Adderall is the brand name for dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. It is also a drug that falls under Schedule II controlled substances because it is highly addictive. Anyone considering getting off this medication might be worried about the withdrawal symptoms they can experience after doing so. This is why it is vital to prepare mentally and get to know what to expect during the experience of Adderall withdrawal.

When the body develops a physical dependence on Adderall, it starts expecting the drug more frequently. This is why when someone stops taking the medication suddenly, their body creates a chemical imbalance. This causes various uncomfortable symptoms referred to as Adderall withdrawal, which usually begins one day after quitting and continues for up to 2 months. A great way to alleviate these symptoms is by following a detox plan. This can help treat any arising symptoms and stop using Adderall successfully and as comfortably as possible.

Adderall Withdrawal Causes

You can become dependent on Adderall and become tolerant to the drug, eventually resulting in addiction. At this point, the body will start depending on the drug to operate ‘normally.’ As your body develops a higher tolerance, there’s an increased chance you will begin taking Adderall in higher doses to cope. Unfortunately, this can result in dangerous side effects such as an overdose or even death.

When a person becomes dependent on Adderall, they will most probably get withdrawal if they go for a certain period without taking the next dose. People can experience Adderall withdrawal or Adderall crash even if they take the drug according to their prescription. Even if you still follow the doctor’s recommendations, you can still develop an addiction to this stimulant drug. This will also depend on the dosage and duration you’ve been taking the medication. When you stop the medication, you will start getting withdrawal symptoms. This includes psychological and physical side effects, which you can get even after taking a few doses of Adderall, and you stop misusing it.

Adderall Withdrawal Timeline

The Adderall withdrawal timeline usually depends on the duration of use and the dosage you’ve been taking. These withdrawal symptoms can last from a few days to weeks. Maintaining a good sleep schedule, exercising every day, and eating well can help manage an Adderall crash. Calming exercises and meditation can also help to enhance sleep and relax you before bed. This also enables you to keep the same sleeping and waking times during the detox period.

Psychological symptoms can go on even after the physical symptoms, such as reduced appetite, sleep troubles, and drowsiness, disappear. Early symptoms include sluggishness and fatigue, while more lasting symptoms include suicidal thoughts and panic attacks. Individuals may experience intense urges to take Adderall even weeks after their last dose. This puts them at risk of relapsing and going back to using Adderall.

If someone suddenly stops using Adderall, they can have long-term withdrawal symptoms and side effects that can last for weeks or even a couple of months. This is why it is always best to deal with addiction through a medically-supervised recovery program. Anyone experiencing Adderall Use Disorder should look for a suitable recovery program as soon as possible and start the treatment. As a rule of thumb, one should expect their activity and moods to improve within one to three months after quitting Adderall.

Even though people usually have various experiences during Adderall withdrawal, the general timeline is more or less the same.

The First Three Days

The individual will experience the most severe withdrawal symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, and intense cravings during this initial stage. One will get these symptoms immediately after the drug has been eliminated from the body. Most people typically relapse during this period and start using again, especially if they do not have the proper support in managing withdrawal symptoms.

Day 4 to Day 14

The severe symptoms will start to fade at this point. The cravings and uncomfortable symptoms will reduce, but they will still vary daily. You might have good days with fewer symptoms, but you will also have challenging days when you struggle with symptoms such as insomnia, feelings of sadness, fatigue, and cravings. For most people, sleep will probably start going back to normal, but there will still be some changes at this juncture of the withdrawal period.

Week 3 to 12 Months

The withdrawal symptoms are meant to have gone away by now, but other symptoms will persist for the individual. This is particularly true if someone has been using Adderall for an extended period and developed a tolerance to the drug. Long-term withdrawal symptoms to expect during this time include mood swings, cravings for Adderall, and fatigue.

Some recovering individuals might experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) even one year after they stop taking Adderall. This includes a collection of symptoms that may imitate withdrawal symptoms which usually occur when the drug is out of the body. This is a vulnerable recovery period for the individual, so it is essential to rely on a sound support system. It is also advisable to engage in treatment-related activities in this period. You will resume proper functioning 1 to 3 months after taking your last dosage of the drug.

The timeline for Adderall withdrawal relies on whether the individual is also using other drugs or substances. The healthcare provider will also need to know about any underlying physical conditions and your medical history to determine if anything can affect Adderall withdrawal symptoms.