Adderall XR and Loss Of Appetite: What Users Say

• Jan...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 8, 2020

For ADHD "I’ve been on Adderall XR 20 mg since October 6th, 2020. I have to say this medication is life-changing and your psychiatrist, doctor, or whatever will try and find the right dosage for you. I’m 22 years old, male, and I noticed the medication working within an hour. I’m about 220 pounds, 5’8”, and despite that, it still kicked in relatively fast. The side effects I notice the most are as follows: dry mouth, appetite suppression, some irritability, and insomnia on occasion. Adderall XR for me lasts anywhere from 8-12 hours. If it wears off, the medical professional, in most cases, will add Adderall IR to take in the afternoon since upping the dose of XR will not increase duration, only the intensity of the medication itself. ADHD medication is all about finding what’s right for YOU, don’t give up if it doesn’t get manageable or fixed after the first try."

• 3dp...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 20, 2016

For ADHD "I take 20mg Adderall XR daily for ADHD. I feel extremely productive, focused, and proactive while on it. My first day taking it, I usually am a normal eater. I could only eat a sandwich bag of pretzels before losing any appetite. That night, despite eating almost nothing, I biked 21 miles (my standard biking route) without stopping in record time, without even feeling exhausted. Now, each day I take it, I feel very intelligent and concentrated, and come up with ideas easily, as well as feeling great all the time. In my opinion, Adderall is the greatest thing to grace humankind, and I would suggest it to anybody who has difficulty focusing, especially if you are overweight. I lost 25 lbs in my first 3 months taking it, though."

• Kel...
• April 24, 2013

For ADHD "I've been taking Adderall since my sophomore year of high school, and I'm about halfway through college now. When I first started taking it, I went from D's and F's to straight A's. I loved everything. I wanted to learn everything. I also lost about twenty pounds just from the loss of appetite. But now that I've been on it for a few years, when I don't take it, the withdrawals hit so hard. I can't even remember what the real person I was before I started taking it. My appetite skyrockets, and I don't want to do anything but sit around all day. No motivation. I love being on it and being so productive, but sometimes I get so overly focused I get really irritable with people around me."

• Joj...
• December 9, 2014

For ADHD "I've been taking Adderall XR 25 mg for going on my 4th month. It has helped me tremendously! I'm more focused and alert now. I don't feel as drawn out like I used to. I'm also on anxiety medicine, taking both helps balance myself. I have a hard time wanting to eat since I've started taking Adderall. A lot of times I have to force myself to eat, but it has helped me lose 25 pounds! I find myself grinding my teeth a lot, not sure why, but that's the worst side effect I experience from taking it. I feel healthier now than I have in a long time, I will continue taking this medication."

• Amy...
• July 4, 2013

For Narcolepsy "I have taken Adderall XR for years now. I have MS, and as a result, I have hypersomnia, which is very similar to narcolepsy. For years, I took Provigil alone for this, and it was great. But eventually, Provigil was no longer enough to keep me awake. My doctor tried me on Adderall XR, and it was amazing. I was able to stay awake all day long and felt great. I never had any real jitteriness. It does make me have almost no appetite at all, ever. Mostly, I just don't think about eating, it doesn't really occur to me, and when I do eat, I can't eat much. But having been obese most of my life, this hasn't exactly been a problem!"

• JT0...
• May 25, 2013

For ADHD "Started off with Concerta in May 2012, it was not effective at all. Switched over to Adderall XR 10 mg in July 2012 for seven days as a starter dose, then started Adderall XR 20 mg. I noticed a considerable difference between the two medicines instantly. I am able to focus for a very long period of time without being distracted. My grades improved exceptionally, I went from receiving grades below 55% to now my lowest grade being 83%. The benefits of this medicine do outweigh the side effects for me. I noticed 20 minutes after taking Adderall, I have increased bowel movements, lower libido, and decreased appetite. I stop taking Adderall during breaks and long weekends. The first day not on it, I am extremely tired. Exercising and eating healthy helps."

• Ple...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• June 5, 2015

For ADHD "My son had been on Adderall XR (25 mg) for well over 6 years, and it has really worked well for him. I would say the only side effect that was difficult to deal with was the lack of appetite. However, after hitting the teenage years, it has fallen back into normal teenage young man trying to eat everything, lol. On a very good note: my son finished his 8th grade year with A's and B's, as well as a 3.4 GPA, and is now looking forward to attending high school in the fall."

