Why does Adderall make me sleepy when it makes others more alert?
Overview
Adderall works as a stimulant to treat symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), such as difficulty focusing, controlling actions, or remaining still. It is also used to treat Narcolepsy.
Adderall side effects include:
- Nervousness
- dry Mouth
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
- Stomach pain
- nausea
- weight loss
- headache
- Loss of appetite
- Feelings of mood swings
Adderall can cause sleepiness. It is not common, but it does happen. Adderall calms people with ADHD. This may make you feel sleepy. You may experience this if you suddenly stop taking Adderall.
Adderall Sleepiness
Adderall is an amphetamine that generally makes people more energetic. It has a calming effect on people with ADHD. Some people may feel sleepy due to this calming effect.
In clinical trials, Adderall users who felt fatigued were between 2 and 4 percent.
You may also feel sleepy when you stop using Adderall. This is especially true if you have been taking it at high doses for a long time.
Adderall crash symptoms
When you abruptly stop taking Adderall without properly weaning yourself off of the drug, an Adderall crash occurs. Sudden stopping can cause withdrawal symptoms such as:
- Anxiety
- Extreme fatigue
- Adderall cravings are strong
- Irritability
The symptoms may last from a couple of days to several weeks, depending on how much Adderall you took and for how long.
How to cope with Adderall-induced sleepiness
Speak to your doctor if Adderall makes you sleepy. They can find out the cause and treat this side effect.
There is no medication to reverse the symptoms of a crash if you are sleepy after stopping Adderall abruptly.
You should start feeling better in a couple of days or weeks. Speak to your doctor to learn how to taper off Adderall.
You can manage the Adderall-induced sleepiness by yourself by practicing good sleeping habits. This includes:
- Every day, I wake up and go to bed at the exact times
- Relaxing bedtime routine
- Avoid caffeine after noon and in the evening
- exercising regularly
Adderall Alternatives
ADHD is treated with stimulants. Adderall is not the only option. Ritalin Concerta is also common.
You can also take non-stimulant medication to treat ADHD symptoms. These medications have their side effects.
They also tend to be slower-acting than stimulants. They can still be a good option for ADHD treatment if you cannot tolerate stimulant side effects or the motivation is inadequate.
Atomoxetine is one option. This drug is an inhibitor of selective norepinephrine uptake. Atomoxetine may cause the following side effects:
- nausea
- vomiting
- Reduced appetite
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- stomach pain
- tiredness
- Constipation
- dizziness
- dry Mouth
- sexual side effects
- Problems Urinating
ADHD can be treated with certain antidepressants such as Wellbutrin (bupropion). Off-label means the Food and Drug Administration does not approve it.
Bupropion can cause side effects, including:
- Trouble sleeping
- nausea
- Dry Mouth
- dizziness
- stuffy nose
- Constipation
- stomach pain
Behavioral treatment is another option that can be used with or without medication.
Behavioral therapy for ADHD will help you improve your time management and organizational skills, reduce your impulsive behaviors, and improve your relationships.
Takeaway
Adderall can cause sleepiness, which is a rare side effect. This is usually caused by an Adderall crash, which occurs abruptly when you stop using the drug.