{"id":628832,"date":"2024-07-03T12:29:10","date_gmt":"2024-07-03T16:29:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628832"},"modified":"2025-04-09T18:26:05","modified_gmt":"2025-04-09T22:26:05","slug":"reasons-for-adderall-not-working","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/reasons-for-adderall-not-working\/","title":{"rendered":"7 reasons for Adderall not working"},"content":{"rendered":"

Adderall<\/span><\/a> (amphetamine\/dextroamphetamine) is a brand-name prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (<\/span>ADHD<\/span><\/a>) and narcolepsy. Adderall is generally used in combination with other treatment methods, such as behavioral therapy and educational interventions. In some cases, people who take Adderall may notice that after some time, it feels like the medicine is not working as well as it used to. There could be several reasons for this. The good news, though, is that there are some things you can do about it. Continue reading to learn more about what to do when your ADHD medicine is no longer working.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\t\tAdderall 20 mg (60 Tablets)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$27.13\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$27.13\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Adderall prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

Why is my Adderall not working?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Let\u2019s explore seven reasons why <\/span>Adderall<\/span><\/a> may not be working.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Incorrect dose\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

When you start taking an ADHD medication like Adderall, your healthcare provider will monitor you closely. They may suggest <\/span>gradual increases in dosage<\/span><\/a> until you get to an <\/span>effective dose<\/span><\/a>. However, after some time at the correct dose, you may check in with your healthcare provider less frequently. If your medicine is not working well, you may need a dosage adjustment. If it\u2019s been some time since you have discussed your dose of medicine with your healthcare provider, call them. Sometimes, a slight tweak in the dose might be all you need to make you feel better.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Formulation or timing issues\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

There are various types of ADHD drugs, and many have several formulations. For example, Adderall is an immediate-release drug. Because it does not last more than a few hours in the body, people generally have to take it two or three times daily to be effective. However, there is also an extended-release form of Adderall, called <\/span>Adderall XR<\/span><\/a>, that lasts longer in the body. Therefore, it only needs to be taken once daily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some individuals take both formulations, such as a dose of Adderall XR in the morning and an immediate-release Adderall dose later in the day if needed. You may be taking the appropriate formulation, but the timing might not be optimal. For example, maybe you are taking your medicine too early, and <\/span>it is wearing off<\/span><\/a> when you still need it to work. Have a conversation with your healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding formulation and timing issues.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Missing doses\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Are you (or your child) taking the prescribed ADHD medication exactly as directed? It can be all too easy to <\/span>forget a dose<\/span><\/a> here and there or otherwise not take it exactly as recommended by a healthcare provider, especially if you find the <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a> of your ADHD medication to be bothersome. If you think missing doses could be an issue, you may want to set a reminder or use an app to remind you to take your medicine daily.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you are skipping doses due to <\/span>side effects<\/span><\/a>, consult your healthcare provider for medical advice. A short supply of Adderall due to an <\/span>Adderall shortage<\/span><\/a> could also cause dosing disruptions. Calling other pharmacies may help if you are having difficulty getting your prescription filled at your local pharmacy.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Lifestyle factors\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

The <\/span>American Academy of Pediatrics<\/span><\/a> (AAP) recommends taking a look at lifestyle factors if you feel ADHD medication is not working. Experts note that lifestyle changes like school transitions can play a role. For example, students who took an ADHD medication in middle school and found it effective may feel like the medicine is not working as well once they get to high school. However, this may also be because high school brings much more work and new social dynamics, among other issues. In these cases, it may seem like the medicine is not working, but it may instead be a new problem that needs to be addressed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Other medical conditions<\/span><\/h3>\n

The AAP notes that in addition to lifestyle factors, a new medical condition may arise. For example, the patient may be experiencing new symptoms of <\/span>anxiety<\/span><\/a> or depression that they were not previously experiencing. The <\/span>Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/span><\/a> (CDC) notes that many children with ADHD also have other medical conditions. Adult ADHD patients may also have more than one condition that needs to be treated. Some common conditions that people with an ADHD diagnosis may also have include:<\/span><\/p>\n