How Long Do Adderall Headaches Last?

Adderall is a prescription drug used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults and children alike. However, as good as it is for managing ADHD symptoms, it comes with its own set of side effects.

In this blog, we will cover one of Adderall’s side effects: headaches. Yes, some evidence supports that Adderall can lead to headaches, and we will look at that in more detail in this blog, along with how long Adderall headaches last.

But before that! Contact us on Therapy Fleet if you want an online Adderall prescription. Our experts can treat anxiety disorders, PTSD, acute stress, panic attacks, and much more.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription medicine usually prescribed by mental health care providers for managing the symptoms of ADHD. It increases serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine levels in the brain. Low levels of these neurotransmitters are linked with ADHD symptoms. Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that restores these neurotransmitters’ balance. 

High doses of Adderall can increase suicidal thoughts. Adderall is available as Adderall IR and Adderall XR forms. Taking the right dosage is important to keep the side effects at bay. Read the common signs that Adderall is working for you.

According to some research, taking Adderall long-term can lead to headaches as a side effect. However, at this point, let us clarify that medications and side effects are individualized. If you started Adderall and it leads to headaches, keep a check on how long Adderall headaches last for you. Make a note and call a medical professional for medical advice.

Are Adderall Headaches Normal?

Yes, all ADHD medication (like Vyvanse, Qelbree, Clonidine, Dexedrine, including Adderall) leads to headaches as a side effect. The duration or how long Adderall headaches last depends on the individual. More often, headaches can worsen into a migraine attack. 

Adderall is a stimulant that suppresses appetite. The increase in serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine signals a cardiac response, increasing blood pressure and heart rate. These changes are responsible for the onset of a headache. It is always wise to give a medical history of any pre-existing heart conditions, hypertension, or ongoing headaches in the family.

Note- Too much of Adderall can cause serotonin syndrome and depression

Adderall Side Effects- Headaches or Migraine?

Sometimes, Adderall headaches worsen and change into migraines. Migraine is severe headaches along with;

• Nausea and vomiting
• Auras 
• Sensitivity to lights and sounds
• And debilitating and throbbing pain on one side of the head

At this point, it is not clear whether Adderall leads to migraines or if people with ADHD often suffer from frequent migraine due to the diagnosis itself. Some people with limited evidence also support the idea that Adderall treats migraine. 

So, yes, Adderall causes headaches, and how long the Adderall headache lasts depends, but it can not convert into migraine, regardless of how intense the headache is. Headaches are one possible side effect of taking Adderall. But even if the headache is severe, it may not be a migraine headache.

Does Adderall for Migraine Work?

Some evidence supports that Adderall reduces the frequency of migraine attacks, although the evidence is limited. A 2004 trial study examined the salt dextroamphetamine, which is a key ingredient in Adderall. The result showed it reduced migraine frequency.

Factors Contributing to Adderall Headaches

Although we just saw that headache is a possible side effect of Adderall, let’s examine other factors that cause headaches. 

Note- please seek medical advice before starting Adderall

• Do not take Adderall or medication with salt amphetamine and dextroamphetamine on an empty stomach. It increases the risk of headaches.
• All stimulants cause dry mouth and dehydration. The latter is linked with headaches. So, drink loads of water when on an Adderall treatment plan.
• Adderall interacts with the antidepressant Prozac, and together, they lead to headaches. Prozac is used for treating mental health conditions. Prozac is an SSRIs like Zoloft
• If you are drinking caffeinated drinks like coffee to manage the symptoms of ADHD in combination with Adderall, that would also be responsible for these ongoing headaches.

Adderall is a controlled substance. Make sure you tell a health care professional of any history of substance abuse disorder. Communicate well if you notice loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and depressive symptoms while on Adderall. Adderall use or long-term use can lead to Adderall addiction. 

It also has a high potential for drug abuse, and to get the desired effect, individuals use it in large quantities and for extended periods,

If you or a loved one is a maniac and have suicidal thoughts after using Adderall, contact medical emergency. At times, doctors combine ABA therapy with drugs for ADHD treatment.  Contact emergency help if the person notices chest pain.

How Long Do Adderall Headaches Last?

Headaches are common for individuals starting Adderall for the first time. All new prescription medicines take time for the side effects to subside. How long the Adderall headache lasts depends from person to person.

Some people experience mild headaches, and others experience severe headaches. Some only notice headaches when the medicine’s effect wears off or stops suddenly. Some experience headaches as withdrawal effects only. So, consult your case with a mental health care provider.

How to Get Rid of Adderall Headache?

Not everyone on Adderall for the treatment of ADHD suffers from headaches. Some people experience mild and manageable headaches; sometimes, they go away independently or can be managed with a simple Tylenol tablet. 

Do not consider taking any other OTC without prior consultation with a doctor because of drug interactions. Basic Tylenol is safe, but products like Tylenol Cold and Flu are not because of the additional ingredients.  Before taking any drug to relieve the headache, know how long the Adderall headache lasts. 

