Adderall Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, and Treatment

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesTriggering DepressionTreatmentCoping and ReliefWarningsLong-Term TreatmentResources

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Symptoms

Causes

Triggering Depression

Treatment

Coping and Relief

Warnings

Long-Term Treatment

Resources

Adderall withdrawal can happen if you stop taking your ADHD medication. Dependence on the medication can happen to anyone who has been using it for an extended period of time, even people who take it exactly as directed.

If you suddenly stop taking Adderall, it may lead to what is often referred to as an Adderall “crash.” The Adderall crash is like an intense mini-withdrawal. It typically begins within several hours of your last dose and can continue for one or two days. Most people experience physical and mental exhaustion along with a markedly depressed mood.

Adderall misuse can also contribute to a risk for addiction, which can lead to withdrawal symptoms when people try to quit. This article discusses the risks and symptoms of Adderall withdrawal, as well as the treatments that can help.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Some of the most common symptoms of Adderall withdrawal can include:

It is important to remember that Adderall withdrawal is different for everyone. Some people are able to stop taking Adderall with mild symptoms or no symptoms.

Your withdrawal experience will depend on a number of factors, including the nature of your Adderall use. If you have astimulant use disorder(Adderall addiction), then there will be additional issues to contend with in the weeks following your last dose.

The initial withdrawal syndrome can be severe. Withdrawal may affect your ability to function normally and fulfill your responsibilities at home, school, and work.

Most people’s Adderall withdrawal symptoms begin within a day or two of stopping their medication and will resolve within a week or two. After the withdrawal period, however, you may face some unexpected psychological, social, or emotional problems.

Example Timeline

What Causes Adderall Withdrawal?

Adderall is a combination of the two stimulants amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. They work in combination to increase activity in the central nervous system, which results in a more alert state.

Adderall also increases the activity of two neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in your brain: norepinephrine and dopamine.Dopamineis responsible for activating your brain’s reward system. Norepinephrine is responsible for boosting your alertness, focus, and cognitive functions. Both play a role in mood regulation.

During long-term Adderall use, your brain gets used to the increased activity of these neurotransmitters. Withdrawal symptoms occur because your brain is experiencing what it believes to be low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine.

ADHD Rebound

A depressive episode can have long-lasting effects, such as bringing up painful or traumatic thoughts, feelings, and memories. You may also have to contend with the consequences of failing to meet your responsibilities during withdrawal. This may include problems at work, school, or home.

It’s no wonder that the hallmark of Adderall withdrawal is depression. Depression from Adderall withdrawal is temporary, typically continuing for about one week after your last dose. In some people, however, depression can linger for weeks or months.

Severe depression is a lot different than just feeling sad. You may experience any of the following:

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

Because your brain is reacting to low levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, the withdrawal symptoms are not limited to depression.

One recent study found that changes in brain chemistry during amphetamine withdrawal might make people more sensitive to stress.This may explain why things that normally wouldn’t bother you feel extremely annoying or frustrating during withdrawal.

How Misuse Contributes to Adderall Withdrawal

Adderall misuse is most common among people ages 18 to 25.Adderall use can be daily or intermittent. Some people take Adderall under a doctor’s supervision totreat ADHD, while others acquire it illicitly or intentionally misuse it.

When it comes to withdrawal, the context actually doesn’t matter too much. Anyone who has been using amphetamines for an extended period of time can experience withdrawal symptoms.

Adderall withdrawal symptoms often appear within the first few days after the last dose and typically last from three days to several weeks, but you may have lingering psychological symptoms and cravings.

Unlike other withdrawal syndromes, Adderall withdrawal is not associated with any dangerous medical problems. The primary risk is that your depressed mood will escalate to suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

Treatment for ADHD Withdrawal

Unfortunately, there are no medications currently recommended for the treatment of amphetamine withdrawal, but there are some things you can do to reduce your discomfort. With the help of your doctor, you may want to consider the following medications:

In some cases, switching to a non-stimulant ADHD medication may help ease some symptoms of withdrawal.Non-stimulant ADHD medications include Strattera (atomoxetine), tricyclic antidepressants, anti-hypertensive drugs, Qelbree (viloxazine), Wellbutrin (bupropion), and Effexor (venlafaxine).

Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication

Coping and Relief for ADHD Withdrawal

Other things you can do to ensure a smooth and safe withdrawal experience include:

Adderall Withdrawal Warnings

Adderall is generally considered to be safe for home withdrawal. Unlike other drugs with complicated withdrawal syndromes, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, withdrawing from amphetamines is unlikely to trigger any serious medical problems.