• Ruf...
• August 12, 2015

For ADHD "I started out taking the regular Adderall version, but it didn't last long and made me have horrible crash periods and steroid-like rages. So far, the Adderall XR seems to be working better, but it does reduce my appetite substantially. I've had to start taking weight gain supplements to ensure that I maintain my proper weight. If I miss a dose, I feel pretty lethargic and extremely sleepy. However, the medication has allowed me to read and focus better than I ever have, and I seem more motivated. I'm also able to talk better with others, and my social skills have definitely improved."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 26, 2013

For ADHD "I started on 20 mg Adderall XR 1 month ago. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was 13. I was first medicated on Ritalin, and I went off of it because it made me very uneasy on the insides. I managed to get through school with all applied courses because a goldfish had a higher attention span than me. If I could turn back time, I would have chosen the Adderall path. Just a few side effects that really weren't too bad, I lost a lot of weight because it suppressed my appetite. It was all weight that I could afford to lose, and I feel better about myself. I do, however, have to make a list of tasks before I begin my day, or I just get super hyper-focused on one thing for too long. I grind my teeth, and I have to take sleep aids, but it's worth it."

• Bil...
• December 28, 2016

For ADHD "Helped my life entirely. I'm a more productive and clinical learner now. Didn't realize how bad I wasn't able to stay focused until I took this and noticed the difference. Sleep and eat fine on it. After the first week, that is. But the lack of appetite, restlessness wasn't even that bad even then."

• KCi...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 25, 2019

For Narcolepsy "I’ve taken Adderall XR since 2007 when I was diagnosed with a narcoleptic-like disease. It works well for me and has continued to work on the same dosage amount. When I first started taking it, it did decrease my appetite, and I had issues with dry mouth, which still happens every once in a while. I have no problems sleeping at night, but may not get as much deep sleep as others and still spend more time in REM sleep than the average person (according to my Fitbit at least). I wouldn’t be able to work or care for my children without it."

• Anonymous
• January 12, 2011

For ADHD "I have been on Adderall for several years now and can't say enough good things about the medicine. It helps me to focus on tasks, and now that I am in college, it has really helped with my studies. It took me a while to come to the realization that I needed something to help with my ADD, and I am glad I was prescribed Adderall. The side effects for me have been loss of appetite. I would have insomnia, but I take anti-anxiety medicine before going to bed to counteract the medication. My short and unscientific philosophy on Adderall is that it bridges the gap between wanting to do something and actually doing something."

• bli...
• September 6, 2011

For ADHD "My 10-year-old son has taken Adderall XR for about 3 years now. This medication is amazing! Twenty years ago, my oldest son was diagnosed with ADHD, and I refused to medicate him because all of the children I knew that were medicated were 'zombies.' This time, when I had a child with ADHD, I decided it was not fair to not medicate him and am so glad I did. With Adderall, he is alert and well-behaved (for the most part). He says he can focus instead of daydreaming all the time. Insomnia and loss of appetite are the only problematic side effects we have, but they have been easily remedied with Pediasure and melatonin. I take him off medicines two weekends per month to be sure he's not getting dependent and he goes right back to his normal ADHD self."

• Yea...
• August 24, 2017

For ADHD "Adderall XR does exactly what it's supposed to for me. I suffer from very little noticeable side effects. The most noticeable ones are insomnia when first taking this medication, lack of hunger in the beginning, and slight dry mouth. Overall, the side effects are not bad at all. The only negative for me is it feels like the medication stops working after 6 hours for me."

• its...
• May 1, 2008

For ADHD "Diagnosed 3 years ago, participated in Strattera study, did not help at all. Finally started Adderall 20 mg XR two days ago. Main difference is the absence of fatigue and a quieted mind. I can actually sit and not have to argue with myself, overwhelming feelings gone for the most part. Insomnia straight away first night, hardly any sleep again last (2nd) night, underlying headache now. Definite loss of appetite, appreciate the lost lbs but still have to eat!"

• Smi...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 5, 2012

For ADHD "I am 22 years old and never was a bad student throughout school but was always very unfocused when it came to reading comprehension and listening to lectures. I now work for a general physician and she seemed to notice my frustration with not being able to get anything done when there was a lot to do. I would get very aggravated easily and had very bad mood swings. My doctor prescribed me Adderall XR and I was very hesitant to take it. When I started taking it, I felt like I was much calmer, was able to do my job. It's really great, me and my husband get along now because I'm not so uptight. It does give me dry mouth and insomnia, but I can deal with the no appetite. Overall, I think it is great!"

• Xel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 31, 2016

For ADHD "Works great for my ADHD. It's the first drug I was prescribed for it, and I think I'll be sticking with it. The only effects, other than helping with focus, that I've had so far are some extra energy and a little bit of a reduction in appetite. I'll have to switch to immediate release next month, though, since the extended release pills are still a little bit expensive."

