Adderall is a prescription stimulant used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall is composed of two Schedule II controlled substances: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The medication increases alertness and energy by stimulating the central nervous system. 

Despite its success in treating ADHD, Adderall is commonly misused and can lead to dependence and addiction. When someone develops an Adderall dependence and then stops using the drug, unpleasant withdrawal symptoms can occur due to chemical imbalances within the body. Although the symptoms and duration of withdrawal can vary, understanding the general timeline of Adderall withdrawal is essential for those preparing to quit the drug.

Adderall Withdrawal Timeline Overview

The duration and severity of Adderall withdrawal symptoms is different for every person. However, a typical timeline for Adderall withdrawal symptoms may help individuals know what to expect before withdrawing. 

Once the stimulant effects of Adderall begin to wear off, the initial phase of withdrawal begins. This initial phase, or “crash,” is then followed by a wave of secondary symptoms. A typical timeline for Adderall withdrawal symptoms may follow this example:

• Within 24 hours of the last dose: Withdrawal symptoms start
• Within one to three days of the last dose: Withdrawal symptoms continue
• Within three to five days of the last dose: Withdrawal symptoms begin to lessen

Most withdrawal symptoms resolve within a week. However, some people experience an additional phase of prolonged withdrawal after stopping a stimulant like Adderall. Protracted withdrawal symptoms are usually psychological in nature, but there is little research specifically about protracted withdrawal from Adderall.

Factors Affecting the Withdrawal Timeline

Many different factors can influence how quickly your Adderall withdrawal resolves. While some of these factors are related to the drug itself, others are linked to your physiology. They include:

• Your Adderall dose
• How often you take Adderall
• How long you have been addicted to Adderall
• Your age and overall health
• Your nutritional status
• If you have any underlying mental or physical health issues
• If you are addicted to any other substances besides Adderall

In general, the younger and healthier the person, the more stamina they will have to overcome withdrawal more quickly.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms 

Adderall withdrawal symptoms can be challenging to overcome, and they can be both mental and physical in nature. Symptoms can occur at any time during the withdrawal process. Some common Adderall withdrawal symptoms include:

• Depression
• Reduced emotional reactions
• Agitation
• Tiredness and fatigue
• Vivid dreams or nightmares
• Sleep changes
• Increased appetite
• Cognitive slowing
• Reduced physical movement

Adderall Withdrawal Severest Symptoms

Some Adderall withdrawal symptoms can be more dangerous. This is especially true if you take high doses of Adderall, as it puts you at risk of severe psychiatric withdrawal symptoms. These include:

• Psychosis
• Paranoia
• Disordered thoughts 
• Hallucinations

Early Adderall Withdrawal: The First 24 Hours

Adderall withdrawal symptoms tend to start within a day of stopping the medication. This is because most dosage forms of Adderall are short-acting, so the medication does not stay in your body for long. Your brain and body adapt to Adderall’s presence when you take it on a regular basis, meaning that as the drug leaves your system, withdrawal symptoms may begin. If you take extremely high doses of Adderall, your first withdrawal symptom may be a “crash,” or a period of excessive fatigue.

Acute Adderall Withdrawal Phase: Days 1 to 3

Days one through three are the peak time for Adderall withdrawal symptoms. Any withdrawal symptoms can occur during this time and can vary in severity. It is important to have medical support during this time because the unpleasantness of withdrawal symptoms may lead to a relapse.

Later Adderall Withdrawal Phase: Days 3 to 5

Adderall withdrawal symptoms tend to wane during days three through five and are generally resolved within a week of Adderall withdrawal. You may notice your withdrawal symptoms slowly improve during this time, and you may start to feel better.

Long-term Adderall Recovery

Although prolonged withdrawal symptoms for Adderall have not been specifically studied, some withdrawal symptoms, like depression, can persist for weeks or even months. These protracted withdrawal symptoms may resolve in time with continued sobriety from Adderall.

Why Does Adderall Cause Withdrawal?

When you take Adderall regularly over a long period of time, your body becomes accustomed to the drug’s presence. When your body and brain adapt to Adderall’s presence, they can begin to rely on it in order to feel normal. 

Adderall dependence alters the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in your brain. If you suddenly stop taking Adderall, your body will need to quickly adjust these levels because the drug is no longer present to keep them functioning normally. This shock to the system is what often causes uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms to occur after a person quits Adderall. 

How Long Does Adderall Withdrawal Last? 

Adderall withdrawal timeframes can vary greatly, and no two people will have the same experience. That said, Adderall withdrawal generally lasts up to five days. However, some people may have protracted withdrawal symptoms that last for a longer timeframe. 

It is important to note that Adderall exists in both long-acting and short-acting forms. However, little information is available on whether withdrawal differs between the two dosage forms. Still, there is some suspicion that short-acting Adderall may have a higher withdrawal risk than the longer-acting version. 

Adderall Detox

Although some people attempt to detox from Adderall and ride out withdrawal symptoms on their own at home, it is much safer to detox from Adderall under medical supervision. When you are admitted to a medical detox facility, you can receive around-the-clock care from doctors and nurses while managing withdrawal symptoms. This can help you detox in the safest and most comfortable way possible. Sometimes, medications can also be provided in medical detox to ease Adderall withdrawal symptoms.

Adderall Withdrawal Medications

Stimulant withdrawal syndromes are generally treated with observation. However, although there are no specific FDA-approved medications for stimulant withdrawal, some medications can be prescribed to help ease Adderall withdrawal symptoms. These include:

• Sleep medications like temazepam (Restoril) for insomnia
• Anxiety medications like diazepam (Valium) for anxiety, agitation or restlessness

In addition, psychiatric symptoms like hallucinations, paranoia and psychosis can be treated with antipsychotic medications until the person recovers. 

Get Help for Adderall Withdrawal in Orlando, FL

Adderall detox and withdrawal are difficult to undergo without assistance. Professional Adderall withdrawal treatment may include medical detox, inpatient or outpatient rehab, medications, psychotherapy and support groups.

Medical professionals generally recommend tapering off Adderall rather than abruptly quitting or going “cold turkey.” Tapering, which involves slowly decreasing the drug dosage, limits Adderall withdrawal symptoms. Professional treatment is advised when attempting Adderall detox, as it allows a medical team to design a tapering schedule and closely monitor and treat any potential withdrawal symptoms. 

An inpatient setting may be necessary if severe psychotic symptoms occur during withdrawal. Medications such as antidepressants and antipsychotics may be useful in treating depression, paranoia and anxiety during Adderall withdrawal.

Attending a comprehensive addiction treatment program on an inpatient or outpatient basis is critical in managing Adderall withdrawal. Such programs provide the medical monitoring, counseling, support groups and aftercare programs often necessary for achieving long-term recovery from Adderall addiction.

If you or someone you love is struggling with Adderall addiction, the Orlando Recovery Center is here to help. Contact us today to explore your treatment options and receive the assistance you deserve.