Adderall (a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine) is a prescription stimulant used to treat adults and children (over the age of six) with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall was the second drug to be approved to treat ADHD, following Ritalin's already long stay on the market. The FDA approved Adderall in 1996 and later approved Adderall XR Extended-Release capsules in 2001. Shire Pharmaceuticals Group Plc manufactures this popular ADHD medication. Millions of people have taken this drug, with and without a prescription.

According to Shire Pharmaceuticals and the FDA, there are serious Adderall side effect risks of which patients and healthcare professionals should be aware. These include:

Adderall carries a black box warning—the strongest warning issued by the FDA short of a drug recall—informing consumers about the serious risk of Adderall abuse. This Adderall warning states that taking amphetamines for long periods may lead to Adderall addiction. The warning details the significant risks posed when Adderall is taken for non-therapeutic use or is distributed to others. The Adderall black box warning also states that misuse of Adderall can cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular events.

According to February 2006 reports, at least 24 Adderall deaths were reported to the FDA between 1999 and 2003. Other cases of possible Adderall death were not counted because the deceased used other drugs, the deaths fell out of the parameters of the study, or the deaths were to non-US citizens. Thus, the number of Adderall deaths may be significantly underestimated.

Adderall side effects can aggravate or cause psychosis in patients with existing mental conditions. Patients with previous mental conditions should be carefully monitored for signs of Adderall psychosis. This Adderall risk can be significant given that a large percentage of people suffering from ADHD also suffer from co-morbid psychological disorders.

Evidence shows that Adderall may increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events including heart attack, stroke, high blood pressure, and other serious conditions. This Adderall side effect risk appears to be greater in people with a history of cardiovascular conditions and those who misuse this drug.

Adderall side effects can worsen tics and Tourette's disorder.