Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms

When using/abusing Adderall, there comes a point and time when this stimulant is doing more damage than whatever benefits it gives. There is a possibility that your body may develop physical as well as psychological dependency on Adderall drug, especially if higher doses are taken for a longer period of time. In some cases, few Adderall withdrawal symptoms are noticed even when it is taken for a short duration. Here, in this article, we will review the major and minor withdrawal symptoms observed in cases when someone coming of physical dependence on Adderall, what's normal and what's not. But, before we understand about the withdrawal symptoms of Adderall, let us first find out the cause of this dependence.

About Adderall

Adderall is a widely used drug that is prescribed to treat ADHD in children, teens and adults. It is referred to as a composite type of medication, which means it combines two specific types of drugs. It is a combination of dextroamphetamine or Dexedrine and amphetamine.

When you take large doses of Adderall for a longer period of time, your body gets accustomed to it. High doses of adderall increase the amphetamine levels in the body, which in turn result in self-adjustment of central nervous system. Stimulants like Adderall increase the dopamine levels in the brain, which further disrupt the normal mechanism between brain cells. The nervous system adjusts to this chemical hyperactivity by reducing the normal functioning of the brain and nerve cell communication. Hence, the sudden stoppage of Adderall lowers the amphetamine levels and this leads to hypoactive state of the brain. The body builds a tolerance level to all the stimulant drugs, such as Adderall.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms-

Although withdrawal from stimulant, Adderall be uncomfortable, it is not usually life threatening or associated with medical emergencies or complications. Quitting is a long process that requires patience and determination to handle the withdrawal symptoms. The duration and severity of the symptoms will vary depending upon the length as well as the intensity of use. Longer use for extended duration may cause more difficult and prolonged symptoms. These symptoms may dissipate in a matter of weeks or may take months to completely disappear.

Physical Symptoms-

The physical symptoms of Adderall withdrawal are headaches, fatigue, excessive sweating, irregular sleeping patterns (excessive sleeping or insomnia), excessive weight gain (due to psychological eating), slow reflexes, poor concentration, restless nights and deep REM sleep with unusual vivid dreams. In severe cases, patients may experience skin defects or lesions on the skin.

Psychological symptoms-

It is common for anyone going through withdrawal symptoms to go through constant mood swings and irritability.

Chronic intoxication from Adderall can result in severe withdrawal manifestations- psychosis and personality changes.

Depression-

Sudden stoppage of Adderall can lead to lowering of dopamine levels in the body, triggering serious symptoms like depression. Imbalance in hormones, damaged neurons and receptors in brain and other physical symptoms can lead to depression. The signs and symptoms of depression can vary in severity, ranging from loss of physical and mental energy to feeling bored to suicidal thoughts.

Delayed Adderall withdrawal-

Delayed stimulant withdrawal symptoms are a normal part of recovery and return a few months after the last use of drug. These symptoms are temporary are can be endured. It includes alcohol craving, cravings and urges for Adderall, lack of interest in anything, relationship problems, spending a lot of time alone, feeling uneasy and anxious, canceled treatment appointments due to lack of interest in treatment and problems with memory.

Withdrawal symptoms that require immediate medical attention-

Though complications or severe symptoms do not occur very often, but they are not uncommon. Some signs that signal problems during withdrawal include hallucinations, seizures, high grade temperature, increasing panic, paranoia, heightened deep tendon reflexes, upper or lower GI bleeding and abdominal pain.

In most of the cases, only support from family, friends and health professionals is needed during the initial withdrawal phase of Adderall. It is advisable to withdraw and detox under the proper supervision of medical professionals. Even though chances of severe problems during withdrawal are very low, a supervised detox ensures your safety. Detox is done to remove the side-effects of drug from the body so that the healing process can begin.