Adderall is the trade name for a drug that combines several slow-release amphetamine salts. This medication is commonly prescribed to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and has been shown to be effective in treating symptoms such as poor concentration, impulsivity, and lack of focus.
However, as with almost any medication, there are many unwanted side effects. Understanding how Adderall may impact your sex drive is key to maintaining a healthy relationship with your disorder and your sex life.
How ADHD Impacts Your Sex Life
The first thing we’re going to discuss is how ADHD may impact your sex drive, and what people who have ADHD and choose not to take medication may go through. Some common scenarios that may affect adults with ADHD include:
- Impulsively seeking sex: Sex addiction often intersects with ADHD and other disorders that result in high impulsivity. This means someone with ADHD may be more likely to engage in risky sexual behaviors or sex with strangers.
- Inability to be in the moment: Staying present in the moment is crucial for connecting with your partner, and can be a challenge for adults with ADHD, who tend to jump from one rapid-fire thought or impulse to the next. This may distract them during sexual activity, sometimes to the point of no longer enjoying the act or being able to perform.
- Hyperactivity: Adults with ADHD may experience a high level of arousal and consequently frantically pursue sex to alleviate the tension. ADHD adults thus may be more attracted to edgier sexual practices like exhibitionism or fetishism.
Of course, not everybody with ADHD will experience these symptoms. We don’t judge, but it’s important to be aware of what activities are something you actually enjoy and which activities you’re performing just because you’re impulsive.
How Adderall May Increase Sexual Desire
Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that enhances several neurotransmitters, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Each of these also play a role in sexual desire. Since Adderall directly acts on these brain chemicals, it may increase blood flow to your sexual organs and increase sexual desire and enjoyment. It may also make you feel more focused, energized, and confident, heightening your sexual performance.
Although some people may enjoy the heightened sexual desire, it can also be overwhelming, or make them feel so aroused that it distracts from their daily lives. It may also lead to the development of compulsive sexual behaviors, like compulsive masturbation. It’s important to be aware of how your body reacts to medication and let your doctor know if concerning behaviors arise. Sexual desire may return to normal after a few months of taking Adderall, but if it continues increasing, you should consult with your doctor.
Abusing Adderall Comes With Serious Side Effects
Some people may take Adderall without being prescribed or disregard their doctor’s instructions on how to take it in order to try and boost pleasure, sexual desire, and performance. Taking it in a manner not prescribed comes with serious side effects, such as:
- Anxiety
- Paranoia
- Sudden, unhealthy weight loss
- Fever
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
How Adderall Can Put A Damper On Your Sex Life
Sounds like a treat? It’s not all good news. Adderall can also have the opposite effect and decrease blood flow to your sexual organs, reducing your sexual desire and pleasure. In women, Adderall can also result in nervousness, headache, decreased sex drive, and painful periods. Moreover, other side effects like constipation, headache, painful menstrual cramps, diarrhea, and mood swings can also mess with your desire to have sex.
Managing Sexual Side Effects On Adderall
If Adderall is seriously disturbing your sex life, or causing you discomfort, consult with your doctor about other options. Some ways to manage these side effects include:
Lowering your dosage
Your doctor may lower the dosage of adderall that you’re on in order to figure out what dose works best for you without causing distressing side effects. They may also have you take it in separate doses throughout the day rather than all at once.
Changing to a different formulation
There are two formulations of Adderall: Extended-release Adderall (also known as Adderall XR) and immediate-release Adderall. Your doctor may switch you to a different formulation and see how it impacts your body. Immediate-release Adderall only produces effects for around 4-6 hours, while extended-release Adderall can last all day.
Sometimes, switching to a different formulation can help you have more control over the sexual side effects. If Adderall causes your arousal to spike in an uncomfortable way, switching to the immediate-release formulation can ensure that the heightened arousal won’t last all day.
Switching your medication type
Your doctor may also recommend that you switch to another kind of prescription stimulant, such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) or lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse). Though these drugs may also cause certain sexual side effects, it’s important to remember that different bodies respond to medications differently. Someone who has sexual side effects on one type of stimulant may not have them on another, so switching from Adderall to Vyvanse or vice versa may help curb unwanted sexual side effects.
