Does Adderall make you pee more?

Does Adderall make you pee more?

Yes, Adderall can make you pee more during the early course of your treatment. This side effect is observed in some cases, but only on short-term use. Some cases of urinary retention are also reported with the chronic use of Adderall (1).

If you are taking Adderall and experiencing this symptom or any other concerning effects, it’s important to seek guidance from your healthcare provider to ensure safe and effective use of the medication.

What does research suggest?

Research has shown that increased urination can be a common side effect of Adderall. Adderall is a stimulant medication commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). (2,3)

The exact mechanism responsible for this side effect is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to how Adderall affects the body.

Adderall works by increasing the levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which help improve focus and attention (3). However, these same chemicals can also affect other parts of the body, including the kidneys and bladder.

Stimulants like Adderall can lead to increased urine production by stimulating the kidneys to filter more blood and produce more urine. This can result in a greater frequency of urination and a larger volume of urine being produced (3).

It’s essential to note that increased urination is not a cause for concern unless it becomes severe or persists for an extended period

What to do if you’re experiencing Adderall-induced increased urination?

If you’re experiencing increased urination as a result of taking Adderall, it’s essential to address the concern with your healthcare provider. Dose adjustment sometimes helps with such cases. However, it should be done by your doctor.

Avoid self-adjusting the medication dosage without medical guidance. Additionally, stay well-hydrated and try to schedule regular bathroom breaks throughout the day. 

If the increased urination is causing discomfort or disruption to your daily activities, discuss potential coping strategies with your healthcare provider. Open communication with your doctor will ensure that the side effect is properly managed and that your treatment plan remains safe and effective.

Was this helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

References

1.-

Chiu HF, Cheng JK, Lin PH, Chang JC, Chen IM, Lin CI, Chang WP, Lin CH. A mechanistic study on urine retention in d-amphetamine addicts. Chin J Physiol. 2014 Aug 31;57(4):171-81. doi: 10.4077/CJP.2014.BAC198. PMID: 25246058. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25246058/

2.-

Martin D, Le JK. Amphetamine. 2022 Aug 1. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 32310563. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556103

3.-

Sharbaf Shoar N, Marwaha R, Molla M. Dextroamphetamine-Amphetamine. 2023 May 23. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29939585. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507808