{"id":630676,"date":"2024-12-10T09:41:38","date_gmt":"2024-12-10T14:41:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=630676"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:58:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T18:58:18","slug":"why-does-adderall-make-me-poop","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/why-does-adderall-make-me-poop\/","title":{"rendered":"Why does Adderall make me poop?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Adderall<\/span><\/a> (dextroamphetamine\/amphetamine) is a prescription drug that treats medical conditions such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (<\/span>ADHD<\/span><\/a>) and narcolepsy.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Some <\/span>symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults<\/span><\/a> include forgetfulness, an inability to stay focused, procrastination, and others. As far as narcolepsy, people may notice the following <\/span>symptoms<\/span><\/a>: daytime sleepiness, sudden muscle weakness, temporary paralysis, fragmented sleep, and hallucinations.<\/span><\/p>\n

The dose of Adderall is individualized based on age, medical condition, and treatment response. For ADHD, the starting dose for children aged six and older is typically 5 mg per day, with gradual increases if needed. The maximum daily dose should not exceed 40 mg to 60 mg, depending on the condition being treated.<\/span><\/p>\n

The drug can affect digestion\u2014and therefore bowel movements\u2014which explains the possible link users may have noticed between Adderall and pooping more. In fact, this is a common concern among Adderall patients.<\/span><\/p>\n

How Adderall works<\/span><\/h2>\n

Adderall and other ADHD medications work by<\/span><\/a> increasing the levels of two neurotransmitters\u2014norepinephrine and dopamine\u2014in the brain. Those neurotransmitters <\/span>play a role in the body\u2019s \u201cfight or flight\u201d response<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>affect the central nervous system<\/span><\/a>, which can speed up other bodily processes.<\/span><\/p>\n

For example, Adderall stimulates the central nervous system, which may indirectly affect metabolic processes while the drug is active. However, significant changes to the overall metabolic rate are not typically observed.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once a person stops the prescription medication, their metabolism will revert back to its usual \u201cspeed.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Common <\/span>side effects of Adderall<\/span><\/a> include decreased appetite, dry mouth, stomachache, weight loss, anxiety, and irregular heartbeat. Other possible side effects of amphetamines include the risk of misuse and a lower sex drive.<\/span><\/p>\n

Serious cardiovascular side effects, such as elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, heart attack, or stroke, are rare and more likely in individuals with preexisting heart conditions or with improper use of the medication. <\/span>Additionally, potential side effects include the worsening or reemergence of psychosis, seizures, aggressive behavior, and more.<\/span><\/p>\n

In rare cases, Adderall can cause side effects such as elevated blood pressure, fast heartbeat, serotonin syndrome, and growth suppression. In children, Adderall may temporarily slow growth due to appetite suppression, but this effect is usually reversible with ‘drug holidays’ or after discontinuation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Does Adderall increase bowel movements?<\/span><\/h2>\n

As mentioned, Adderall affects several bodily systems. \u201cWhile it\u2019s primarily a <\/span>stimulant that affects the central nervous system<\/span><\/a>, some individuals find that it speeds up their digestive processes, leading to increased bowel movements,\u201d says <\/span>Dr. Sasha Hamdani, MD<\/span><\/a>, a psychiatrist and ADHD clinical specialist at <\/span>Psychiatry Associates of Kansas City<\/span><\/a>.<\/span> \u201cIncreased stimulation of the nervous system can lead to heightened gut motility, resulting in diarrhea or other gastrointestinal discomfort.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

However, that\u2019s not the case for everyone. Some people can get dehydrated on Adderall, which contributes to constipation, she adds\u2014aka the opposite issue.<\/span><\/p>\n

