Adderall Withdrawal Signs & Symptoms: Headaches, Body-aches & Nausea (What does it feel & look like?)

Adderall is a medication used to treat conditions like ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy. While it can help many people, stopping it suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Understanding what these symptoms are and how they feel can help you prepare yourself for recovery.

This page will guide you through the effects, signs, and symptoms of Adderall withdrawal. You will also learn how to detox from Adderall safely and how to get effective, science-based treatment for prescription drug addiction.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medication that combines amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It stimulates the central nervous system, helping people with ADHD focus better and stay alert. Adderall is also prescribed for narcolepsy, a condition that causes excessive daytime sleepiness. It boosts levels of certain chemical messengers in the brain, improving attention and energy.

Is Adderall Addictive?

The DEA categorizes Adderall as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. Adderall can be addictive because it increases dopamine levels in the brain, which can create feelings of euphoria, especially if taken in large amounts or without a prescription. Over time, your body might need more of the drug to feel the same effects, leading to dependence. This means you might find stopping Adderall hard, even if you no longer want to use the medication.

What Are The Side Effects of Stopping Adderall?

When you stop taking Adderall, your body needs to adjust. This can cause a range of potentially uncomfortable side effects. One common side effect is extreme tiredness. You might feel like you have no energy and find it hard to stay awake during the day. Your appetite might increase, making you feel hungry all the time. Sleep can also be affected, with some people finding it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night. Physical discomforts like headaches, nausea, and body aches are also common. These side effects occur because your body is trying to adapt to functioning without the medication.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms from Adderall can be quite challenging. These symptoms are a sign that your body is reacting to the absence of the drug it has become used to. Here are some typical withdrawal symptoms:

• Fatigue: You may feel extremely tired and find it hard to keep your eyes open or stay active.

• Headaches: An Adderall withdrawal headache often occurs as your body adjusts.

• Body aches: Muscles may feel sore or achy, similar to flu-like symptoms.

• Nausea: You might feel queasy and may even vomit.

• Increased appetite: Suddenly feeling much hungrier than usual is a frequent symptom.

• Insomnia or excessive sleeping: Your sleep patterns may be disrupted, leading to trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much.

• Cravings: A strong desire to take Adderall again to relieve these symptoms can occur.

These symptoms can vary in intensity from person to person and can make the withdrawal process difficult.

Mental & Emotional Side Effects

Stopping Adderall can also affect your mind and emotions. These changes can be just as challenging as the physical symptoms. Here are some common mental and emotional side effects:

• Depression: You may feel sad or hopeless. This feeling can be overwhelming and make it hard to enjoy things you usually like.

• Anxiety: You might feel more nervous or anxious than usual. Everyday tasks can seem more stressful or frightening.

• Irritability: Little things might annoy or anger you more than they normally would.

• Mood swings: Your emotions can change quickly, from feeling happy to suddenly feeling sad or angry.

• Difficulty concentrating: Without Adderall, focusing on tasks can become very hard. Your mind might wander more, and completing tasks might take longer.

• Low motivation: Finding the drive to start or finish tasks can be difficult. You might feel like you don’t want to do anything at all.

These mental and emotional symptoms occur because Adderall affects the brain’s chemistry, and without it, your brain needs time to readjust to normal functioning levels.

How Long Does Adderall Withdrawal Last?

The length of Adderall withdrawal can vary from person to person. For some, withdrawal symptoms might last a few days, while for others, it can take several weeks. The duration depends on factors like how long you have been taking Adderall, the dosage, and your overall health. Generally, most people start to feel better within a couple of weeks, but some symptoms, especially mental and emotional ones, might linger for longer.

Adderall Withdrawal Timeline

Understanding withdrawal from Adderall timeline can help you prepare for what to expect. Here is a general outline of the withdrawal process:

Days 1 to 2 – crash phase:

• Symptoms: Extreme fatigue, intense cravings, and increased appetite.

• Experience: You might feel tired and hungry as your body starts to miss the stimulant effects of Adderall.

Days 3 to 5 – peak withdrawal:

• Symptoms: Depression, irritability, headaches, and trouble sleeping.

• Experience: This is usually the hardest phase. You might feel depressed, have a hard time sleeping, and experience physical discomfort like headaches and muscle aches.

Days 6 to 7 – early recovery:

• Symptoms: Mood swings, continued fatigue, and some improvement in physical symptoms.

• Experience: You may start to feel a bit better physically, but mood swings and fatigue can still be strong.

Week 2 – stabilizing:

• Symptoms: Gradual improvement in energy levels and mood, but mental symptoms like anxiety or trouble concentrating might persist.

• Experience: Physical symptoms often ease up, but you might still feel mentally foggy or anxious.

Weeks 3-4 – continued recovery:

• Symptoms: Most physical symptoms subside, but some emotional and mental symptoms can continue.

• Experience: You should feel more like yourself, though some emotional symptoms, such as mild depression or anxiety, might still be present.

Month 2 and beyond – long-term recovery:

• Symptoms: Lingering mental symptoms like occasional mood swings or cravings.

• Experience: By this time, most physical symptoms are gone, but your brain is still adjusting to the absence of the medication. Ongoing support can be highly beneficial during this phase.

Every person’s experience with withdrawal can be different. Some might find the process easier, while others may struggle more. Seeking help and support can make a big difference in managing symptoms and promoting recovery.

