Key takeaways

  • Adderall (amphetamine/dextroamphetamine) is a prescription drug used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. It’s not approved for use as a weight loss drug, but it may cause weight loss as a side effect.
  • Adderall is a schedule II controlled substance, meaning it carries a high risk of misuse and addiction. Due to this risk, doctors are not likely to prescribe Adderall for weight loss.
  • If you have concerns about your weight, your doctor can recommend approved treatment options for weight management.

Many people are on the lookout for fast, easy ways to lose weight. If you’ve heard that the prescription medication Adderall can cause weight loss, you may wonder whether it’s the right option for you.

Adderall is a medication prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which are stimulant drugs that affect chemicals in the brain. Many stimulants, including Adderall, may cause weight loss as a side effect. However, doctors typically do not prescribe Adderall for this purpose. Here’s what to know.

It’s true — appetite loss and weight loss are possible side effects of Adderall. Both adults and children can have these effects while taking this drug. However, Adderall is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a weight loss drug. It’s only approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.

In addition to weight loss, Adderall can cause serious side effects. Other side effects of Adderall include:

  • high blood pressure
  • increased heart rate
  • anorexia
  • mood swings
  • headache
  • trouble sleeping

Adderall use is especially dangerous for people with heart defects or other heart problems. Even if you have ADHD or narcolepsy, your doctor will likely not prescribe Adderall for you if you also have a heart condition or a high risk of developing one.

Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it carries a high risk of misuse, dependence, and addiction. Due to these risks, doctors are unlikely to prescribe Adderall as a weight loss drug. However, they can recommend other medications or lifestyle changes to help with weight loss.

Boxed warning

Adderall has a boxed warning, the most serious type of warning the FDA provides. It states that Adderall has a high risk of misuse and addiction.

A possible side effect of Adderall use in young people who take the medication to treat ADHD is slowed growth and poor weight gain.

According to clinical studies, children taking Adderall developed more slowly in both height and weight.

If your child takes Adderall and you’re concerned about weight loss or decreased appetite, talk with their doctor. They can answer your questions and give you guidance on diet.

If needed, the doctor may refer you to a registered dietitian for more specialized care. With help from these healthcare providers, you can manage your child’s diet to help make sure they’re eating well and keeping a healthy weight.

If you have concerns about your weight, talk with your doctor. Adderall is not safe for use as a weight loss drug. However, your doctor can recommend safe and effective alternatives for weight loss.

If you have questions about how Adderall use can affect you or your child, talk with your doctor. They can help you manage any side effects from taking Adderall.

Questions you may have for your doctor include:

  • Is Adderall a safe and appropriate medication for me?
  • What side effects can I expect from Adderall and how can I manage them?
  • How can I help manage any effects Adderall has on my child’s weight?
  • How much weight loss can I expect with Adderall? Will the weight come back when I stop taking the medication?
  • What weight loss options should I consider?
  • If I follow a diet and exercise plan, how much weight can I expect to lose and how quickly?