Adderall is a powerful stimulant drug that’s a mixture of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It is often used to help people suffering from ADHD or narcolepsy, and sometimes sleep disorders, to get relief. Yet, if used for too long or misused, it can create addiction. If you stop using it without help, you may develop Adderall withdrawal symptoms, which can make day-to-day life challenging, if not impossible. If you are facing any type of withdrawal now, seek out help immediately.
What Are Common Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms?
Most of the time, Adderall is used for a short amount of time because of the addictive properties it has. With the help of your doctor, you can wean off of it safely with minimal symptoms. However, for those who may be misusing the drug, suddenly not having any of it could create a physical and mental reaction, and sometimes that includes powerful Adderall withdrawal symptoms. Some of the most common symptoms you could have include the following:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Irritability and mood swings
- Restless sleep patterns
- Suicidal thoughts
- Intense panic attacks
- A fast heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Fatigue that’s uncontrolled
If you are experiencing any of these withdrawal symptoms, seek out emergency medical support as soon as possible. Some of them can be health emergencies requiring immediate medical intervention. Don’t wait until it gets to that point.
More Common Symptoms of Adderall Withdrawal
Many people will experience changes in the way they feel after they stop using Adderall. Some of the most common symptoms that may not be immediately life threatening include:
- Headaches
- Increased appetite, sometimes leading to weight gain
- Vivid dreams, often startling or disturbing but not always
- Cravings for the substance
- Slowed movements and reaction times
- Trouble with concentration or clarity of thought
These are still serious symptoms you should not ignore. The more you take action now to get help, the easier and more effective detoxing from this drug can be.
How Long Do Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Every person’s addiction to Adderall is a bit different, and that means the withdrawal period will be different, including what you feel and how long it takes. The following is a basic guideline of what you can expect.
- Day 1 to 3: During this initial period, you can expect the cravings to begin, where you start thinking about the drug often. Many people also experience either insomnia or fatigue and sometimes both. Depression can also set it at this time.
- Day 4 to 7: During the next few days, some of the symptoms may slow, such as improvement in sleep. Some people begin to feel more restless and irritable. They may feel their anxiety coming back or feel less controlled. This is also when it typically becomes difficult to think and process information. You may still struggle with insomnia because of constant thoughts of using the substance.
- Day 8 to 20: Over the next few weeks, you will likely see a significant amount of change in your body and symptoms. You may start to sleep a bit more, which can give you more energy. Yet, you may also have periods where you have intense cravings. You may also feel bouts of extreme sadness and overwhelming fear. Many people also will have days where they feel okay and more in control. These first few weeks can be some of the most intense in back-and-forth progress.
- Day 21 and beyond: Over the next few weeks, you could continue to experience withdrawal symptoms, but most people see improvement in them by this time. There are some risks of anxiety and frustration. Some of the symptoms of your anxiety, sleep disorder, narcolepsy, ADHD, or other conditions that you were using Adderall for could come back and intensify. Working closely with your doctor will be critical here.
The best tool you have for overcoming these symptoms and achieving more of a healthy outlook is to work with a team that can help you. There are medications that could help you manage sleep concerns as well as treatment for the pain and discomfort you have. This, along with therapy, can help you to get through those symptoms to achieve a better long-term outcome.
If you are currently detoxing and feeling symptoms, you can reach out for help at any time – even if you’re unsure what you are experiencing. Professionals can create a treatment path that works for your specific needs.
Get Help Getting Through Adderall Withdrawal
How long do Adderall withdrawal symptoms last when you can get help? If you are struggling with symptoms now, seek out help immediately. You don’t have to go through this on your own.Contact 1st Step Behavioral Health or call at (855) 425-4846 to learn more about how we can help you. Speak to an admissions counselor to get started.
