Sex Related Adderall Side Effects In Females and Males
Many medical conditions and their treatments contribute to sexual dysfunction. Understanding the potential for drug-induced sexual problems and their negative impact on adherence to treatment will enable the patients to seek alternatives where available. Several classes of prescription drugs contribute to sexual dysfunction in men and women. Patients who develop drug-induced sexual dysfunction are more likely to be non-adherent.
Sexual function consists of the phases of sexual desire, arousal, and orgasm. Both men and women can experience problems in any of these phases. Low desire, lack of swelling and lubrication in women, erectile dysfunction, premature, retrograde, or absent ejaculation, anorgasmia, and painful sex not only affect the individual but also impact on their partner.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a medication that is composed of equal parts of racemic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. This combination medication is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – ADHD.
Adderall works by changing the amounts of certain natural substances in the brain. Adderall belongs to a class of drugs known as stimulants. It can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on an activity, and control behavior problems. It may also help you to organize your tasks and improve listening skills.
Adderall is also used to treat a certain sleeping disorder (narcolepsy) to help you stay awake during the day. It should not be used to treat tiredness or to hold off sleep in people who do not have a sleep disorder.
How is Adderall taken?
Adderall is taken by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 1 to 3 times a day. The first dose is usually taken when you wake up in the morning. If more doses are prescribed, take them as directed by your doctor, usually 4-6 hours apart. Taking this medication late in the day may cause trouble sleeping (insomnia).
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Your doctor may adjust your dose to find the dose that is best for you. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking Adderall and each time you get a refill. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
List Of Adderall Side Effects In Men
Studies have shown that Adderall can cause the following side effects in men:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of Interest in sex
- Excessive masturbation
The effect of Adderall and the side effects it produces is different for everyone. As a result, while Adderall could be causing erectile dysfunction in one person, it might be triggering increased interest in sex or masturbation in another person.
This happens because amphetamines like Adderall can suppress testosterone production in men which may account for these complications.
List Of Adderall Side Effects In Women
Adderall can also cause side effects in women, these can include:
- Lack of sexual desire
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Lubrication issues
The side effects of Adderall in women may be more significant during periods where estrogen levels are elevated, such as pregnancy, and menopause or around ovulation.
How to cope with Adderall sexual side effects
The lack of libido and other sexual issues in men and women while on Adderall can be a source of embarrassment and conflict in relationships, the good news is that there are several ways you can reduce the impact of Adderall on your sexual function this can include:
Talk to your doctor about your medication. If you do have sexual issues and you think your Adderall prescriptions are to blame, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to help you make changes that make you feel better. For example, switching antidepressants may help boost a low sex drive.
Exercise. Staying active can help you focus and raise levels of neurotransmitters. That can help you enjoy intimacy more and may make you less likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors.
Tell your partner about your Adderall side effects. Let your partner know how Adderall works and its impact on sex drive. It’s important for your partner to know that it’s not a sign you’re not interested in them.
Consider talk therapy. Research shows that talk therapy, also known as psychotherapy, can help ease Adderall side effects that impact your sex life. A therapist can also help you learn skills that can help you communicate with your partner, both in and out of bed.
Can I take Viagra with Adderall?
Research has found no interactions between Adderall and Viagra (Sildenafil). They’re generally considered to be safe to take together, but you should always consult with your doctor before taking any medications simultaneously. In fact, some men may need Viagra (Sildenafil) when taking Adderall because the latter drug has been known to cause erectile dysfunction.
What are the other side effects of Adderall?
The more common side effects of Adderall can include:
• anxiety
• constipation
• dizziness
• dry mouth
• headache
• lack of appetite
• nausea
• stomach pain
• trouble sleeping
• weight loss
These side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects
Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:
• heart problems including high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, heart attack, and stroke
• agitated or aggressive behavior
• blurred vision
• depression
• hallucinations
• impaired or delusional thinking
• irritability
• muscle breakdown called rhabdomyolysis
• severe allergic reaction
Long-term effects
Adderall is safe to use long-term when taken at doctor-recommended dosages. For many people, common side effects such as loss of appetite, dry mouth, or insomnia are reduced with continued use of the drug. For others, these side effects may continue.
Long-term use of Adderall or other stimulants may cause some changes in the brain, such as decreases in the amount of the chemical messenger dopamine. This seems more likely to happen in people who abuse Adderall in high doses.
When Adderall is misused or abused, long-term use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Inappropriate use can lead to many serious side effects, including:
• anorexia and unwanted weight loss
• depression
• fatigue
• heart damage
• moodiness or irritability
• severe insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• skin disorders
• symptoms of psychosis such as aggression and hallucinations.