The problem with Adderall withdrawal is that it can be a bit unpredictable. It’s hard to know in advance whether you will experience intense depression or extreme irritation.

The primary risk of going through Adderall withdrawal on your own is that you will experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Even if you have no history of suicidal thoughts or depression, it is still a risk. Adderall has serious effects on your brain chemistry and it is difficult to predict how your moods will shift.

It could be helpful to talk to a doctor about your plans to quit. Your doctor may be able to give you both short- and long-term support.

Before You Stop Taking AdderallIf you want to stop taking Adderall, talk to your doctor first. They will likely recommend tapering your dose gradually over a period of time in order to minimize or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Before You Stop Taking Adderall

If you want to stop taking Adderall, talk to your doctor first. They will likely recommend tapering your dose gradually over a period of time in order to minimize or avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Long-Term Adderall Withdrawal Treatment

Long-term treatment for amphetamine withdrawal will depend in part on the nature of your amphetamine use. If you were taking Adderall for ADHD exactly as your doctor prescribed, then you probably won’t need any long-term treatment at all.

If you’ve been misusing Adderall for some time, you would benefit from a comprehensive, long-term addiction treatment plan.

All drugs of addiction affect dopamine in some indirect way. Stimulants have a direct effect on your dopamine receptors, which basically gives them VIP status in your brain’s reward system.This means that your brain is going to have a lot of trouble resisting cravings.

Think of it like this: you will be starting off with a real physical disadvantage. During withdrawal and in the weeks and months to follow, your brain is going to be weak and vulnerable. To resist drug cravings, you are going to need a lot of support. This may include both medication and psychotherapy.

The leading treatment for amphetamine addiction is behavioral therapy. Two types have proven effective,cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)and contingency management (CM).

It is also important to understand that because your brain is craving stimulation of its reward system, you are at risk of developing other substance abuse problems or behavioral addictions. People use all sorts of things as a substitute for amphetamines, including other drugs, nicotine, gambling, shopping, and sex.

Working with a therapist or addiction counselor will help you maintain long-term abstinence from Adderall and a healthy balance in other areas of your life.

There are many in-person and online resources you can seek out if you or a loved one are dealing with addiction or withdrawal.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with substance use or addiction, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

Most colleges have excellent counseling and behavioral health services. Check out your school’s website for more information about the services they offer and how to make an appointment to speak with a counselor.

12 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA announces shortage of Adderall.The New York Times.People with ADHD face withdrawal as Adderall shortage continues.Addiction Center.Adderall withdrawal and detox.Siefried KJ, Acheson LS, Lintzeris N, Ezard N.Pharmacological treatment of methamphetamine/amphetamine dependence: A systematic review.CNS Drugs. 2020;34(4):337-365. doi:10.1007/s40263-020-00711-xNational Institute on Drug Abuse.Prescription stimulants.Bray B, Scholl JL, Tu W, Watt MJ, Renner KJ, Forster GL.Amphetamine withdrawal differentially affects hippocampal and peripheral corticosterone levels in response to stress.Brain Res. 2016;1644:278-287. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2016.05.030Chen LY, Crum RM, Strain EC, Alexander GC, Kaufmann C, Mojtabai R.Prescriptions, nonmedical use, and emergency department visits involving prescription stimulants.J Clin Psychiatry. 2016;77(3):e297-304. doi:10.4088/JCP.14m09291Yanofski J.The dopamine dilemma-Part II: Could stimulants cause tolerance, dependence, and paradoxical decompensation?Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011;8(1):47-53.Walker L.Adderall withdrawal: Timeline and symptoms. AmericanAddictionCenters.Horsting R.Research note: Irritability and ADHD medications. Yale School of Medicine.Fawley L.Adderall misuse: How to quit. AmericanAddictionCenters.Lee NK, Rawson RA.A systematic review of cognitive and behavioural therapies for methamphetamine dependence.Drug Alcohol Rev. 2008;27(3):309-317. doi:10.1080/09595230801919494