Factors That Affect the Withdrawal of Adderall Timeline

Several factors can influence how long Adderall withdrawal lasts. These factors can make the process shorter or longer for different people. Here are some key factors:

• Duration of use: If you have been taking Adderall for a long time, your body is more used to the drug. This can make withdrawal take longer.

• Dosage: Higher doses of Adderall can lead to stronger withdrawal symptoms. People who take higher doses might have a longer withdrawal period.

• Frequency of use: If you take Adderall every day, your body relies on it more. Stopping suddenly can lead to more intense withdrawal symptoms.

• Physical health: Your overall health can impact how you handle withdrawal. A healthier body might recover quicker, while other health problems can slow down the process.

• Mental health: People with mental health conditions like anxiety or depression might find withdrawal more challenging. These conditions can make emotional symptoms worse.

• Tapering off vs. cold turkey: Slowly reducing the dose of Adderall (tapering) can make withdrawal easier and shorter. Stopping suddenly (cold turkey) can lead to more severe symptoms and a longer withdrawal period.

• Support system: Having support from friends, family, or a medical professional can make withdrawal easier. This can help you manage symptoms and stay motivated.

• Individual differences: Everyone’s body reacts differently to stopping Adderall. Genetics, metabolism, and other personal factors can affect how long withdrawal lasts.

Knowing these factors can help you understand what to expect during Adderall withdrawal. Seek help and support to manage the process effectively.

How to Cope with Adderall Withdrawal Side Effects

Coping with Adderall withdrawal can be demanding, so here are some tips to help you manage the side effects:

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated can help reduce headaches and keep your body feeling better.

• Eat healthy foods: Eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and proteins can help you feel more energized and support your body as it recovers.

• Get enough sleep: Try to keep a regular sleep schedule. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even if it’s hard to sleep at first.

• Exercise regularly: Gentle exercise like walking or yoga can help boost your mood and energy levels. Exercise can also help reduce stress and anxiety.

• Relax and rest: Take it easy on yourself. Rest when you need to, and don’t push yourself too hard. Give your body time to heal.

• Stay connected: Talk to friends or family members. Having someone to share your feelings with can make a big difference.

• Seek professional help: If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor or counselor. They can provide support and may suggest therapies or medications to help.

• Avoid triggers: Stay away from places or situations that make you want to take Adderall again. Finding new activities to replace old habits can be helpful.

• Practice stress management: Techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or listening to music can help you manage stress and stay calm.

• Keep busy: Engage in activities you enjoy, like reading, drawing, or playing a game. Keeping your mind occupied can help distract you from withdrawal symptoms.

• Set small goals: Break your day into small tasks and set achievable goals. Completing these can give you a sense of accomplishment and keep you motivated.

Using these strategies can help you cope with the side effects of Adderall withdrawal, but how about ongoing treatment?

Long-Term Treatment for Adderall Withdrawal

Recovering from Adderall withdrawal doesn’t end once the initial symptoms go away. Long-term treatment will help you stay healthy and avoid going back to using the medication. Here are some ways to support long-term recovery:

• Counseling and therapy: Talking to a therapist can help you understand why you used Adderall and teach you new ways to cope. Therapy can also help with any ongoing emotional issues like depression or anxiety.

• Support groups: Joining a support group can connect you with others who are going through the same thing. Sharing experiences and advice can be very encouraging and helpful.

• Medication management: In some cases, doctors might prescribe medications to help manage symptoms of ADHD or other conditions without causing dependence. These medications can help keep your symptoms under control without the risk of addiction.

• Lifestyle choices. Exercising regularly, eating healthily, and getting enough sleep can help your body and mind stay strong and healthy.

• Ongoing medical care: Regular check-ups with your doctor can help monitor your progress and catch any potential problems early. Your doctor can adjust the treatment plan as needed.

• Setting goals: Setting and working toward personal goals can give you a sense of purpose and direction. Whether it’s school, work, or hobbies, having something to strive for can be very motivating.

• Building a support network: Surround yourself with supportive friends and family who understand what you’re going through and can offer help and encouragement.

• Avoiding triggers: Stay away from situations or people that might tempt you to use Adderall again. Finding new, healthy activities can help fill the gap left by the drug.

• Learning new skills: Picking up new hobbies or skills can keep your mind busy and provide a sense of achievement. This can be anything from learning to cook, picking up a new sport, or starting a creative project.

• Stress management: Learning how to manage stress through techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing can help you handle difficult situations without turning to drugs.

Sticking with these long-term strategies can help ensure a successful recovery from Adderall withdrawal. Take it one day at a time and seek help whenever you need it.

ADHD Medication Withdrawal | FAQs

Is there any kind of ADHD medication that does not cause withdrawal when you stop taking it?

Yes, non-stimulant ADHD medications like Strattera (atomoxetine) and Intuniv (guanfacine) typically do not cause withdrawal symptoms when discontinued.

Is Adderall XR withdrawal different from instant-release Adderall withdrawal?

Yes, Adderall XR (extended-release) tends to have a longer and more gradual withdrawal period than the immediate and often more intense withdrawal symptoms of instant-release Adderall.

What is the fastest way to get over withdrawal from Adderall?

The fastest and safest way to manage Adderall withdrawal is to taper off the medication under medical supervision, combined with supportive therapies and healthy lifestyle practices.