Key takeaways:
Some people taking Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) may notice sexual side effects, including erectile dysfunction (ED) or a lower sex drive. Adderall’s sexual side effects can affect both men and women.
Sexual side effects from Adderall aren’t common. But when they do happen, they’re generally temporary.
If these side effects are affecting your quality of life, talk with your prescriber. They can adjust your dose, change when you take it, or switch you to another medication that works better for you.
Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) helps many people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) stay focused, organized, and on task. But if you’ve noticed changes in your sex life after starting the medication, it can feel frustrating and confusing.
It’s normal to have questions about sexual side effects — and it’s not always easy to talk about them. While not everyone experiences these changes, Adderall and other stimulant medications can sometimes affect sexual function in both men and women.
The good news is that these changes are usually temporary and improve with small tweaks to your ADHD regimen. Here’s what to know about Adderall’s sexual side effects, why they happen, and how to work with a healthcare professional to address them.
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Does Adderall cause erectile dysfunction?
Adderall is a stimulant medication. It’s commonly prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy. It works primarily by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine, which are brain chemicals that help with focus, alertness, and mood.
These same chemicals also play a role in sexual function. For some people, reported sexual side effects while taking Adderall are rare. The same is true for Adderall XR, a longer-lasting (extended-release) version of the medication. In men, side effects can include erectile dysfunction (ED) or a reduced interest in sex.
Other possible causes of ED from Adderall include:
Narrowed blood vessels: Stimulants can tighten blood vessels, making it harder for blood to reach the penis. Reduced blood flow makes it harder to develop an erection that’s firm enough for sex.
Anxiety or tension: Stimulants can increase restlessness, which may interfere with arousal.
Sleep loss or fatigue: Stimulant-related insomnia or energy dips can lower mood and sexual performance.
How long does Adderall-related erectile dysfunction last?
For most people, Adderall‑related ED is temporary. The symptoms often fade once their bodies adjust to the medication.
What’s more, some people may experience more difficulty with erections during the times when Adderall is active. Most people find that Adderall IR (immediate-release) lasts about 4 to 6 hours, while Adderall XR (extended-release) tends to wear off after 8 to 12 hours. Sexual function should return to normal as the dose wears off.
If your ED lasts longer than a few weeks or affects your relationships or confidence, talk to your prescriber. They can check for other potential causes — such as low testosterone, anxiety, or blood pressure issues — and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
What are the other sexual side effects of Adderall?
Adderall can potentially affect your sexual health in other ways, including:
Trouble reaching orgasm
Delayed ejaculation
These side effects aren’t universal. Some people actually experience the opposite — a short-term boost in libido soon after taking Adderall. Others also report more frequent erections. These side effects usually balance out over time.
Adderall FAQs: Get answers to several frequently asked questions about Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) and other prescription stimulants.
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Sexual side effects can vary depending on your dose and how long you’ve taken Adderall. They can also hinge on whether you drink alcohol, use tobacco, or take other medications that affect blood flow or mood.
What sexual side effects can women experience from Adderall use?
Research comparing Adderall’s sexual side effects in men and women is limited. But available evidence and anecdotal reports suggest that side effects can affect women, too. The most commonly reported symptoms are a lower sex drive and trouble getting aroused.
If you notice any bothersome changes in your sex life after starting Adderall, talk with a healthcare professional. Based on their experience and what they typically see in their practice, they may recommend adjusting your dose or switching you to another ADHD medication that better fits your needs.
Are the sexual side effects of Adderall dangerous?
In most cases, Adderall‑related sexual side effects aren’t dangerous. They can still make their mark, though. These issues can impact self‑esteem, relationship satisfaction, and mental health. For some people, ongoing psychological strain from ED or low libido can lead to frustration or even depression.
Rarely, Adderall may cause priapism — a painful erection lasting more than 4 hours. This is a medical emergency that requires immediate care in a hospital.
If you take other medications that can affect sexual function, such as antidepressants or blood pressure medications, they may add to the issue. Your prescriber or pharmacist can review a list of all your medications and supplements to identify potential risks.
How do you reduce the risk of sexual side effects from Adderall?
If Adderall is affecting your sex life, there are several ways to help manage or prevent it:
Talk openly with your prescriber: Let them know when your symptoms show up and how much they affect you. That can help them figure out whether your dose or timing should be changed.
Try a lower dose or different schedule: Taking Adderall earlier in the day or in smaller amounts may help restore normal sexual function in the evenings (when you may be more sexually active).
Ask your pharmacist to review a list of your medications: Some antidepressants, anxiety medications, and blood pressure drugs can worsen ED or low libido.
Consider other ADHD medications: Non-stimulant options — such as atomoxetine (Strattera), guanfacine (Intuniv), or bupropion — may have fewer sexual side effects for some people. You may also respond better to a different stimulant.
Address potential emotional factors: Stress, anxiety, or relationship tension can naturally contribute to ED. Counseling or mindfulness techniques can help.
If your healthcare team believes something besides Adderall is contributing to your ED, they might recommend an ED medication — such as sildenafil (Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) — while fine-tuning your ADHD treatment.
The bottom line
Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) can sometimes cause erectile dysfunction (ED) and other sexual side effects. These issues aren’t common, and they’re usually temporary. With the right combination of medication adjustments and lifestyle support, many people find relief without giving up attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptom management. If you notice new or worsening sexual symptoms after starting Adderall, talk with your healthcare professional. They can help you find a solution that works for you.
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References
Balon, R. (2009). Medications and sexual function and dysfunction. Focus.
Levine, L. A., et al. (2020). Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine salts for delayed orgasm and anorgasmia in men: A pilot study. Urology.
MedlinePlus. (2025). Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.
Rapoport, I. L., et al. (2025). A review of sex and gender factors in stimulant treatment for ADHD: Knowledge gaps and future directions. Journal of Attention Disorders.
Teva Pharmaceuticals USA. (2024). Adderall- dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate tablet [package insert].