If Adderall does lead to more bowel movements, here\u2019s one reason why: \u201cBy speeding up the metabolism, Adderall also speeds up the digestive process, which can cause food to move through the system too quickly,\u201d says <\/span>Dr. Jason Kellogg, MD<\/span><\/a>, a psychiatrist and medical director at Hotel California by the Sea. <\/span>\u201cThis can lead to digestive discomfort, including cramping, bloating, and diarrhea, as the body has less time to fully process nutrients.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Additionally, Adderall can relax the smooth muscles (aka muscles that aren\u2019t subject to direct voluntary control) in the digestive tract.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Managing and preventing digestive problems when taking Adderall<\/span><\/h2>\n

Wondering how to fix \u201cAdderall stomach,\u201d aka how to reduce Adderall\u2019s side effects that are gastrointestinal? The following steps may help.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Stay hydrated<\/span><\/h3>\n

Adderall can cause dehydration in a few ways.<\/span><\/p>\n

For starters, it reduces the sensation of thirst. \u201cNorepinephrine can suppress the brain\u2019s thirst signals, making you less aware of the need to drink water,\u201d Dr. Kellogg says. This can contribute to constipation.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Hamdani adds that Adderall can suppress appetite, too. Since eating enough helps with bowel regularity and hydration, this side effect is a double whammy on your digestive system.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall can increase sweating and bowel movements, as well, which also contributes to fluid loss. \u201cThis can be problematic if not managed by proper hydration,\u201d she says.<\/span><\/p>\n

Re: sweating and dehydration: \u201cIts stimulant effects can increase heart rate and potentially cause sweating, which may further deplete your body\u2019s hydration levels,\u201d Dr. Hamdani explains. \u201cIt\u2019s essential to stay mindful of your fluid intake while on this medication.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Know what foods are helpful and unhelpful<\/span><\/h3>\n

High-fiber foods generally promote bowel regularity, but excessive fiber can sometimes worsen diarrhea. A balanced fiber intake tailored to individual needs is recommended. For example, fiber can make stool firmer\u2014which can relieve diarrhea\u2014but <\/span>too much can cause constipation<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Generally speaking, Dr. Hamdani encourages high-fiber foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to promote regularity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Dr. Kellogg shares other safe foods to eat. \u201cIf experiencing digestive issues while on Adderall, it\u2019s helpful to add bland, easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, bread, and oatmeal,\u201d he says. \u201cEat more fruits and vegetables to increase fiber and help regulate your bowel movements.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

These doctors say that foods that may irritate the digestive system include spicy or greasy foods, excessive caffeine, and processed sugars.<\/span><\/p>\n

Eat smaller, more frequent meals.<\/span><\/h3>\n

This can prevent overloading of the digestive system and reduce discomfort, Dr. Kellogg says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Whole foods with fiber<\/span><\/a>\u2014such as raspberries, broccoli, whole wheat spaghetti, and lentils\u2014can help you feel fuller longer.<\/span><\/p>\n

Engage in regular physical activity\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

Regular exercise can improve <\/span>gut motility<\/span><\/a>, Dr. Hamdani says.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cGut motility\u201d refers to the movement of food through the body, a key piece of digestive health. <\/span>Light to moderate exercise enhances<\/span><\/a> digestion.<\/span><\/p>\n

Talk to a medical professional<\/span><\/h3>\n

If side effects persist and cause concern, Dr. Hamdani encourages discussing them with a healthcare provider. They may suggest adjusting the dosage or exploring alternative medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other <\/span>treatment options for ADHD<\/span><\/a> include cognitive-behavioral therapy, stimulant drugs, and other medications. Additional <\/span>treatments for narcolepsy<\/span><\/a> include antidepressants and wakefulness-promoting agents.<\/span><\/p>\n

When to consult a healthcare provider<\/span><\/h2>\n

If a person does choose to stop Adderall, it\u2019s best to do so with medical supervision. Professionals can help people avoid <\/span>withdrawal symptoms<\/span><\/a>, which can cause adverse effects such as mood swings, trouble sleeping or excessive daytime sleepiness, headaches, cravings, and suicidal thoughts. The latter, especially, calls for immediate medical attention.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall can have severe side effects, as mentioned above, in which professional help is needed. Dr. Kellogg and Dr. Hamdani list the following examples:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n