So you’re going to have a long day tomorrow. Maybe even two long days in a row. You have a major test coming up, and you know you need to buckle down to study and get your game face ready. So what are you going to do? No, not the obvious answer. We all know that if we want to stay awake for longer than usual, we can just take some caffeine or another substance that will give us a jolt of energy. But what about those people who don’t react well to caffeine? Or those who want something longer-lasting? Well then, it’s time to go check out Adderall as an option!
Can Adderall make you tired?
The short answer is that yes, Adderall can make you tired. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry demonstrated that students who were on Adderall experienced a significant increase in sleepiness and a decrease in vigor — two of the most common side effects of stimulant use. In addition, symptoms of depression and anxiety may also be exacerbated.
Why Can Adderall Make You Tired?
1. You’re depressed.
Adderall is a stimulant, which means it affects the central nervous system and can lead to an increase in energy and focus. But, as with many other things in life, too much of a good thing can have its drawbacks. If you have a history of depression or anxiety, these symptoms can be magnified by Adderall use.
2. You’re anxious.
A study published in Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics found that students who were on Adderall experienced a significant increase in sleepiness and a decrease in vigor — two of the most common side effects of stimulant use — but surprisingly no change in anxiety or depression symptoms. This suggests that when using stimulants to treat mental health issues, it may be best to start small and work your way up as needed.
3. You’re not sleeping enough.
If you are taking Adderall to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), then it is likely that you have a sleep disorder. Studies have shown that people with ADHD have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep, which can make them anxious and depressed. In addition, the brain chemistry of people with ADHD is different than that of non-ADHD individuals, so they may be more likely to fall asleep while on Adderall.
4. You’re taking too much Adderall.
If you take too much of something that affects the central nervous system, it can lead to side effects such as increased anxiety or sleepiness. This is one of the reasons why certain medications must be taken at certain doses — for example, if you are prescribed an antihistamine for allergies, it should not be taken in excess because it can cause drowsiness or depression when used in excess (it’s the same with Adderall).
5. You’re taking a high dose of Adderall.
It is important to take your medication as prescribed, but it is also important to be aware of exactly how much you are taking. If you are prescribed a medication that is intended for ADHD, it should not be taken in excess because it can lead to side effects such as increased anxiety or sleepiness when used in excess. This could be one reason why some people experience side effects when they take their medication too much; they may have taken an excessive dose of their stimulant and are experiencing side effects as a result.
6. Your body doesn’t tolerate the medication well.
If you are on any form of medication, it can be difficult to gauge how much of the drug you need or how often you need to take it — especially if you have been on it for years and your doctor has never told you this information before or if your doctor has switched medications in the past and you don’t know what you are taking now. Sometimes, people who have been prescribed stimulants for ADHD will experience side effects when they take their medication too much or at a high dose for an extended period of time.
How To Combat Adderall-Related Fatigue?
Stay hydrated
Water is the foundation of health, and hydration is the key to feeling energetic and alert throughout the day. If you are dehydrated, your body cannot function optimally, which can leave you feeling groggy, fatigued, and unable to concentrate. If you feel fatigued after taking Adderall, try increasing your water intake. Hydration is especially important when taking stimulants. This is because stimulants increase one’s heart rate and blood pressure, which causes the body to lose more fluid. If you are taking Adderall, try increasing your water intake to at least 3-4 (8-ounce) glasses of water per day.
Exercise
Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to combat fatigue and improve your overall health and well-being. Exercise will help you get the sleep you need and can prevent and treat additional symptoms that come with ADD and ADHD. Exercising has been shown to improve your sleep, lower your anxiety and stress levels, and increase your energy, focus, and attention span. Exercise can also help you increase your dopamine and norepinephrine levels (two neurotransmitters that are essential for staying awake, focused, and alert). For best results, aim for 30 minutes of exercise at least 4 times per week. Exercising too close to bedtime can actually disrupt your sleep, so make sure to finish your workout at least 2-3 hours before you go to bed.
Take a break
Many people who experience Adderall-related fatigue try to “push through” their symptoms. They mistakenly believe that they need to “tough it out” and continue taking their prescribed dosages in hopes of seeing better results. But, taking breaks from your ADHD medications when you need to is perfectly fine. This will allow your body to rest and recover from the effects of the medication. It will also give your body time to replenish neurotransmitters essential for staying focused and attentive. For best results, try taking a 1-2 week break from your ADHD medications every 3 months or so.
Eat well
Your diet has a direct impact on your physical and mental energy levels. Eating foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats can help you stay alert and focused throughout the day. Foods with high amounts of caffeine should be avoided, as they can make you feel edgy and restless, and can lead to extreme, overwhelming exhaustion after your initial “high” wears off. Excessive intake of caffeine has also been shown to negatively affect your sleep and it can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. For best results, eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and fiber.
Add vitamins and minerals to your diet
Certain vitamins and minerals are essential for maintaining optimal levels of focus and attention. If you are taking Adderall and your levels of focus and attention are decreasing, try increasing your intake of certain vitamins and minerals. For example, niacin (vitamin B3) and vitamin B6 have been shown to enhance your brain’s ability to synthesize dopamine and norepinephrine, which are neurotransmitters critical for staying awake, focused, and alert. If you are not eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, you can try taking a B-vitamin supplement.
Try Binaural Beats and Music Therapy
Binaural beats are a type of audio that some people use to improve their focus and productivity. You can listen to binaural beats before or during work, or while you are studying. Binaural beats work by entraining your brain waves to specific frequencies. For example, they can make your brain waves become slower, like the waves seen in the state of rest or when you are asleep. Binaural beats can also help you stay awake and focused. For best results, listen to binaural beats when you are not under extreme stress.
Talk to your doctor about choosing a different Adderall brand
If the fatigue you experience from taking Adderall is extreme, or if it is not improving even after taking a break from the medication, it might be time to consider switching to a different brand of this drug. For best results, make sure to discuss your concerns with your doctor before switching to a different type of Adderall. This way, you can find a medication that works better for you and does not cause extreme fatigue.
Bottom Line
Adderall is a powerful medication that can help people focus better and have a better mood. However, it can also cause you to be tired, especially in the beginning. If you’re feeling tired on Adderall, there are a few things that you can do to combat it. All you have to do is be sure to give your body time to adjust to the medication, adjust the dosage, and make sure that you’re getting enough sleep.