Some additional tips to manage the headaches are;

1. Use a hot and cold compress to reduce the temporal pain. The heat will increase blood flow, and the cold will restrict it. 
2. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
3. Make sure you incorporate some therapy along with medications. Talk to your healthcare provider regarding deep breathing and exercises to reduce headaches.
4. Try peppermint oil to reduce migraine pain. Mix it with a carrier oil and rub it on the temples, neck, and shoulders.
5. Do not take Adderall on an empty stomach.

Ways to Prevent Adderall Headache

While on Adderall for ADHD treatment, drink a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Exercise to improve the flow of blood in the brain.

1. Drink water
2. Do not take the medicine on an empty stomach.
3. Eat healthy
4. Avoid sugary and processed foods.
5. Say no to caffeinated drinks.
6. Get a good night’s sleep.
7. Try calcium channel blockers. They are proven to eliminate Adderall headaches. Calcium channel blockers are initially prescribed to reduce blood pressure, relax the blood vessels, and reduce headaches. Take them one hour before Adderall.

Treatment Options For Adderall-Induced Migraine

If Adderall-induced migraine and the symptoms are not resolving, it’s time for the next step. Before you turn to medications for migraine, you need to check how long Adderall headaches last for you. Next, consult with a healthcare professional with that data, and they are likely to prescribe the following;

1. The first line of treatment is Triptans, which prevents the dilation of the arteries in the head.
2. Next, analgesics like acetaminophen are given to help manage the pain and inflammation.
3. Antiemetics to prevent vomiting and nausea
4. NSAIDs
5. Dihydroergotamine to narrow the blood vessels

Alternative Treatments For Migraine Pain

1. Vagus nerve stimulation
2. Acupuncture
3. Biofeedback

Adderall Alternative That Does Not Cause Headache

Some non-stimulant ADHD drugs do not cause headaches as a side effect. Consult with a healthcare provider and talk about the different treatment options.

Some non-stimulant ADHD drugs are;

• Strattera – some common side effects include decreased appetite, upset stomach, nausea and drug mouth, and constipation in people.
• Intuniv – some potential side effects are nausea, dizziness, and sleepiness. At times, serious side effects like low heart rate, fainting, and low blood pressure are noticed.
• Qelbree
• Kapvay – some common side effects are constipation, insomnia, and sleepiness. Some severe side effects are low heart rate and blood pressure.

Is it a Normal Headache or an Adderall Headache?

Sometimes, stress, environment, diet, and dehydration can lead to the onset of headaches. If you are on Adderall, closely monitor the onset of headaches and jot it down. Make sure you know how long Adderall headaches last, and then work with your doctor to determine the cause. For more questions that you need to ask your doctor, keep reading

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About Adderall Headache

Before you visit a doctor to treat Adderall headaches, take a pen and paper and note down the questions you must ask. Be honest and have a one-on-one conversation with them.

1. Is it Adderall causing the headache? How do I know?
2. How long does Adderall’s headache last?
3. Does a history of migraine make Adderall headaches more susceptible?
4. What dosage should I take to avoid headaches?
5. Are there any alternatives to Adderall with a low chance of headaches?
6. I take anti-anxiety medications regularly. Am I at an increased risk of headaches?
7. When should I seek medical attention?
8. How can I manage my headaches at home?

The Bottom Line

While Adderall is an effective drug for the treatment of narcolepsy and ADHD, it can sometimes lead to severe headaches to the point that people stop taking the drug. It does improve the quality of life, but you will have to live with headaches initially because of Adderall.

People with pre-existing migraine or chronic headaches suffer more from these headaches. And to answer, how long does an Adderall headache last? It varies depending on the dosage of Adderall, the seriousness of the headache, and other factors.

If you have started a course of Adderall and notice frequent headaches, consult a medical professional immediately.

Your mind is your greatest asset—nurture it with care, and it will guide you to incredible heights.

FAQs

1. Which are the best stimulant medications?

Stimulant drugs work by stimulating the inactive parts of the brain that are responsible for ADHD symptoms. The top three stimulant drugs are Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexedrine.

2. How long does Adderall’s headache last?

Since Adderall is available in three different forms, each having its peak timing and wearing off time, the time for Adderall side effects to last depends. One more factor to consider is whether the headache is a side effect of Adderall or a headache resulting from withdrawal.

3. How does Adderall help children with ADHD?

Adderall improves attention span, reduces irritability, and allows individuals to focus on their ongoing tasks without getting distracted. It also reduces restlessness and agitation in people with ADHD.

4. What type of headache does Adderall cause?

All ADHD medicine causes headaches to some point. Regardless, there are two kinds of headaches associated with ADHD medicines. The first is a mild headache at the end of the dose, known as the rebound phenomenon. You can use Tylenol or aspirin to reduce the headache.

The second headache is so severe that, at times, people stop the medication. It involves pain in the whole head. And how long does Adderall’s headache last? In this case, throughout the dose and sometimes even after the medicine wears off. Most often, people with a history of vascular headaches or migraine suffer from it.