Unpleasant Adderall Side Effect

[Mjazzy]

I have been taking Adderall (10mg twice a day) for three weeks.  For the first few weeks I had no unpleasant side effects other than not wanting to eat and dry mouth.  However, several days ago late at night (6 hours after taking my last dose) I experienced a rapid, pounding heartbeat which scared me.  Why would I experience that 6 hours after taking a 10mg dose?  And why would those side effects appear weeks after taking the medication with no problems?

Also, for the past two days I've experienced light headedness and feeling like I'm going to faint about 2 hours after taking my 10 mg in the a.m.  Is this due to my lack of appetite?  Is there something I can do to alleviate these side effects?  Does this mean I cannot take Adderall anymore?

[Alison L, RPh]

Since Adderall is a stimulant drug, it can cause heart palpitations. It can also increase blood pressure and cause dizziness. If you are not eating enough, this could exacerbate dizziness and lightheadedness.  Unfortunately, side effects to medications can appear at any time during the therapy.  I would discuss these side effects with your doctor and if you decide that you cannot tolerate these effects, you may need to change your medication.

[Sandra Y, RPh]

My recommendation is to talk to your prescriber about the symptoms you're experiencing. He or she is better able to determine if this is related to your medication or other underlying issues.

[Mjazzy]

Okay, so not eating right could be a possible cause of the dizziness and feeling faint.  Could the heart palpitations also be a cause of feeling faint?  Should I be checked for an underlying heart condition?

[allmymarbles]

Adderall is speed. Pure and simple. Something your doctor does not tell you.