Adderall is a brand name for a stimulant drug made from dextroamphetamine (amphetamine) and dextroamphetamine. Adderall treats ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and Narcolepsy.
Adderall is a medication that can prescribed to people with ADHD. It can help them with symptoms such as difficulty regulating their focus, lack of impulse control, and restlessness.
This article discusses how Adderall can cause irritability, anger, and other side effects. It also explains how to deal with these symptoms, when to seek help, and how to avoid them.
Adderall and Irritation: What Causes It?
Adderall is a stimulant drug. It helps people to feel more alert and energetic. The brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine are affected by the changes.
- Dopamine is a substance that helps to motivate and give a feeling of reward for completing or engaging in tasks. Too much dopamine may increase aggression and decrease impulse control. Low levels of dopamine can affect your motivation and excitement. 4
- Norepinephrine helps to increase alertness and concentration. Norepinephrine is a chemical that can increase anxiety.
- Serotonin affects the brain’s pleasure, stress, fear, temperature, sleep, and addiction. Serotonin levels can cause a person to feel agitated.
High levels of irritability or anger often plague people with ADHD. Adderall is adequate for most people in reducing emotional reactions related to ADHD. If irritability worsens with Adderall, you may need to change your medication or dosage.
Adderall comes in different types.
Adderall comes in two different types:
- Immediate release: tablets that last between four and six hours
- Extended-release capsules (XR): Capsules lasting 8 to 10 hours
Adderall is addictive to some people. It’s best to follow the prescription. Tolerance occurs when a more significant dose is required for the same effects.
Adderall Withdrawal
Adderall withdrawal symptoms (when you stop or reduce the drug) may also irritate. Adderall withdrawal symptoms can occur in adults and children when: 10
- Lowering a dose
- Stopping medication abruptly
- Change their medication
Talk to your healthcare provider to develop a plan for a safe Adderall withdrawal.
Signs and symptoms of increased irritability and anger
Adderall can cause irritability, anger, and rage.
- Frustration levels high
- Reactions that are out of proportion to the situation
- Outbursts of anger
- Picking at skin
- Fatigue
- Feeling restless or agitated
- Nervousness
- Lack of appetite
- Self-harm
Manage Irritability & Anger
Consult your doctor if you notice a child’s or adult’s irritability is due to Adderall. He may recommend:
- Change the type of Adderall (such as from immediate release to extended release).
- Change the time of taking the medication
- Reducing dosage
- Switching to a different medication like Ritalin (a stimulant derived from the chemical methylphenidate)
Some studies have shown that ADHD can cause increased anger and irritability. Around 70% of those with ADHD will likely feel more impatient, emotionally excitable, and frustrated than others. People with ADHD may also be more likely to receive anger from others.
The following techniques can help manage ADHD-related irritability or anger:
- Mindfulness: Being in the moment with your emotions without judging them. Researchers have discovered that mindfulness exercises like counting down and breathing can help adults and children with ADHD.
- Set a schedule. Sleeping constantly and eating healthily can help manage anger and reduce the likelihood of an angry outburst.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).:. CBT is an approach to psychotherapy that focuses primarily on the thoughts and behaviors that drive them. CBT may help people living with ADHD manage their emotions more helpfully. 14
- Social Skills Therapy: Learning to label emotions and work on relationships can help with ADHD-related irritation.
- Stress management: Limiting stressful situations, taking breaks, or changing stressful environments. 14 8
- Labeling feelings: Children with ADHD may find it challenging to label emotions because they do not know how. Adults with ADHD, on the other hand, might take longer to label emotions accurately.
When to Consult a Health Care Provider
If you are feeling irritable due to Adderall, contact your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may recommend the following:
- Lowering dosage
- Change of medication
- Adderall types: switching is possible
- Change medication time
You should only change or stop your medication if your doctor has instructed you.
Adderall Side Effects
Adderall can also cause the following side effects: 3 7
- Anxiety or nervousness
- Blood pressure increases
- Heart rate increases
- Headache
- Dry Mouth
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Reduced appetite
Adderall can cause the following side effects that require immediate medical attention:
- Dizziness
- Numbness and tingling of the arms or legs
- Tics, teeth grinding
- Slow speech
- Hallucinations, paranoia, or suspicion?
- The following are some of the ways to reduce your risk:
- Blistering, rashes, or bruises on the skin
- Itching, hives, or swelling
- Changes in Vision
- Trouble swallowing or breathing
- Hoarseness of voice
You can read more about it here:
Adderall is a brand name of a stimulant drug made from dextroamphetamine (dextroamphetamine) and amphetamine. This medication is prescribed to ADHD patients to help them regulate their focus, control impulses, and reduce restlessness.
Adderall may cause irritability for some people. This usually indicates that their dosage is too high or they must switch medications. The brain chemicals serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine fluctuate, causing irritability. Adderall withdrawal may also lead to irritability.
Contact your doctor for help in managing irritability caused by Adderall. You may need to adjust the dosage, timing, or medication. Other practices can also help to reduce irritability related to ADHD, such as mindfulness, CBT, and social skills therapy.
Very well: A Word of Advice
Adderall is helpful for many people to manage ADHD symptoms. Adderall may increase anger or irritability in some people. Talking to your healthcare provider about modifying a dosage could help reduce Adderall side effects. Changes in medication, including other stimulants such as Ritalin or Adderall, can also help manage side effects.
Adderall won’t cause irritability when taken as prescribed. If you are unsure how your medication makes you feel, you can try other options to manage your symptoms.
