Adderall Tolerance: How Fast Does It Develop?

How fast tolerance to Adderall, a central nervous system medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, develops depends on a range of factors.

Some of these factors include lifestyle circumstances, how it is ingested, and if it is used alongside other supplements

This medication works by increasing receptor activity in the central nervous system (CNS) and increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain.

Adderall is typically prescribed in an immediate-release formulation, but extended-release (Adderall XR) and extended-release, bead-filled capsules (Mydayis) are also available.

This prescription medication, a Schedule II controlled substance, has a high potential both for Adderall abuse and dependence, which is why tolerance to Adderall is problematic.

Factors That Influence Adderall Tolerance

A standard dose of Adderall, when taken as prescribed by those who need it, can alleviate symptoms of ADHD without the person developing psychological dependence.

Age may affect your risk for Adderall tolerance, since most people that develop ADHD are children and adolescents.

Your body weight can affect how fast you become tolerant to this stimulant medication, as different body fat ratios and metabolisms determine how fast it is metabolized.

Lastly, drug abuse with this prescription stimulant greatly affects how tolerance develops — recreational use is dangerous since it is almost always used against direction.

When this stimulant drug is taken without a prescription, it does not rebalance dopamine as it would in the brain of someone with ADHD — instead, it produces too much, generating a ‘buzz.’

This ‘buzz’ or Adderall high can result in an addiction if steps are not taken to curb its use.

How To Reverse Adderall Tolerance

First, you can try taking a break from the medication for a few days.

If you find that you need to continue taking Adderall, you can try taking a lower dose or splitting up the dose throughout the day.

You should also make sure that you are staying hydrated and eating a healthy diet, which can reduce tolerance and render the drug more effective without the need for a higher dose.

Adderall Tapering

Tapering the current dose of your script can be a good way to rebalance your tolerance.

This involves skipping taking the drug on certain days of the week, or speaking with a pharmacology expert about being prescribed a low dose of the drug to mitigate habit-forming effects.

Take Short Breaks From Adderall Use

Taking breaks on certain days of the week, for instance, is a great way to reduce your tolerance to amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

Though this can be difficult if you have been taking the drug for a long time, it is possible.

Taking a break from using Adderall can also potentially inform you if it’s time to find an alternative medication for your ADHD treatment.

Will An Adderall Tolerance Lead To Increased Adderall Abuse?

If you abuse Adderall, you may build up a tolerance to the drug. This means that you will need to take more and more of the drug to get the same desired effect.

If you continue to abuse high doses of Adderall despite your increased tolerance, you may be at risk of developing an addiction and experiencing potentially dangerous side effects.

How Does An Adderall Tolerance Affect Withdrawal Symptoms?

One of the most common Adderall withdrawal symptoms is fatigue.

This is because Adderall helps to increase energy levels and when you suddenly stop taking it, such as during a planned Adderall break to curb tolerance, your body is not used to the lack of stimulation.

You may also experience other symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and headaches.

Addiction Treatment Services For Adderall Use

There are a number of treatment options to combat the adverse effects of Adderall abuse on the body and mind.

Treatment options for Adderall use include:

• behavioral and mental health treatment
• aftercare services
• inpatient and outpatient programs
• detox from amphetamines, opioids, alcohol, and other substances
• virtual healthcare services

Find Substance Abuse Treatment At Bedrock Recovery Center

If you or a loved one is seeking treatment for an ongoing Adderall addiction, give our helpline a call today to learn about treatment options at our accredited rehab center.