12 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA announces shortage of Adderall.The New York Times.People with ADHD face withdrawal as Adderall shortage continues.Addiction Center.Adderall withdrawal and detox.Siefried KJ, Acheson LS, Lintzeris N, Ezard N.Pharmacological treatment of methamphetamine/amphetamine dependence: A systematic review.CNS Drugs. 2020;34(4):337-365. doi:10.1007/s40263-020-00711-xNational Institute on Drug Abuse.Prescription stimulants.Bray B, Scholl JL, Tu W, Watt MJ, Renner KJ, Forster GL.Amphetamine withdrawal differentially affects hippocampal and peripheral corticosterone levels in response to stress.Brain Res. 2016;1644:278-287. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2016.05.030Chen LY, Crum RM, Strain EC, Alexander GC, Kaufmann C, Mojtabai R.Prescriptions, nonmedical use, and emergency department visits involving prescription stimulants.J Clin Psychiatry. 2016;77(3):e297-304. doi:10.4088/JCP.14m09291Yanofski J.The dopamine dilemma-Part II: Could stimulants cause tolerance, dependence, and paradoxical decompensation?Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011;8(1):47-53.Walker L.Adderall withdrawal: Timeline and symptoms. AmericanAddictionCenters.Horsting R.Research note: Irritability and ADHD medications. Yale School of Medicine.Fawley L.Adderall misuse: How to quit. AmericanAddictionCenters.Lee NK, Rawson RA.A systematic review of cognitive and behavioural therapies for methamphetamine dependence.Drug Alcohol Rev. 2008;27(3):309-317. doi:10.1080/09595230801919494

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA announces shortage of Adderall.The New York Times.People with ADHD face withdrawal as Adderall shortage continues.Addiction Center.Adderall withdrawal and detox.Siefried KJ, Acheson LS, Lintzeris N, Ezard N.Pharmacological treatment of methamphetamine/amphetamine dependence: A systematic review.CNS Drugs. 2020;34(4):337-365. doi:10.1007/s40263-020-00711-xNational Institute on Drug Abuse.Prescription stimulants.Bray B, Scholl JL, Tu W, Watt MJ, Renner KJ, Forster GL.Amphetamine withdrawal differentially affects hippocampal and peripheral corticosterone levels in response to stress.Brain Res. 2016;1644:278-287. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2016.05.030Chen LY, Crum RM, Strain EC, Alexander GC, Kaufmann C, Mojtabai R.Prescriptions, nonmedical use, and emergency department visits involving prescription stimulants.J Clin Psychiatry. 2016;77(3):e297-304. doi:10.4088/JCP.14m09291Yanofski J.The dopamine dilemma-Part II: Could stimulants cause tolerance, dependence, and paradoxical decompensation?Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011;8(1):47-53.Walker L.Adderall withdrawal: Timeline and symptoms. AmericanAddictionCenters.Horsting R.Research note: Irritability and ADHD medications. Yale School of Medicine.Fawley L.Adderall misuse: How to quit. AmericanAddictionCenters.Lee NK, Rawson RA.A systematic review of cognitive and behavioural therapies for methamphetamine dependence.Drug Alcohol Rev. 2008;27(3):309-317. doi:10.1080/09595230801919494

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.FDA announces shortage of Adderall.

The New York Times.People with ADHD face withdrawal as Adderall shortage continues.

Addiction Center.Adderall withdrawal and detox.

Siefried KJ, Acheson LS, Lintzeris N, Ezard N.Pharmacological treatment of methamphetamine/amphetamine dependence: A systematic review.CNS Drugs. 2020;34(4):337-365. doi:10.1007/s40263-020-00711-x

National Institute on Drug Abuse.Prescription stimulants.

Bray B, Scholl JL, Tu W, Watt MJ, Renner KJ, Forster GL.Amphetamine withdrawal differentially affects hippocampal and peripheral corticosterone levels in response to stress.Brain Res. 2016;1644:278-287. doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2016.05.030

Chen LY, Crum RM, Strain EC, Alexander GC, Kaufmann C, Mojtabai R.Prescriptions, nonmedical use, and emergency department visits involving prescription stimulants.J Clin Psychiatry. 2016;77(3):e297-304. doi:10.4088/JCP.14m09291

Yanofski J.The dopamine dilemma-Part II: Could stimulants cause tolerance, dependence, and paradoxical decompensation?Innov Clin Neurosci. 2011;8(1):47-53.

Walker L.Adderall withdrawal: Timeline and symptoms. AmericanAddictionCenters.

Horsting R.Research note: Irritability and ADHD medications. Yale School of Medicine.

Fawley L.Adderall misuse: How to quit. AmericanAddictionCenters.

Lee NK, Rawson RA.A systematic review of cognitive and behavioural therapies for methamphetamine dependence.Drug Alcohol Rev. 2008;27(3):309-317. doi:10.1080/09595230801919494

Meet Our Review Board

Share Feedback

Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?HelpfulReport an ErrorOtherSubmit

What is your feedback?