HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Are The Side Effects Of Adderall?

default
Posted on Sat, 8 Nov 2014
Question: I am on 30mg of adderall twice a day and while it helps me extremely with work and focus, I have noticed that I have no energy or will to do anything active. Is this normal? I was wondering if there was anything else that could be taken alongside adderall to help with these symptoms?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome

I appreciate your concern.

Lack of energy or feelings of inactivity can be abnormal if the phase is prolonged and should warrant a workup of the cause responsible for such symptoms.

Anemia should ruled out initially by doing a CBC. Fatigue is a side effect having significant effect in up to 4 % of patients using Adderall. Sleep deprivation or inadequate sleep can lead to similar outcomes.

A XXXXXXX mental state exam to ascertain associated anxiety and depression should be undertaken in consult with your doctor.

Yoga and deep breathing exercises and meditation in the morning can boost your energy levels and enhance your capacity for that day.

You inquired about any additional medication that can be indicated in such a case , that will depend upon whether you have any deficiency or associated disorder. Empirically , a one month course of multi vitamins like Theragran ultra may be used to see for improvement.

Let me know if you have any query

wishing you best of health

Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)
I have been tested and do not have anemia but have been diagnosed with anxiety and depression. I was wondering if it is common for people to take adderall and 5-htp to help with energy and mood?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Explained

Detailed Answer:
Hello again,

Adderall is mainly indicated in ADHD and Narcolepsy. It is mainly categorized as a stimulant drug, therefore helping with focus and attention.

5 HTP is indicated in Depression and helps in both energy and mood elevation.

There is no hard and fast rule of what the primary combination is. Initially , the combination can be started to see for a response in 6 weeks time. The dose and substitution of one of the components may then be tailored according to the response to the medication and comfort of the patient.

So, to answer your question , Yes Adderall and 5 HTP is a suitable combination to start with to help with energy and mood.

Hope this helps.



Hope I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions I
will be happy to help If you do not have
any clarifications, you can close the
discussion and rate the answer

Wish you good health.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (5 hours later)
Thanks Dr!

I have one final question. If I was a patient of yours and had these symptoms with taking adderall and it really helping me focus and get things done at work...but still having issues with my mood and physical energy what would you prescribe? Also, the adderall tends to wear off fairly quickly 2 1/2-3 hours. After that I notice the wear off and get a headache and mood even worsens.

Thanks, XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
two Queries

Detailed Answer:
hello ,

hope you have been fine.

I am here to address all your queries , please don't hesitate to discuss any issue that you feel you need to clarify. I am at your service.

If you were a patient in my clinic, I would initially start you on 10 mg Escitalopram (an SSRI) in addition to the Adderall that you are already using to counter the mood and physical energy complaints.

The escitalopram will also help with Anxiety and depression components that you described in your previous question.

As for the headache, have you checked your Blood pressure recently, if so what has been your average BP readings ?
Do you experience episodes of palpitations and shortness of breath associated with your headache ?

thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (7 hours later)
Also do you think my tiredness is coming from to high of an adderall dose?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
explained

Detailed Answer:
hi,

The Adderall dose is initially started at 5 mg od and increased by 5 to 10 mg every week. you are using 60 mg / day i.e 30 mg bd, which is quite high if the Adderall is not an extended release type.

Insomnia , headache can occur in up to 20 % of population taking Adderall. Both of which can lead to fatigue and tiredness.

So, Yes the Adderall dose is high and could very well be causing the fatigue. You may taper the dose in consult with your doctor. 5 mg / week reduction would be a good start to lower it down to no more than 40 mg / day

hope this helps.

thanks.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2012

Answered : 2906 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Are The Side Effects Of Adderall?

Brief Answer: Explained Detailed Answer: Hello and Welcome I appreciate your concern. Lack of energy or feelings of inactivity can be abnormal if the phase is prolonged and should warrant a workup of the cause responsible for such symptoms. Anemia should ruled out initially by doing a CBC. Fatigue is a side effect having significant effect in up to 4 % of patients using Adderall. Sleep deprivation or inadequate sleep can lead to similar outcomes. A XXXXXXX mental state exam to ascertain associated anxiety and depression should be undertaken in consult with your doctor. Yoga and deep breathing exercises and meditation in the morning can boost your energy levels and enhance your capacity for that day. You inquired about any additional medication that can be indicated in such a case , that will depend upon whether you have any deficiency or associated disorder. Empirically , a one month course of multi vitamins like Theragran ultra may be used to see for improvement. Let me know if you have any query wishing you best of health Thanks