotional effects, Adderall also suppresses appetite.[5] As a result, some individuals may experience significant weight loss when taking it. This can negatively impact their self-image, leading to feelings of dissatisfaction and potentially resulting in body dysmorphic disorder.[9]

Long-Term Adderall Effects on Personality

Initially, Adderall enhances focus and energy levels.[5] However, with prolonged use, it depletes energy reserves. This can leave users feeling fatigued and irritable and may even lead to erectile dysfunction and diminished interest in sexual activity.[10]

Psychological Signs of Adderall Misuse and Abuse

Some people build a tolerance to Adderall during long-term use. This means they will need more of the medication than usual to feel the desired effects. If their physician doesn’t increase the dose, they may be tempted to increase it themselves. Misusing Adderall at unsafe doses can lead to physical symptoms like:[11]
  • Low appetite
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Muscle spasms or weakness
  • Tremors
  • Restlessness
  • High blood pressure
  • High blood sugar
Adderall misuse also causes psychological symptoms that include increased agitation, anxiety, and psychosis. The chronic effects of long-term Adderall use include depression, which, according to the Merck Manual, can lead to suicidal ideations in some.[12]

Psychological Signs of Adderall Dependency

Signs of Adderall Dependency Adderall dependency is caused by long-term use and misuse. People who are dependent on Adderall feel as though they cannot function without it. They will display physical signs of dependency, such as tremors and weight loss, or psychological signs, including nervousness and paranoia.[11] People struggling with Adderall abuse may display the following behaviors:
  • Lying about how much Adderall they’ve taken
  • Taking Adderall pills that belong to someone else
  • Mixing Adderall with other drugs to increase the effects
  • Needing Adderall pills to function in school or work
  • Using Adderall pills to get high
  • Taking dangerous risks to obtain more Adderall
  • Craving Adderall even after taking a dose
  • Feeling agitated or annoyed when they don’t have Adderall
  • Having difficulty distinguishing between what is real and what is not
  • Taking more Adderall than prescribed despite adverse effects

Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Withdrawal

When individuals become dependent on Adderall, they may experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop taking it. These symptoms can occur after missing just one dose and may last several days or weeks. They arise as the brain and body readjust to functioning without the medication. People who experience Adderall withdrawal may need medical detox to stop using the drug safely. Common stimulant withdrawal symptoms include:[13]
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Constant sleepiness (fatigue)
  • Stomach cramps
  • Stomach aches
  • Vomiting
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorizes Adderall as a Schedule II controlled substance, indicating a significant potential for dependency and abuse.[14]

Signs of Adderall Toxicity

People going through Adderall withdrawal may reinitiate use with a higher dose or mix the medication with other drugs (polysubstance use) to eliminate withdrawal symptoms.[15] This can cause life-threatening complications as a result of amphetamine toxicity. Symptoms of Adderall toxicity include:[2]
  • High temperature (hyperthermia)
  • Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
  • Shallow breathing
  • Hyperactivity
  • Tremors
  • Chest pain
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stroke
  • Seizures
  • Renal failure
Adderall toxicity requires emergency treatment to avoid complications leading to stroke, seizures, renal failure, or even death.

Is It Possible to Avoid Personality Effects From Adderall?

The personality effects of Adderall are related to its role in the central nervous system. Short-term Adderall use does not cause permanent personality changes. However, misuse or long-term inappropriate use can lead to dependency and mental health conditions such as addiction, depression, and anxiety. It is impossible to predict who may experience these effects. However, taking the medication as prescribed can help reduce the risk of personality changes associated with dependency or withdrawal.

When to Contact Someone About Adderall Personality Changes

Some personality changes can be expected when using Adderall, particularly at higher doses. If these changes are concerning and you feel unlike yourself, notify your prescriber immediately. They may be able to adjust your prescription or modify the dosage. It's important to remember that Adderall is highly addictive. You should not adjust your dose or use other medications to manage its effects without medical supervision, as this can lead to long-term psychological and physical consequences. If you or someone you know is struggling with an Adderall addiction, you don’t have to face it alone. Our team of licensed experts has helped thousands of individuals recover from prescription drug addiction and maintain their sobriety. Reach out to Engage Wellness Acton today to discover how we can help you along your journey.