Does Adderall Raise Your Blood Pressure?

Over the years, there’s been controversy around the diagnosis of attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a condition and using Adderall (amphetamine salts) as a treatment. This could be because the cause of ADHD and how Adderall works aren’t fully understood. But, what we do know is around 10 million adults have ADHD. And many of them take Adderall, one of the first-choice treatment options.

We also know that nearly 116 million U.S. adults have high blood pressure or are taking medication to treat it. For adults living with both high blood pressure and ADHD, taking Adderall could be problematic. This is because one of the possible side effects of Adderall is raising blood pressure.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is an FDA-approved prescription stimulant taken to treat ADHD. It can also treat narcolepsy, a type of sleeping disorder. Adderall comes in two dosage forms: immediate-release (IR) and extended-release (ER) tablets and capsules.

However, Adderall is sometimes a double-edged sword. Adderall can lead to beneficial improvements in alertness, attention, and energy. But it's a controlled substance because it has a high risk for dependence and misuse. Both Adderall formulations also have similar short-term and long-term side effects.

Among these, there’s a shared concern among people taking Adderall: Does it raise blood pressure?

Does Adderall raise blood pressure?

Yes, Adderall may raise blood pressure by a small amount. In fact, one of the most common Adderall side effects is a rise in blood pressure. It’s not recommended for people with certain heart conditions or who have a history of moderate to severe high blood pressure (hypertension).

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Why does Adderall raise blood pressure?

Adderall is thought to affect two chemicals in the body: dopamine and norepinephrine. The second of the two — norepinephrine — has to do with blood pressure. Because Adderall boosts the activity of norepinephrine, which squeezes your blood vessels, this can raise your blood pressure.

How much will my blood pressure go up while taking Adderall?

On average, Adderall and other stimulants can raise your blood pressure by about 2 to 4 mmHg. This usually isn’t a concern if you don’t have a history of high blood pressure or other heart conditions.

But, some people may experience larger blood pressure changes. Depending on what your normal blood pressure is, you may be told to track your blood pressure at home. This is especially important when you first start Adderall or soon after you change your dose.

Misusing Adderall or experiencing an Adderall overdose can cause your blood pressure to go up much higher, too. You may also feel headaches, vision changes, or have trouble breathing. If you feel symptoms like these or if your blood pressure climbs to 180/120 mmHg even without any symptoms, go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Taking Adderall in ways other than you were prescribed can also lead to stimulant use disorder. If you need help finding treatment, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

What’s a normal blood pressure?

For most people, a “normal” blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg or lower. A reading above that may be considered high, but this varies by person. Adderall can push you above your normal blood pressure, especially if you’re already at risk for high blood pressure.

If my blood pressure goes up while taking Adderall, will it go back down?

Blood pressure changes with Adderall are not permanent. Most people may see a small rise (2 to 4 mmHg) in blood pressure while their dose is working. If you’re a healthy individual with no heart conditions, your blood pressure should go back down on its own once your dose wears off.

But, if you notice that your blood pressure continues to stay higher than normal, contact your healthcare provider. This is especially important if your blood pressure changes by more than 4 mmHg at a time.

There’s no safe way to quickly lower high blood pressure on your own, so it’s important to discuss any large blood pressure changes with your healthcare provider. They may adjust your dose of Adderall or suggest an alternative treatment altogether.

Can blood pressure changes from Adderall be prevented?

It’s hard to prevent any changes in blood pressure, but your healthcare provider can help ensure blood pressure changes don’t cause any problems. 

Anyone starting Adderall should receive a baseline assessment of their heart health and be screened for pre-existing high blood pressure or heart disease. This helps prevent any dangerous changes in blood pressure by putting proper safeguards into place.

It’s also important to incorporate certain lifestyle changes to avoid large changes in blood pressure. For instance, try to avoid drinking coffee while Adderall is in your system. They’re both stimulants, so taking them together could have additive blood pressure effects.

What other side effects are common with Adderall?

Blood pressure isn’t the only Adderall side effect. Other common side effects of Adderall include:

• Fast heart rate or palpitations

• Restlessness or irritability

• Dry mouth

• Blurry vision

• Weight loss

• Changes in sex drive or erectile dysfunction

If you take Adderall and start to experience any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider to discuss.

Are there any ADHD medications that don’t cause high blood pressure?

All stimulants (such as Adderall) can raise blood pressure. But, there are also non-stimulant medications that are sometimes used to treat ADHD. If you are looking for something less likely to raise your blood pressure, talk to your provider about these options: 

• Guanfacine (Intuniv)

• Clonidine ER (Kapvay)

• Bupropion (Wellbutrin XL, Wellbutrin SR)

• Nortriptyline (Pamelor)

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Hindu Rao, PharmD, APh, BCACP

Hindu Rao, PharmD, APh, BCACP is a clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice at Chapman University School of Pharmacy and a clinical pharmacist at Providence Medical Foundation. She specializes in chronic disease management and has her board certification in ambulatory care.

Edited by:

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS

Joshua Murdock, PharmD, BCBBS, is a licensed pharmacist in Arizona, Colorado, and Rhode Island. He has worked in the pharmacy industry for more than 10 years and currently serves as a pharmacy editor for GoodRx.

Reviewed by:

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh

Tegan Smedley, PharmD, APh, has 10 years of experience as a pharmacist. She has worked in a variety of settings, including retail, hospital, and ambulatory care.

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