Adderall Side Effects in Females: What You Need to Know

Adderall is the medication brand name of the combination drugs of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The Food and Drug Administration approved Adderall XR for the treatment of ADHD in adults in 2008. Adderall is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that helps to improve attention, reduce restlessness, and improve concentration in people who have ADHD. It works by increasing the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain.[1]

Adderall’s effects are felt quickly after taking it, usually within 45-60 minutes.[2] Immediate-release tablets’ effects peak in 2-3 hours and are effective for 4-6 hours, requiring them to be taken multiple times daily. Extended-release tablets’ effects peak in 4-7 hours and are effective for 12 hours, requiring them to be taken daily.

Key Points

• Adderall is a drug made from amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
• Adderall has numerous side effects, some of which are specific to women.
• A woman’s hormonal cycle can impact her symptoms of ADHD and the effectiveness of her ADHD medication.
• More research is needed on how women experience ADHD and what treatments are most successful in managing ADHD symptoms for women.

General Side Effects of Adderall

Adderall has many common side effects, including:[3]

• stomach pain
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• mood changes
• feeling nervous
• fast heart rate
• headache
• dizziness
• insomnia
• dry mouth

Adderall has the following potential serious side effects:[4]

• Heart problems, which could be signs of a heart attack: chest pain, trouble breathing, feeling lightheaded, or fainting.
• Psychosis: hallucinations, behavior problems, aggression, hostility, paranoia
• Circulation problems: numbness, pain, cold feeling, unexplained wounds, changes in the skin color of your fingers or toes
• Seizures or convulsions
• Muscle twitches or  tics
• Vision changes

Experiencing any side effects should be taken seriously, and you should contact your healthcare provider immediately to discuss the risks versus benefits of continuing to take Adderall.

Specific Adderall Side Effects in Females

Some side effects of Adderall are specific to females. Women taking Adderall should be aware of these specific potential effects.

The Menstrual Cycle

Research is finally addressing the differences in symptoms and treatment of ADHD in girls and women compared to boys and men. Emerging research is finding the menstrual cycle and changing hormone levels impact the symptoms of ADHD and the effectiveness of stimulant medications.[5]

Studies have found that during their premenstrual week, women with ADHD reported a general decrease in overall mood and well-being and an increase in:

• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD symptoms

Numerous women who were on ADHD medications reported them to be ineffective or less effective during their premenstrual week and the first couple of days of their menstrual cycle.[6] One study looked at increasing the dose of ADHD medication during their premenstrual week among women who reported difficulties focusing, decreased concentration and productivity, increased brain fog, and decreased self-control (increased arguments, binge eating, and other impulsive behaviors). As part of the study, every woman who received an increase in medication during their premenstrual week reported improved premenstrual mood and decreased ADHD symptoms, including improved concentration, focus productivity, and emotional regulation.[7] One drawback is that one of Adderall’s side effects can be stomach pain, which can lead to worse menstrual cramping.

So far, the link research has found on the interplay between female hormones and ADHD symptoms and treatment is that estrogen boosts the effectiveness of stimulants while progesterone decreases the effectiveness.[8]

Pregnancy

Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD medications for women, and overall, ADHD medications are often taken throughout pregnancy. Medications are most frequently taken during the first trimester before becoming aware of being pregnant. Most women discontinue their ADHD medications once they are aware of being pregnant and have discussed the risks versus benefits of continuing their medications with their healthcare provider.

Adderall is categorized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a pregnancy category C, which means that risk to the fetus cannot be ruled out, and there are no well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use in pregnant women despite potential risks. While there are no significant human studies, animal studies have shown negative effects on the fetus. For some women, the benefits may outweigh the risks based on the severity of their symptoms.[9]

While research is limited on the impact of Adderall on the developing fetus, there have been some identified risks. These include congenital malformations such as intestines or organs developing outside the body, missing limbs, and congenital heart defects.[10]

Mothers who use amphetamines throughout their pregnancy increase the risks for their babies to experience premature birth, lower birth weight, and withdrawal symptoms.[11]

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is not recommended during Adderall treatment, as it is excreted into breast milk and can potentially impact the child’s neurological development.[12] In addition, there is some evidence that Adderall can reduce the mother’s milk production, especially among mothers who are already struggling with milk production.

Other Considerations for Females and Adderall Effects

• Weight Loss: Adderall has the potential side effects of suppressing a person’s appetite and increasing how quickly they burn calories, which can then lead to weight loss. This has caused Adderall to be misused by some people as a weight loss drug.
• Cardiac Health: Adderall and other stimulants have been linked to heart attacks and other cardiovascular problems. If you have a family history of heart disease, you should discuss this with your doctor and complete any recommended cardiac testing before starting Adderall.
• Low Libido: Adderall can decrease your interest in sex and cause low libido. If this is a side effect you are experiencing and it is impacting your quality of life, have a conversation with your healthcare provider to explore options that may include decreasing your medication or finding an alternative medication.

Understanding Potential Side Effects of Adderall for Females

Adderall is a common and effective treatment for ADHD in women. However, it can have serious side effects you should be aware of. Women may experience differences in how they process Adderall throughout their menstrual cycle. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should be aware of the potential effects Adderall can have in utero on their babies. Based on this, women should work closely with their healthcare provider to determine the best approach to treating their ADHD.