Is it normal for adderall to make you tired

Have you been feeling stressed and overly tired lately? Have you been told it may be because of the medication you take for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD? While there may be some connection, the question is often asked as to whether Adderall can cause adrenal fatigue or whether adrenal fatigue is an actual condition.

Some people refer to a condition called adrenal fatigue and associate it with the idea that adrenal glands can get overworked when you are stressed. The concept is that the glands then stop producing the hormones you need, including cortisol.

However, medical experts, including endocrinologists , say that the idea of an adrenal fatigue is a medical myth. There is a true medical condition called chronic adrenal insufficiency, which causes fatigue in addition to joint pain, anorexia, diarrhea, low blood pressure, weight loss, and dry skin.

This condition is diagnosed by a blood test that measures cortisol levels. However, chronic adrenal insufficiency should not be confused with adrenal fatigue. When you take Adderall, it may cause you to feel sleepy or exceptionally relaxed. You may confuse this state with fatigue. However, Adderall cannot cause adrenal fatigue, which is a condition that has been debunked by healthcare professionals. Adderall is a stimulant that works to boost your levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, which are neurotransmitters in your brain that help to calm and relax you.

You will then be able to focus better. However, sometimes it can cause you to be so relaxed that you feel drowsy. This condition may be confused with fatigue. Excessive sleepiness can also be caused by Adderall withdrawal that is not medically supervised.

When you are stressed, you may feel very tired. Fatigue is more than just being tired, though, as it can actually make it hard to even get out of bed in the morning. Your fatigue may not have anything to do with your use of Adderall. Rather, true fatigue can be the result of a number of lifestyle factors and health conditions, including:. While Adderall has not been shown to cause adrenal fatigue, there are some drugs and medications that can lead to a feeling of fatigue or exhaustion, including anxiety medications, steroids, antihistamines, sedatives, and some antidepressants.

Your activity level can also lead to a feeling of exhaustion. If you are very tired, you may not feel like exercising and that can lead to more fatigue. When you stop exercising completely, you become deconditioned and that makes it more difficult to complete any type of physical activity.

On other hand, if you participate in intense or prolonged physical activity, you can feel fatigued afterward. You may worry that you have adrenal fatigue because of your continued use of Adderall and because of the symptoms you feel.

However, adrenal fatigue is not a verified medical condition so if you feel tired and fatigued every day, are having trouble waking up in the morning, or find that it is more difficult for you to handle your stress, it is not because of adrenal fatigue caused by Adderall.

However, if you are concerned about your dependence on this medication, treatment options are available. You can be proactive in managing your symptoms. Take care of your mental health to start. Establish a routine that will help you manage your stress more effectively so that you are prepared when your stress level increases because of a life change or other challenging situation.

Get enough quality sleep. Limit your caffeine intake, exercise regularly, and maintain a regular sleep routine. Reduce or eliminate the stimuli in your bedroom, such as your smartphone or television, that can interrupt a healthy sleep pattern.

When you experience depression and anxiety that affects your mood and energy levels, consult with a medical professional to determine the true cause of these issues. For example, your blood sugar may be too high or too low, which can impact your energy level.

Or you may need treatment for another underlying cause of your fatigue. A few tips can help reduce or prevent side effects:. Take the dose as prescribed and read the medication guide or patient instructions that come with the medicine.

For maximum benefit, take Adderall daily unless directed otherwise. Adderall can be taken with or without food. Above all, do not increase the dose or use the medication for another purpose, such as weight loss or studying. The first Adderall dose should be taken upon waking in the morning. Adderall XR should only be taken in the morning. To prevent sleeplessness, a common complaint of Adderall users, avoid taking doses late in the afternoon or early evening.

Adderall XR should not be taken in the afternoon. Because of the risk of side effects, you should tell your prescribing doctor or healthcare provider about:. The most common alkalinizing agents are antacids. They should be avoided outright when taking Adderall. Insomnia is one of the most common side effects of Adderall.

However, get professional medical advice first. Taking a medication holiday may not be appropriate for some people.

Skip to main content Search for a topic or drug. Adderall side effects and how to avoid them Decreased appetite, dry mouth, and trouble sleeping are common Adderall side effects, which are usually temporary.

However, long-term use of Adderall could cause some more lasting side effects. By SingleCare Team Apr. Top Reads in Drug Info. Can you mix Trintellix and alcohol? Does hydroxyzine for anxiety work? Do coffee and Zoloft mix? Treating heartburn during pregnancy Oct. Looking for a prescription? Medical Disclaimer All content found on our website, including: text, images, audio, or other formats were created for informational purposes only.

The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this Website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, go to the emergency department, or call immediately.

Some of the other possible side effects of Adderall in some without ADHD can include: Headaches Loss of appetite Jitteriness Increased blood pressure Insomnia Heart palpitations Over time, chronic Adderall abuse can cause a person to develop a tolerance and dependence on the drug.

Withdrawal Symptoms Of Adderall Misuse A person that has become addicted to Adderall will be dependent on the medication to be alert and productive. Here are some of the common withdrawal symptoms of Adderall: Oversleeping Insomnia Increased appetite Fatigue Depression Headaches Nightmares Anxiety Difficulty concentrating Achiness Suicidal thoughts The withdrawal symptoms from Adderall have reversed effects of what taking the drug does to you.

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