• cir...
• February 27, 2011

For ADHD "On my 4th day of Adderall XR! I just bumped up to 20 mg today, and let me tell you, best ADHD drug I have ever taken! One, I feel happy and content. Two, I am a ton more focused! And three, I can sit on my couch and just chill or go out and play basketball with my friends or basically do whatever, my motivation is amazing! I tried Focalin XR, Concerta, Strattera worked for a year, then just stopped working. But I asked my doctor to let me try this medicine, and that is the best choice I have ever made. No insomnia, but be ready for a loss of appetite. I lost 8 lbs. in the 4 days I've been taking this. As long as it keeps working as it is, I can see me being on this for a long time."

• Anonymous
• July 28, 2009

For ADHD "I just recently started taking Adderall XR, and even though my doctor and I are still trying to find the right dose, I have already noticed a major difference. Since I've started taking it, I've been able to get lost in books for the first time because I can actually focus without having to make myself. I have noticed a decrease in appetite, but it seems more like a newly developed aversion to high-calorie foods, and I'm wondering if that's not because of the added stimulation from the carbohydrates. Either way, I think it's important for everyone to remember there is no magic pill, and in order to get the best results, you have to change your lifestyle too. Like making sure to get 8 hours of sleep, eat foods high in fiber, and cut back on sugar."

• sw3...
• August 11, 2010

For ADHD "Adderall XR has changed my life! For years, I have struggled with depression and anxiety, no motivation, mood swings, and couldn't focus on any task. I was diagnosed with ADD/Bipolar when I was 19-20ish (26 now and mom of 1). I have struggled through so many years not knowing after several doctors and tons of medicines or medication combinations. I was put on Vyvanse from 30-50mg over a period of 2 years. It worked well for me. In the beginning, I had dry mouth and palpitations. My coverage stopped paying for it. The doctor tried me on Strattera and Concerta (not together). After several months, I was just still always sick, with stomach cramps, headaches, etc. About 3 years now I've been on Adderall XR 30mg, and I still have dry mouth and loss of appetite. Other than that, it has helped me to be a 'normal' person and a loving, motivated mother."

• Mom...
• June 25, 2008

For ADHD "My son was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 2. He is now 11. We have tried changing his diet, herbal remedies, Vyvanse, Strattera, and several others. The thing that has worked without causing headaches is Adderall XR. He does have a loss of appetite, but his behavior and ability to concentrate are definitely worth it."

• Anonymous
• October 28, 2011

For ADHD "I've been on Adderall since I was in high school, so about 5 years. It works well for my concentration and allows me to focus for an extended period of time, such as when studying. This medicine has definitely helped me, but it has a lot of side effects. For me, loss of appetite, euphoria, and dry mouth are the most common. Headaches are frequent, but nothing ibuprofen can't fix. I've been on and off antidepressants that affected the Adderall. When I was on Lexapro, taking Adderall would make me irritable, anxious, and paranoid, sometimes to a full-blown panic attack. Now I'm on Prozac, and the Adderall combination is fine. But I still get anxious and mildly irritable when the 'high' of the Adderall decreases."

• Anonymous
• April 29, 2009

For ADHD "I am a 23-year-old male, 175 lbs, on Adderall 20 mg XR. Great tool. Motivation and self-esteem, awesome boost. Focused and better moods. Persistent anxiety lessened. Some grogginess, but manageable so long as you eat appropriately. Minor loss of appetite. Been on Strattera and Lexapro in the past, no comparability to Adderall XR! Absolutely recommend to others and parents."

• Anonymous
• January 8, 2011

For ADHD "Since I started taking 15 mg of Adderall XR about 2 weeks ago, I feel like it's changing my life for the better. I can't say it is having a huge impact on me, but I can definitely notice a difference when I'm on it as opposed to when I'm not. My concentration has definitely improved. I can stay on the same thought pattern a lot easier and also follow through with the task at hand. I feel more aggressive towards events that happen, it definitely gives me a different outlook. The only symptoms that I am getting with Adderall XR are a loss of appetite. It's really strange how I went from having a huge appetite to just not even thinking about eating or making it a priority. I don't like it, but it saves me a bit of money."

• Anonymous
• April 27, 2010

For ADHD "I'm 18 and have been taking Adderall XR 30 mg for 10 years now. When I take it, I can focus on schoolwork and my job and actually succeed. I like being able to do well in school and work, but lately, the side effects have seemed to intensify like crazy. I'd always experienced the loss of appetite, but now the sweating, anxiety, and depression are all starting to wreak havoc on my life. I'm not sociable at all when I'm on this medication. I feel like I'm more of a robot. And if I get distracted for a second and start something else, I will focus on that instead of getting my work done. I've tried other medications in the past, but none do the job like Adderall."