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Just like with any other medication, there can be long-term effects of taking Adderall. It is critical to note that Adderall can be addictive and has a high potential of being abused.

Always follow your prescribing physician’s dosing instructions. If you have any problems during your treatment with Adderall, consult your physician immediately.

Does Adderall wear off over time?

The FDA states the effectiveness of long-term Adderall use has not yet been “systematically evaluated” in controlled trials. For this reason, always follow up with your physician in regards to your treatment with Adderall. Your doctor will monitor any side effects, as well as the overall effectiveness of Adderall, that you experience.

It is critical to discuss the potential risks of taking Adderall over a long period of time, as well as the risks of not following your doctor’s dosing instructions.

Why is Adderall not working anymore?

If you believe Adderall is “not working” for you, talk to your doctor, who will be able to best determine why the medication is not effectively helping you.

For more information on alternatives to Adderall, please visit our alternatives page.

An Important Note

Please note that Adderall has a high risk of abuse, particularly for people who have a personal or family history of drug and/or alcohol abuse.

According to the American Addiction Centers, long-term effects of “heavy” Adderall use include the following:

  • Problems with sleep
  • Depression
  • Paranoia
  • Weight changes
  • Tremors
  • Fatigue
  • Thoughts of suicide
  • Anxiety
  • Hallucinations

If you or someone you know struggles with drug abuse or has expressed suicidal thoughts and/or behaviors, seek help immediately by calling 911 or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) hotline at 1-800-662-4357.

Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.


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