Does Adderall cause Sjogren’s fatigue? (+3 factors)

In this article, we will explore whether Adderall can cause Sjogrens’s fatigue or not, what is the link between Adderall and Sjogren’s fatigue, what factors contribute to Adderall-induced Sjogren’s fatigue and what to do if Adderall can cause Sjogren’s fatigue.

Does Adderall cause Sjogren’s fatigue?

Yes, Adderall (amphetamine + dextroamphetamine) can cause effects that might lead to Sjogren’s fatigue through some indirect pathways. Sjogren’s fatigue is a core symptom of Sjogrren’s syndrome. It is an autoimmune disorder that affects the moisture-producing glands in various parts of the body (1). 

Adderall is a stimulant medication that contains amphetamines, particularly dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. Adderall stimulates the central nervous system by affecting the levels of various neurotransmitters in the brain. It is usually prescribed for the treatment of ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and narcolepsy (2). 

If you are taking Adderall and experience any of the side effects including Sjogren’s fatigue then you need to consult your healthcare provider. They can help you with a safe and effective treatment plan and strategy.

What is the link between Adderall and Sjogren’s fatigue?

The exact link between Adderall and Sjogren’s fatigue is not clearly understood. However, several Adderall-related pathways contribute to the incidence of Sjogren’s fatigue. 

Although Adderall is associated with the promotion of wakefulness, it can sometimes in some individuals cause disrupted sleep patterns (3). This can lead to falling asleep, staying asleep or waking up feeling unrested. In patients with Sjogren’s fatigue who often struggle with sleep issues, the effects of Adderall might worsen the condition and cause fatigue.

Sjogren’s syndrome might be associated with anxiety and depression (4). These conditions can cause fatigue as well. In addition to this, the stimulating effects of Adderall can cause anxiety or depression in some patients (5). The interaction of Adderall’s effects and the symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome can lead the patient towards Sjogren’s fatigue. 

What factors contribute to Adderall-induced Sjogren’s fatigue?

Adderall can exacerbate the conditions and lead the patient toward fatigue associated with Sjogren’s syndrome. Adderall-induced Sjogren’s fatigue can be influenced by the following factors.

Dosage and duration

Higher doses of Adderall are associated with an increased risk of side effects. Increased side effects of Adderall are more likely to cause fatigue in patients suffering from Sjogren’s syndrome. Increased doses and prolonged use of Adderall are more likely to cause fatigue associated with Sjogrem’s syndrome.

Dehydration

Adderall can cause dry mouth as a commonly reported side effect of Adderall. For individuals with Sjogren’s syndrome who are already suffering from dryness in the mouth, this effect of Adderall can worsen this dehydration leading the patient towards fatigue.

Individual response

Every individual has a varied response to Adderall due to differences in genetic predisposition, metabolic rate, age and gender.  For some individuals with Sjogren’s syndrome, the effects of Adderall are more pronounced increasing the risk of Sjogren’s fatigue.

Concurent medications

Sjogren’s fatigue as a result of Adderall might be influenced by the interaction of Adderall with any other medication that you might be taking concurrently. These medications include:

• Saliva substitutes
• Artificial tears
• Immunosuppressants
• NSAIDs
• Antidepressants
• Anxiolytics

Underlying medical condition

Some underlying health conditions might also contribute to the Adderall-associated Sjogren’s fatigue. These conditions may include:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
• Fibromyalgia
• Sleep disorders
• Chronic pain condition
• Anemia
• Thyroid disorders
• Depression or anxiety

What to do if Adderall causes Sjogren’s fatigue?

If you experience Sjogren’s fatigue after taking Adderall then you need to consult your healthcare provider.  

Consulting healthcare provider

Your healthcare provider will perform a thorough examination and analysis, considering your past medical history, the severity and intensity of your condition.  If Adderall is found to be the cause of your condition then your doctor will tailor a treatment plan according to your needs. 

Your doctor might have to lower the dose of Adderall as higher doses are more likely to cause side effects. In addition to this, your doctor might have to alter or adjust your treatment plan for Sjogren’s syndrome as well to make it adjusted to your requirements.

However, if the condition does not get better even after the adjustments in the treatment plan then your doctor may suggest you to switch from Adderall to an alternative medication that can help you with ADHD or narcolepsy. The substitutes may include (6):

• Methylphenidate
• Atomoxetine
• Guanfacine
• Wellbutrin (Off-label)
• Clonidine

In my opinion, Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder and Sjogren’s fatigue is an associated core side effect of Sjogren’s syndrome. Adderall can sometimes, lead to these effects due to its involvement in several stimulating pathways. The indirect effect of Adderall can contribute to Sjogren’s fatigue.

If you have any concerns regarding the use of Adderall or any of its side effects, or if you experience any effect such as Sjogren’s fatigue after starting the use of Adderall then you need to consult your healthcare provider for a safe and effective treatment strategy.

References