What is an Adderall Headache?
Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant and is FDA-approved for treating symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity. Those with ADHD often have difficulty staying focused, following instructions, experiencing restlessness, forgetfulness and having difficulty staying organized. Adderall helps those diagnosed with ADHD to focus their attention and subside their impulsive thoughts and behaviors. One common side effect of Adderall use is headaches. Adderall headaches are one of the most common side effects of the medication with most cases being mild and resolving over time. In rare cases, headaches can last the duration of the medication treatment and only stop when medication use has stopped.
Adderall is a powerful stimulant medication and is a controlled substance. However, when used responsibly and under the guidance of a medical provider, it can be a very effective tool in managing mental health disorders such as ADHD. It can help improve concentration, help with time management, enhance organization and reduce impulsivity. Like all medications, there are side effects. Headaches are a common side effect, but not everyone who takes Adderall experiences them. The underlying cause of Adderall headaches can vary from person to person.
What is an Adderall Headache?
Adderall headaches are a common side effect of the prescription stimulant. The exact reasoning behind Adderall headaches is still not fully understood. However, there are many different factors that can contribute. Headaches can be common for first-time users of Adderall or if Adderall is a new medication. During the adjustment period, users can experience headaches while the body adjusts to the medication being in the system. Headaches can persist for the first week or so and as the body grows accustomed to the medication, they can stop.
For some people, the headaches can persist until the medication has worn off. This is often referred to as a “whole head” headache. Patients who experience this type of Adderall headache usually have a strong family history of vascular headaches or migraines. And for others, the headaches are a result of medication withdrawal when Adderall has left the system and the body is trying to readjust and rebalance.
Adderall headaches can also feel very different depending on each individual. Some people experience mild symptoms. Some people experience moderate to severe symptoms. There are many factors that can impact the severity and duration of Adderall headaches. Symptoms of an Adderall headache include pain, nausea, dizziness and vomiting.
There are two main categories of Adderall headaches.
- Tension Headaches – Tension headaches have no direct link to Adderall use but can be triggered by various factors such as dehydration and increased tension in the muscles. They are usually dull with an aching sensation and are usually felt across the forehead or on both sides of the head. These can also be considered mild headaches that usually occur as a result of Adderall withdrawal towards the end of the medication dosage. It can usually be relieved with over-the-counter medications such as Aspirin or Tylenol.
- Migraine Headaches – Migraines are a neurological disorder and debilitating type of headache. They are much more intense, can cause throbbing pain and are often followed by symptoms of nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light and sound as well as visual disturbances. These visual disturbances are called auras. They have a set of visual and sensory symptoms that can cause a person to see flashing lights in zig-zag patterns, experience dizziness and experience numbness or tingling in one hand that moves up the arm. There is a significant amount of evidence that links symptoms of ADHD and Adderall to the development of migraines. Migraines can last for several hours to a few days and usually stay on one side of the head.
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What can Cause an Adderall Headache?
- Dehydration – Adderall can cause increased urination, which leads to loss of fluids in the body. Sometimes, with Adderall, it can lead a person to forget to stay hydrated because they are too busy and focused on other things. Stimulant medications like Adderall can also cause dry mouth. If you are not replenishing fluids in the body, it can trigger headaches.
- Vasoconstriction – Stimulants like Adderall can cause the dilation and constriction of blood vessels. When this occurs, the blood vessels in the brain constrict or dilate and trigger a release of chemicals that result in the triggering of pain receptors nearby. This also triggers headaches. It can also constrict blood vessels near your heart, raising blood pressure, making your heart rate increase and increasing your breathing. All of which can lead to headaches as well.
- Lack of sleep. The lack of sleep or even sleeping too much can trigger headaches. Stimulants like Adderall can keep you up and awake and hinder the quality of your sleep if taken too close to bedtime.
- Tolerance and Withdrawal – When the body becomes accustomed to Adderall you can develop a tolerance to the medication. When the medication has reduced dosage or stopped, withdrawal symptoms like a headache are likely to occur.
- Personal or Family History of Headaches – Someone with a personal or family history of headaches is more likely to experience an Adderall headache.
- Reaction to Adderall – Adderall increases neurochemicals such as dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin and epinephrine in the brain. When these chemicals increase in the brain, it can signal a cardiac response that increases blood pressure and heart rate, which can lead to headaches.
How to Prevent and Manage Adderall Headaches
- Take Adderall as prescribed by your medical provider
- Monitor your Adderall dosage and make adjustments as needed
- Stay hydrated as the medication can cause dehydration and lead to headaches
- Maintain a healthy and well-balanced diet
- Get enough sleep
- Limit caffeine intake
- Keep track of your symptoms to discuss with your medical provider
- Be aware of your triggers and do what you can to avoid them
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Headaches are a common side effect of drug use, especially when on Adderall. However, headaches should not impact the quality of your life. If they continue to persist or get more severe, you should consult with your medication provider. Adderall is a powerful stimulant medication and can cause side effects such as headaches. It can also lead to the development of an addiction. Professional behavioral health treatment programs such as Hotel California by the Sea provide help for those who are struggling with an addiction to prescription stimulants like Adderall.
We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based treatment methods including CBT, DBT, and EMDR therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients achieve their goals in recovery and overcoming their addiction.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/adderall-effects-on-body
https://www.singlecare.com/blog/adderall-headache/
https://www.additudemag.com/adhd-medications-and-headaches/
https://brcrecovery.com/blogs/adderall-headaches-causes-prevention-and-treatment-options/
https://psychcentral.com/adhd/adderall-migraine
https://www.choosingtherapy.com/adderall-headache