Adderall may cause side effects during the menstrual cycle in females. Other side effects are possible but aren’t specific to females.

Doctors prescribe Adderall to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It’s approved for use in adults and children ages 6 years and older.

The drug can cause side effects, including some in females. (In this article, we use the term “female” to refer to someone’s sex assigned at birth. For information about the difference between sex and gender, see this article.) This article discusses side effects that may affect females specifically.

Certain side effects may apply to or affect females of certain ages. Each person’s experience with side effects may differ.

Adderall may cause specific side effects during periods or menstrual cycles in females. You may experience side effects before your period begins. These include:

Some females find that stimulant medications, such as Adderall, are less effective a week or so before their periods start. This may increase ADHD symptoms. Low estrogen levels are typical during your period, which also may cause an increase in ADHD symptoms.

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To help avoid Adderall’s side effects during your periods, try watching symptoms before your period begins. You might talk with your doctor about adjusting your Adderall dosage for certain points of your cycle. Currently, no guidelines provide treatment plans that relate specifically to phases of the menstrual cycle.

Let your doctor know if any side effects become bothersome. They may suggest other ways to help manage Adderall’s side effects. If your side effects are serious, your doctor may recommend trying a different medication.

During Adderall treatment, do not adjust your dose yourself. First, discuss it with your doctor.

Adderall can cause side effects in females, including side effects during the menstrual cycle. You might experience certain side effects before your period starts.

Your doctor can suggest ways to help manage side effects. This might include adjusting your dosage for certain points of your cycle. If your side effects are severe, your doctor may recommend alternative treatment.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.