Does Adderall have a laxative or constipating effect?

The ADHD stimulant Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine) has been reported to cause both diarrhea and constipation as a side effect. A laxative effect appears to be more common than constipation, but this may vary among patients. In studies, at least 5% of patients (5 out of every 100) reported having diarrhea as a side effect with Adderall.

Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may also occur as a symptom of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening reaction with amphetamines like Adderall.

Other common stomach side effects of Adderall include:

• Stomach pain
• Decreased appetite (anorexia)

Weight loss may also occur frequently as an undesirable effect. Adderall may also cause gastrointestinal adverse reactions like dry mouth, unpleasant taste, and intestinal ischemia (a life-threatening condition when the blood supply to the intestine is reduced).

Does Adderall XR cause diarrhea or constipation?

Yes, both diarrhea or constipation can occur in people taking Adderall XR, the extended-release form of amphetamine / dextroamphetamine. Other stomach side effects have been reported, as well.

• Diarrhea has been reported as a common side effect in adults taking Adderall XR (6% Adderall vs. 0% placebo).
• In studies done with Adderall XR, constipation was reported in 2% to 4% of participants.
• Other stomach-related side effects in at least 5% of patients include dry mouth (35%), loss of appetite (33%), weight loss (11%), and nausea (8%).

Serotonin syndrome and diarrhea

Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening reaction with Adderall or Adderall XR use that may cause symptoms like diarrhea, nausea and vomiting.

Serotonin syndrome may occur when amphetamines like Adderall are used in combination with other drugs that affect the serotonergic neurotransmitter systems or affect metabolism of the drug. Do not start any new medicine during treatment with Adderall without talking to your healthcare provider first. Your healthcare provider will decide if Adderall can be taken with other medicines.

Do not take Adderall if you or your child are taking, or have taken within the past 14 days, a medicine used to treat depression called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), including the antibiotic linezolid or the intravenous (IV) medicine methylene blue.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you or your child take:

• selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• medicines used to treat migraine headaches called triptans
• lithium
• tramadol
• buspirone
• serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
• tricyclic antidepressants
• fentanyl
• tryptophan
• St. John’s Wort

Check with your healthcare provider and pharmacist to review for drug interactions if you are taking Adderall or Adderall XR. Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins and herbal or dietary supplements.

If you are not sure if you take any of these medicines, show all of your medication bottles or packages to your healthcare provider.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome

Stop taking Adderall and call your healthcare provider or go to the nearest hospital emergency room right away if you or your child develop any of the following signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome:

• agitation, hallucinations, coma
• fast heartbeat
• flushing
• seizures
• loss of coordination
• confusion
• dizziness
• changes in blood pressure
• sweating or fever
• nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• muscle stiffness or tightness
• high body temperature (hyperthermia)

These are not all the possible side effects of Adderall. Contact your healthcare provider if you or your child have side effects that are bothersome or do not go away.

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Why does Adderall make me poop?

The stomach side effects that occur with stimulants like Adderall can be caused by a variety of factors, including doses that may be too high, doses that are given too frequently, and any pre-existing stomach conditions you or your child may have.

Stimulants like Adderall can irritate the lining of the stomach which may cause inflammation, leading to diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea and vomiting. In addition, they can often lower appetite, which may worsen stomach side effects due to an empty stomach. Higher doses and pre-existing stomach conditions can worsen side effects

Adderall can be taken with or without food. You or your child may take your dose with a meal or snack if that improves your stomach side effects. Avoid foods that may upset your stomach like highly acidic foods, spicy meals or foods that are high in fat or fried.

Children and adolescents may be especially prone to these effects. Adults may also experience stomach-related side effects, but most gastrointestinal side effects in either group are usually temporary and mild.

Why does Adderall cause constipation?

Stimulant medications like Adderall can slow down the normal movement of the digestive tract, resulting in delayed gastric emptying, bloating, and constipation.

Constipation can also be worsened by not drinking enough fluids and becoming dehydrated. Be sure you or your child are drinking enough fluids throughout the day to help keep the bowel moving. Adequate exercise and food choices that include daily fiber and fresh fruits and vegetables can also help to manage constipation.

If constipation persists for 3 days or longer with no bowel movement, contact your healthcare provider right away for further advice.

Why is Adderall prescribed?

Adderall is a short-acting drug classified as a stimulant. It is often used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and children.

• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a medical condition with ongoing issues related to attention, hyperactivity, and impulsiveness that can interfere with learning, development and daily functioning.
• It can occur in school aged children and adolescents and often persists into adulthood.
• Adderall is usually given by mouth once or twice a day as an oral tablet.

Adderall is also approved by the FDA to treat the sleep disorder narcolepsy in adults and children. Other brand names for extended-release forms include Adderall XR and Mydayis. Generic versions of these products are available in the U.S. any may be more affordable for you.

Related: How is Mydayis different from Adderall XR?

Adderall is a C-II controlled substance and has a high potential for misuse, drug dependence, and illicit distribution to others. The mixed salt amphetamines contained in Adderall are dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children, teens and pets or others who may abuse it.

ADHD medicines should be used as one component of a treatment program for ADHD that may include counseling or other therapies. Behavioral treatments usually are recommended for preschool-aged children.

This is not all the information you need to know about Adderall or Adderall XR (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.