Does Adderall raise your blood pressure?

In this article:

• Can Adderall cause high blood pressure?
• Who is at risk
• Taking Adderall with hypertension
• Blood pressure management
• The bottom line

In this article

• Can Adderall cause high blood pressure?
• Who is at risk
• Taking Adderall with hypertension
• Blood pressure management
• The bottom line

Adderall, the brand name for amphetamine dextroamphetamine, is a prescription medication that is commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy in adults and children. As a central nervous system stimulant, it boosts levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain, helping to improve focus and reduce impulsive behaviors.

Because Adderall increases activity in your nervous system, it can also have effects beyond the brain, including on your heart and blood pressure. For most people, these changes are mild and temporary, but they can be more significant if you already have high blood pressure or certain heart problems. Here’s what to know to keep an eye on your cardiovascular health.

Does Adderall raise blood pressure?

If you’ve ever noticed your heart beating a little faster after taking Adderall, that’s not unusual. It’s part of how stimulant medications work. Adderall increases levels of certain brain chemicals that heighten alertness, focus, and energy. This can also cause a temporary rise in heart rate and blood pressure. 

Research shows that stimulant medications like Adderall can raise blood pressure by 2 to 4 mmHg on average. For reference, a normal blood pressure reading is below 120/80 mmHg. “However, the degree of blood pressure elevation varies among individuals and may be significantly higher in some cases,” explains Paul Choi, PMHN, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Neuro Wellness Spa.

The increase in blood pressure from Adderall is typically modest and not a concern for most people when used as prescribed, adds Anoop Singh, MD, board-certified psychiatrist and regional medical director with Mindpath Health.

Still, those with high blood pressure, heart disease, or who take other stimulant medications should be cautious. In those cases, “the increase in blood pressure and heart rate could be clinically significant and potentially problematic,” Dr. Singh says.

How long does Adderall raise blood pressure?

Adderall’s effects on blood pressure are temporary and last only as long as the drug is in your system. “The effect is dependent on how long the medication lasts in the body, typically 4 to 12 hours depending on whether it’s immediate- or extended-release and the dosing schedule (one vs multiple daily doses),” Dr. Singh explains. 

Once Adderall wears off, your blood pressure will generally return to its normal level. There’s no evidence that Adderall causes permanent high blood pressure in otherwise healthy people. However, if you are taking Adderall every day and your blood pressure stays elevated after the medication wears off, it could become a concern over time. If the medication consistently raises blood pressure to unhealthy levels, especially with long-term use, talk to your healthcare provider.

Who is at risk for elevated blood pressure from Adderall?

For most people with normal blood pressure and no heart issues, a small rise of two to four points isn’t usually a concern. But for certain groups, Adderall’s potential side effects on blood pressure and heart rate can be more serious.

People with pre-existing heart conditions

Those with certain cardiovascular issues should be especially cautious when taking Adderall. According to Choi, individuals with any of the following are at higher risk of adverse heart effects:

• Unstable or symptomatic cardiovascular disease
• Advanced arteriosclerosis (plaque build-up in your arteries)
• Structural cardiac abnormalities
• A family history of sudden cardiac death

These groups may be more likely to have complications such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and, in rare cases, sudden cardiac death.

People with moderate to severe hypertension

If you already have high blood pressure, even a small increase can become dangerous. “Individuals with moderate to severe or uncontrolled hypertension should avoid Adderall,” Choi recommends. 

For those with controlled hypertension—for example, people managing blood pressure with medication—Adderall may still be used under close medical supervision, according to Choi.

People taking certain medications

Using Adderall alongside other stimulants—such as caffeine, nicotine, or certain prescription drugs—can amplify its cardiovascular effects and cause a more pronounced increase in blood pressure. 

Additionally, combining Adderall with MAO inhibitors could trigger a hypertensive crisis, a dangerous condition where blood pressure spikes above 180/120 mmHg. This is an emergency that requires immediate medical treatment.

Can you take Adderall with high blood pressure?

The short answer: It depends on how well your blood pressure is controlled. “If blood pressure is mild and well-controlled, Adderall may still be used under close monitoring,” Dr. Singh says. “In uncontrolled or severe hypertension, stimulants [like Adderall] are generally avoided.”

If Adderall isn’t a safe option for you, there are other popular ADHD medications that may be gentler on your cardiovascular system. “For patients with blood pressure concerns, non-stimulant ADHD medications such as atomoxetine, guanfacine, or clonidine may be preferred,” Choi says.

Strattera (atomoxetine) carries a lower risk of increasing blood pressure, while medications like guanfacine and Catapres (clonidine) can actually lower it. If you are interested in any Adderall alternatives, seek medical advice from your healthcare provider to find a treatment option that supports your mental focus and your heart health.

Managing blood pressure while on Adderall

Since Adderall can cause a slight increase in your blood pressure, “it is important to establish baseline blood pressure and heart rate prior to initiation and to monitor these parameters regularly during treatment,” Choi recommends.

Beyond monitoring, making a few healthy lifestyle changes can help keep your blood pressure in check while taking Adderall. Choi recommends:

• Eating a diet low in sodium.
• Engaging in regular physical activity.
• Maintaining a healthy weight for your body.
• Prioritizing good sleep and addressing any underlying sleep issues.
• Avoiding other stimulant drugs, such as caffeine, nicotine, or decongestants, while on Adderall.

• Working with your provider to find the lowest optimal dosage of Adderall and discontinuing other medications that could elevate blood pressure whenever possible.
• Considering non-stimulant ADHD medications when needed.

By combining smart monitoring with healthy habits, you can help protect your heart health while getting the benefits of your ADHD treatment.

The bottom line

Adderall can cause a small, temporary increase in blood pressure for some people, though it’s rarely significant in otherwise healthy individuals. For most, these changes are not a cause for concern, provided you take care of your overall health with medication and lifestyle modifications. However, if you have high blood pressure or a heart condition, your provider may make adjustments to your treatment plan to lower blood pressure and stay on track with your ADHD treatment.