It’s possible to develop a physical dependence on Adderall if you take it frequently and in high doses. As a result, a tolerance develops, requiring larger and more frequent doses to produce the same results as before.
Some who have developed a tolerance to Adderall frequently feel that the drug no longer improves their ability to focus or gives them more energy. They can’t think or behave normally if they stop taking the medication, though.
The early phases of withdrawal are at this point. Only those who regularly took high doses over a long period of time experience withdrawal.
Adderall withdrawal symptoms is a result of the body recalibrating itself to function without the drug. While withdrawal from Adderall is rarely dangerous on its own, it may prompt suicidal thoughts for some.
Your doctor may have prescribed Adderall (the brand name for the medicine amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) if you suffer from attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in order to help you focus and concentrate. It raises dopamine levels in the brain, which are important for attention and focus.
Your dopamine levels decline when you stop using the medicine, and your body and brain must adapt to the shift. When used as directed, most people don’t experience any problems if they take a break from it. However, if you use it excessively or consume too much of it, you can have certain side effects.
Adderall is a powerful CNS (central nervous system) stimulant used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy. Regular use of Adderall can lead to dependence, and abrupt cessation or reduction of the drug can result in withdrawal syndrome. Adderall withdrawal symptoms can vary from one person to another based on several factors, including the frequency and amount of use, duration of use, and individual characteristics such as age, gender, and mental health status. Here are some common Adderall withdrawal symptoms
It is essential to seek medical guidance when discontinuing Adderall to avoid severe withdrawal and relapse. Adderall withdrawal symptoms A healthcare provider may gradually taper off the dose or prescribe alternative medication to manage withdrawal symptoms. In addition, a structured rehabilitation program may help individuals overcome addiction to Adderall and prevent relapse.
Former Adderall addict and writer Kate Miller explained how withdrawal from Adderall made her feel slow and mentally foggy.
“Without the drug I felt stupid, unable to focus or follow a thought through to completion. I was shy, and unwilling to initiate conversation. The witty, articulate woman I once was seemed to no longer exist. I felt dumb, out of it. I spoke slowly because it took immense effort to gather and express coherent thoughts.- Kate Miller
Effects of Adderall Addiction
Although Adderall is a legal form of amphetamine and is generally prescribed to patients with ADHD to help them focus and concentrate, it can be misused and very addicting. Adderall boosts levels of dopamine, a key player when it comes to maintaining focus and attention. Those dopamine levels drop when you stop taking the drug, causing your body and brain to adjust to the change.
Most people who take it as directed don’t have any issues when they quit. But if you use it too often or too much, you may notice effects when you stop.
How Long Do the Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms Last?
Adderall withdrawal symptoms typically appear a day or two after you stop taking it. Depending on the individual, they could endure anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
Your body and brain may have grown accustomed to the drug if you’ve used it for a prolonged period of time. It may be more difficult to discontinue the more frequently you took it.
Other factors that may affect the duration and severity of your symptoms include:
your ancestry
Your medical background, particularly your mental health
the history of addiction in your family
Duration Of Withdrawal
The duration of Adderall withdrawal symptoms will be different for everyone. Some people may stop experiencing symptoms in as little as 5 days, whereas it may take 3 weeks or more for others.
The biggest factors that affect the duration of withdrawal are the dose, frequency, and time someone took Adderall. People who took larger doses more frequently and for a longer period of time can expect withdrawal symptoms to last longer.
Prolonged Withdrawal Symptoms – Adderall Vs. Adderall XR
Instant and extended release Adderall are the 2 most popular varieties. While Adderall XR (extended release) is intended for continuous usage, regular Adderall is an instant-release medication that typically lasts for up to 6 hours. For these medicines, the length of withdrawal varies.
Regular Adderall withdrawal symptoms leaves the body quite rapidly because its effects begin instantly and last for several hours. However, Adderall XR accumulates and stays in the body for a longer period of time.
As opposed to Adderall XR, typical Adderall users experience withdrawal symptoms earlier.
Additionally, because the body needs more time to detox from Adderall XR, withdrawal may continue weeks longer than with regular Adderall.
Prolonged Withdrawal Symptoms – Adderall Vs. Adderall XR
Adderall Withdrawal Timeline
First 6-36 hrs.
The first signs of withdrawal can show up within the first few hours after the last dose. Many people experience the crash of stimulant withdrawal during this period, marked by intense depression and fatigue.
Days 3-5
Symptoms intensify during the first week. Intense feelings of irritability, depression and fatigue are common. Some people also experience headaches and nightmares. This is typically the height of withdrawal intensity.
Days 5-7
Symptoms of withdrawal begin fading after about 5 days. Many people still feel moody and incapable of functioning normally in social settings, but they start feeling better during this time. Minor psychological symptoms, such as mild depression, may continue after this period but are far less severe.
Weeks 3-4
In some cases, people have reported feeling the effects of withdrawal from Adderall weeks after their last dose. This can happen to people who have a high tolerance and have been using the drug for more than a year.
