Adderall Comedown and Withdrawal Symptoms

Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is a controlled substance that is primarily used medically in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall has gained notoriety as a drug of misuse, particularly by high school and college students who attempt to use the drug for cognitive enhancement.

Like other stimulants, the use of Adderall in high doses can lead to a “crash” or “comedown” when its effects wear off. This page will discuss the Adderall crash, as well as common Adderall withdrawal symptoms, and addiction treatment options.

What Causes the Adderall Comedown?

The use of CNS stimulants like Adderall produces a release of excitatory neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and forms of glutamate in the central nervous system. Misuse of these drugs leads to a significant increase in the availability of these neurotransmitters. This release of excitatory neurotransmitters accounts for the effects of the drug, such as:

• Increased attention concentration.
• Higher energy levels.
• Euphoria.
• Decreased appetite.
• Decreased need for sleep.

Misuse of the drug is often associated with taking the drug at higher doses than would normally be taken for medical reasons and taking it more frequently. The massive neurotransmitter release that the drug induces is counterbalanced by a massive depletion of these neurotransmitters once the effects of the drug begin to wear off. Depletion of these neurotransmitters often leaves someone feeling the opposite of the desired effects of Adderall.

People that misuse Adderall will often take numerous doses of the drug in a specific timeframe to attempt to maintain the stimulant effects and then later use other substances such as alcohol, benzodiazepines, or opioids to mitigate the comedown. However, combining stimulants and CNS depressants or opioids can be a very dangerous practice. It can lead to very serious acute issues, including the potential for:

• Seizures.
• Stroke.
• Heart attack.

Tips for Managing an Adderall Comedown

Here are some strategies that do not involve medication that a person may employ to attempt to mitigate the Adderall comedown:

• Remaining hydrated can lessen some of the symptoms that occur due to an Adderall comedown and can also help flush the toxins out of an individual’s system.
• Cutting down on carbohydrates and fat in one’s diet can reduce issues with lethargy.
• Eating healthy can lessen the burden on the system and ease the Adderall comedown, but it is not suggested that individuals attempt to take megadoses of vitamins.
• Trying to remain active by getting mild exercise can help to flush toxins out of the system, distract oneself, and speed up the process associated with the Adderall comedown. It is important to be careful not to overdo it, however.

Of course, the best way to avoid an Adderall comedown is to not misuse the drug. For someone with an Adderall addiction, this may require getting treated for stimulant use disorder.

Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms & Detox

Withdrawal is different from the typical “Adderall crash” or “comedown” someone may feel after an Adderall binge. Withdrawal symptoms are usually felt when someone who has become physiologically dependent on the drug attempts to quit or reduce their use.

Adderall withdrawal is uncomfortable but seldom physically dangerous; however, certain psychological symptoms may require monitoring. Common Adderall withdrawal symptoms include:

• Lethargy.
• Problems concentrating.
• Cravings.
• Increased hunger.
• Depression.

Treatment for Adderall Misuse in Mississippi

Adderall addiction is a highly treatable condition. Treatment for stimulant use disorder typically involves:

• Various types of addiction therapy.
• Peer support.
• Psychoeducation.

Oxford Treatment Center, American Addiction Centers’ Mississippi drug rehab center, offers various levels of care, including:

• Medical detox.
• Residential treatment.
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP).
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP).
• Standard outpatient care and sober living.

It’s never too late to reach out for help. If you or someone you love is struggling with the devastating effects of addiction and are unsure of where to turn, call us today at to start the admissions process or learn about how to use insurance to pay for addiction treatment, other ways to pay for rehab, and what to expect in an addiction treatment program.