Adderall withdrawal can bring low mood, fatigue, sleep changes, increased appetite, and cravings after you stop or cut back. The experience varies, but you do not need to handle severe depression or thoughts of self-harm alone: call, text, or chat 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline now, or call 911 in an emergency.
Talk with your prescriber before stopping a prescribed stimulant or taking a break. A clinician can review why you take it, other medicines and substances you use, your mood, and the safest next step for your situation.
What can Adderall withdrawal feel like?
Stimulant withdrawal is commonly described as a drop in energy and mood after the medication is stopped or reduced. Symptoms can include fatigue, low mood, sleep changes, increased appetite, cravings, irritability, and trouble focusing. Depression and suicidal thoughts are the symptoms that need the fastest response.
| Change you may notice | What to do next |
|---|---|
| Low mood, irritability, or loss of motivation | Tell your prescriber. Call or text 988 right away if you have thoughts of suicide or self-harm. |
| Fatigue or sleeping much more or less | Let your prescriber know, especially if it makes basic daily tasks hard. |
| Increased appetite or cravings | Bring this up in your conversation about a plan and support. |
| Chest pain, trouble breathing, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or a very fast heartbeat | Call 911 or go to an emergency department. |
Stimulant withdrawal is generally not medically dangerous in the same way alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal can be, but mood symptoms can still become urgent. MedlinePlus on alcohol withdrawal lists seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, and irregular heartbeats as emergency signs. The FDA says suddenly stopping benzodiazepines can cause serious withdrawal reactions, including seizures; see its benzodiazepine safety information.
How long does Adderall withdrawal last?
There is no single timeline that fits everyone. The agency pages supplied for this guide do not give a fixed Adderall withdrawal timeline. How long symptoms last can differ with your prescribed treatment, your health, your mental health, and whether other substances are involved.
Instead of trying to match your experience to a calendar online, contact your prescriber when you decide you want to stop, have already stopped, or notice mood symptoms. They can help you decide what follow-up and support fit your needs. No one should adjust a prescribed medicine on their own.
What if you stopped ADHD medicine cold turkey?
If you have stopped unexpectedly, contact the prescriber who manages your ADHD medicine and explain what changed and how you feel. Do not make a dose-change plan from an article. A clinician can assess your symptoms, medication history, and mental health, then set and supervise any plan.
“Adderall eyes” is not a medical term defined in the sources for this page. If you notice a new eye change, confusion, chest pain, trouble breathing, or a fast heartbeat, seek medical care rather than trying to interpret it online.
Is Adderall hard to get off of?
It can feel difficult when fatigue, low mood, cravings, or a return of attention problems get in the way. Difficulty does not mean you have failed or that help is out of reach. SAMHSA describes withdrawal management as one part of a larger recovery process, with ongoing support and care often important after the immediate symptoms.
If you are worried about dependence, a clinician can discuss your use without judgment and help connect you with appropriate care. SAMHSA’s National Helpline is free, confidential, available 24/7 in English and Spanish at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). You can also text 435748 or use FindTreatment.gov to locate services.
Should you take breaks from Adderall?
Do not start a medication break on your own. Ask your prescriber whether a break makes sense for the reason you take Adderall and what they want you to watch for. This is especially important if you have noticed mood changes, have used more than prescribed, or use alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other substances.
How is stimulant withdrawal different from alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal?
Withdrawal is not the same across substances. Alcohol withdrawal can become life-threatening, according to MedlinePlus. The FDA also warns that abruptly stopping benzodiazepines can lead to serious reactions, including seizures. If alcohol, opioids, or benzodiazepines are also part of the picture, get medical care rather than trying to manage withdrawal alone.
For a related discussion of one separate substance and benzodiazepine withdrawal, see our benzodiazepine withdrawal page. Do not use a supplement, herb, CBD, THC, kratom, or a “withdrawal” product as a substitute for medical guidance. For another example of why a common home product still deserves careful review, see apple cider vinegar side effects.
What about Japan, TSA, and travel with Adderall?
Rules about stimulant medicines, including rules in Japan and airport screening practices, can change. Before travel, ask your prescriber or pharmacist what documentation you need and check the current rules for your destination and carrier. Do not rely on an old social post or video for a current travel rule.
What to do next
- Contact your prescriber before making any change to prescribed Adderall.
- Call 911 for seizures, confusion, hallucinations, chest pain, trouble breathing, a very fast heartbeat, severe vomiting, or another emergency.
- Call, text, or chat 988 for suicidal thoughts, self-harm thoughts, or a mental health crisis.
- For treatment and local support, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), text 435748, or use SAMHSA’s help page.
By MeridianMedicalCentre.com Health Research Team
This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your doctor or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health routine.