6 Common Reasons for Adderall Not Working
Adderall is a common central nervous system stimulant prescribed by the doctor for ADHD in adults and children. The brand name Adderall contains amphetamine/dextroamphetamine salts. There are many reasons for Adderall not working. There are many reasons why Adderall is not working at all. For instance; incorrect dosage, lifestyle changes, or using medications for other mental health conditions.
Living with ADHD can be challenging: people often have ADHD paralysis, and ADHD mood swings are commonly observed in adults and children. To conquer these symptoms, contact us at Therapy Fleet now to get connected to our online mental health care professionals. They will guide you towards the best treatment plan and help you on how to get Adderall prescribed.
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What Is Adderall for ADHD?
Adderall is part of the comprehensive treatment plan, which consists of behavioral therapy along with over-the-counter Adderall alternatives. Most often, you won’t need another drug when on Adderall, but at times, Adderall does not work at all for some; in this case, Vyvanse, another CNS stimulant ( a controlled substance), is recommended. Or Adderall XR dosage can be adjusted to ensure that Adderall works optimally.
6 Common Reasons for Adderall Not Working
If you have been using Adderall for some time, you may notice it is not working at all. It loses its effectiveness and doesn’t work as it used to. So, you are not alone if you are thinking, Why isn’t my Adderall working today?
Why Does Adderall Not Work Anymore?
The following lists the reasons for Adderall not working optimally;
1. You are Using an Incorrect Adderall XR Dosage
The first thing that could alter why Adderall is not working properly is because you are using an incorrect dosage. When you start your treatment with Adderall, your doctor will monitor you closely. If they feel, they might increase the dosage until you feel the effects. At times, Adderall stops working at all; it could have happened because you are not using the correct dosage, or maybe an increase is required. The normal Adderall dosage for adults and children depends on how well they respond to the drug and how long does the Adderall stay in your system.
2. Adderall Formulation Or Time You are Taking it
Adderall comes in two formulations: Adderall immediate-release, which needs to be taken twice or thrice daily, spaced at four to six hours apart, and Adderall extended-release, where a single dose per day is enough. In the case of Adderall IR, if the timings are not spaced out well, then this could be one reason Adderall is not working well for you. For instance, if you took the first dose in the morning and forgot to take the second on time, the first dosage would have worn off. Discuss your concern with your healthcare provider and tell them that Adderall is not working for you at all.
3. Missed Adderall Dosage
If your doctor recommended Adderall, but you don’t know how and when to take the correct dosage of Adderall, then get in touch with us at Therapy Fleet. Our health care will guide you on how to take Adderall and how to do it in case of a missed dose. If you think you skipped a dose, this could add to the reason why Adderall is not working for you. Do not skip doses; if side effects like sleep disruptions are causing an issue, then make sure you don’t take the last dosage late, as it could add to sleep disturbances.
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4. Health Conditions
Sometimes, the appearance of other mental health issues complicates things. Maybe you are diagnosed with anxiety disorders; depression changes the way our body metabolizes medicine. Also, if you are diagnosed with kidney disease, your doctor will prescribe a lower dose of Adderall to reduce side effects and toxicity. These could be the reasons why Adderall is not working for you. Talk with your doctor, as they can diagnose other health conditions.
5. Tolerance
As we can see from the prescribing information, Adderall tolerance is possible. If you have been using Adderall for a long time now, your body will stop responding to the drug. You might need an increase in dosage to produce the same effect. According to one study, 25% of the people using Adderall regularly developed tolerance in a couple of days. With time, Adderall will stop working; talk with your doctor if you think you have developed tolerance to Adderall.
6. Your Body Isn’t Responding to Adderall
Finally, your body won’t respond to Adderall, one reason why Adderall is not working for you. Your doctor may then decide to try another type of stimulant containing methylphenidate, which includes Ritalin, Concerta, or non-stimulant drugs like Clonidine, Stratter, etc.
Adderall and Vyvanse for ADHD are more suitable for adults, while Concerta and Ritalin are preferable for children between 4 and 6 years of age. However, the first treatment plan only includes behavioral interventions.
How to Know If Adderall is Working?
Adderall increases dopamine and norepinephrine ( chemical messengers) levels in the brain. It is this increase that reduces the symptoms of ADHD, like hyperactive and impulsive behavior. According to experts, Adderall does not resolve every ADHD symptom. However, you will notice a change in your hyperactivity and impulsivity when the medicine starts working. Keep in close touch with your healthcare provider, who will guide you throughout the treatment plan and keep you updated about any changes in Adderall dosage.
Why Is My Adderall Not Working Anymore?
We just discovered seven reasons for Adderall not working. If you notice your child is not showing results for Adderall, consider re-reading the points above; any of the factors may be contributing to Adderall not working at all. Try altering your child’s lifestyle or check if they are suffering from any other mental health condition that may be hindering the effectiveness of Adderall. Go through each point again and see what is the reason for Adderall not working.
- You can start writing a journal: write down the times when you took the last Adderall IR dosage.
- Write down things like how well your symptoms responded to the drug and how you felt when the medicine’s effectiveness wore off.
- If Adderall stops working after three days or more, contact your healthcare provider. Only they can plan out the best treatment plan for your child.
- Only a doctor can guide you with the best and most effective alternatives to Adderall in case a change in the drug is required.
Note: long-term use of Adderall can cause Adderall headaches, depression, and personality changes for some people. In serious cases, suicidal thoughts and behaviors can occur; if that happens, visit a medical emergency immediately or call 911.
The Bottom Line
There are many reasons why Adderall is not working for you. We just covered six reasons. If your child has been prescribed Adderall, but you notice no change in symptoms, contact your doctor. Your child may need an increase in Adderall XR dosage.
If the dosage increase does not work, a change in medicine can be considered. One common alternative to Adderall is Ritalin. If you want to consider online consultation, contact Therapy Fleet now. Our mental healthcare providers can recommend the normal dosage of Adderall for adults and children and help you get Adderall prescribed instantly.
Medical Disclaimer:
At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.
Taking care of your mind is just as important as taking care of your body; mental health fuels everything we do.
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FAQs
1. What to Do if Adderall Medication Stops Working?
If your doctor prescribed Adderall for ADHD, and you notice that the symptoms are not getting better even after a month, or in case it is getting worse, contact them immediately. These are signs your Adderall dose is too low. An increase in dosage would help. The usual Adderall dosage for adults and children varies. If after that, you still notice Adderall is not working, then discuss another treatment drug. Other choices include; non- stimulants like atomoxetine, Wellbutrin for ADHD, or Qelbree
2. Does Adderall affect personality?
Adderall affects personality. If you notice a loss of spark in your child and find him numb from the surroundings, then that’s an indication that his dose is too high. Usual Adderall IR dosage and Adderall XR dosage do not affect personality. If other symptoms like agitation and restlessness occur, then his dose is too low. For correct dosage information, contact the Therapy Fleet.
3. How can I adjust the ADHD medication so that it works at the right time of day?
Do not alter Adderall IR Dosage on your own. If Adderall is not working anymore, then the root problem could be that the body did not respond to the stimulant formulation, or maybe you are not giving it at the right time. All Adderall dosages should be given first thing in the morning, and then the rest should be spaced between four and six hours apart. Discuss your concern with a doctor, as they can teach you titration and fine-tune the dosage to avoid the risk of side effects.
