Adderall Effects on Personality and Behavior

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What you will learn

• Adderall is a commonly prescribed drug to improve focus, attention, and productivity in people with ADHD.
• Adderall personality changes may include irritability, hostility, depression, and mood swings.
• Though rare, some people experience psychosis symptoms while taking Adderall.
• Misusing or abusing Adderall can increase the risk of adverse effects, including the risk of addiction.

Adderall is a stimulant medication that’s often prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. While it can have positive effects on focus, attention span, and productivity, it can also cause personality changes like anxiety, mood swings, irritability, and depression symptoms.

Learn more about Adderall medication’s impact on personality and behavior and how to use it responsibly.

What Is Adderall and What Is It Used For?

Adderall is a stimulant medication that contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It’s available with a prescription and is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. The combination of central nervous system stimulants increases dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain, which can improve the symptoms of ADHD.[1]

While Adderall can be effective for people with ADHD, it’s also a powerful stimulant that has the potential for misuse, abuse, and addiction – especially if it’s used for long periods or at higher doses than prescribed.

Adderall Personality Changes

Adderall can cause positive personality changes, such as improved executive function and better focus and concentration. However, the same effects that improve the symptoms of ADHD can also cause personality changes – both positive and negative.

Typically, people on Adderall see improvements in their ADHD symptoms and better function in their lives. However, there can be negative personality effects like irritability, anger, mood swings, and symptoms of depression.[2]

Adderall is also used to treat narcolepsy by improving alertness, but that may come with insomnia and personality changes that are associated with sleep disturbances. In this case, it’s not directly the Adderall itself but its effects on sleep. Poor sleep patterns can cause personality effects like unstable moods and increased anxiety.[3]

While on the drug, the personality changes can seem dramatic. However, they often subside after the person stops taking Adderall. The drug doesn’t change someone’s personality permanently.

Behavioral Changes with Adderall

Adderall can affect behaviors as well because it’s used to reduce the disruptive symptoms of ADHD, like poor concentration and focus. With treatment, the behaviors associated with ADHD symptoms may improve.

There are potential negative behavioral effects, however. Some people may have a low appetite, chronic fatigue, capricious moods, and in extreme cases, wildly unpredictable or out-of-character behaviors.[4]

Effects of Adderall on the Brain

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that affects the neurotransmitters in the brain. Regular use can have both short-term and long-term effects. Short-term use can increase energy, focus, and alertness, but that may come with nervousness, sleep disturbances, and mood changes.

The side effects of Adderall can vary between individuals based on different factors. In many cases, the side effects subside after a week or two as the body adjusts to the presence of the drug.

Some rare and serious side effects may occur, such as symptoms of psychosis with hallucinations or delusions.[5] These side effects can be dangerous, so you must speak to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience them.

Adderall can cause euphoria, but that often fades over time. Long-term Adderall use can cause fatigue, panic, irritability, anxiety, and other emotional changes.[6] Tolerance can develop over time, which is when you need higher doses of the drug to produce the same effects.

Adderall is an addictive stimulant, but physical dependence can occur without an addiction. This happens when your body becomes accustomed to having the drug and relies on it to function properly. With Adderall, the brain will produce less dopamine over time, leading to withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking it or reduce your dose significantly.

Are Adderall Effects on Personality Permanent?

Adderall alters brain chemistry while you’re taking it by affecting how the brain uses neurotransmitters. With responsible use of Adderall, these effects are likely reversible. However, prolonged use or misuse can increase the likelihood of permanent changes.

There can be physical effects from Adderall use, but more so with abuse and misuse, such as irreversible heart damage.[7] It’s crucial to take Adderall exactly as prescribed by your doctor, never more often or at higher doses, and to only take Adderall that’s been prescribed for you.

Is Adderall Addictive?

Adderall is a stimulant drug with the potential for abuse and addiction. While people can take Adderall without developing an addiction, taking it for long periods or at higher doses than prescribed can quickly lead to tolerance, dependence, and, finally, addiction.

If you take Adderall that isn’t prescribed to you, the risk of addiction is much higher. Some people abuse Adderall as a weight loss aid, a study aid, or a recreational drug, increasing the risk.

Signs of Adderall Abuse and Addiction

Adderall addiction is considered a stimulant use disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The criteria for this disorder include the following signs of Adderall abuse:[8]

• Taking Adderall in higher doses or for longer periods than prescribed
• Trying to stop or reduce Adderall use without success
• Spending time getting, using, or recovering from Adderall
• Intense cravings for Adderall
• Adderall use that impacts home, school, or work
• Continued Adderall use despite interpersonal problems
• Ignoring activities and responsibilities to use Adderall
• Increased risk-taking activities under the influence of Adderall

Treatment for Adderall Addiction

Adderall can be safe when used as prescribed under the supervision of a doctor. However, it’s still a drug with the potential for abuse and addiction, especially if you misuse it. The higher your dose or the longer you use the drug, the more likely addiction and significant personality or behavioral changes will be.

Whether you’re taking Adderall as prescribed or struggling with an Adderall addiction, you mustn’t try to quit Adderall on your own. Quitting Adderall “cold turkey” if you are dependent can cause intense withdrawal symptoms. Though they’re not usually life-threatening, these symptoms can be challenging to overcome and may cause you to relapse to find relief.

The best way to stop taking Adderall is with a taper schedule under the supervision of medical professionals. This method slowly “weans” you off of the drug and minimizes the severity of your withdrawal symptoms.

Medical detox offers a safe and comfortable environment to taper off Adderall under the supervision of a medical team. If you have an Adderall addiction, you can enter an Adderall addiction treatment program to confront the psychological effects of addiction and learn healthier habits.

Get Help for Adderall Addiction

Adderall can be effective for treating ADHD, but it can also cause personality changes, such as unpredictable mood swings. Responsible use of Adderall can reduce the risk of negative personality and behavioral changes, so it’s important to take Adderall as prescribed. If you’re developing an Adderall addiction, seek treatment to detox from the drug safely and get help for the root causes of addiction.