Adderall is a stimulant medication that is commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It helps increase focus and concentration in those with ADHD. However, some people have concerns that Adderall may negatively impact memory and make people more forgetful. In this article, we’ll explore the effects of Adderall on memory and forgetfulness.
What is Adderall?
Adderall contains two stimulant ingredients – amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It increases the levels of neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This provides a boost in alertness, attention, and energy levels. The therapeutic effects of Adderall enable those with ADHD to concentrate better and be more productive.
Adderall is available in two formulations – Adderall IR (immediate release) and Adderall XR (extended release):
- Adderall IR lasts for about 4-6 hours and is taken 2-3 times a day
- Adderall XR lasts for about 8-12 hours and is taken once a day
Both formulations are equally effective in treating ADHD symptoms. The choice depends on the specific needs and preferences of the individual.
How does Adderall work?
Adderall works by increasing the activity of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine is responsible for motivation, reward, and pleasure-seeking behaviors. Norepinephrine regulates focus, alertness, and arousal.
By raising levels of these two key neurotransmitters, Adderall can:
- Improve focus and concentration
- Increase motivation and interest
- Reduce impulsivity and hyperactivity
- Enhance energy and wakefulness
These effects enable individuals with ADHD to stay on task, complete assignments, control behaviors, and regulate activity levels.
Does Adderall negatively impact memory?
Some people believe that Adderall may negatively affect memory – both short-term/working memory and long-term memory. However, the research evidence on Adderall’s effects on memory is somewhat mixed.
Effects on short-term and working memory
Some studies show that Adderall may cause mild impairment of short-term and working memory:
- One study found small but significant declines in working memory and delayed verbal recall when participants were tested under the influence of Adderall. [1]
- Another study reported impairments in short-term memory retention and deficits in delayed recall when tested within 4 hours of taking Adderall. Performance was worse as the dose increased. [2]
However, other studies have found no negative effects or even slight improvements:
- A review of multiple studies concluded that amphetamines do not have clinically significant effects on short-term memory in ADHD individuals when used at medical doses. [3]
- One study found that ADHD adults performed better on tests of working memory and cognitive control after being given 10 mg of Adderall. [4]
- Some research shows Adderall may improve episodic memory encoding and recall abilities in adults with ADHD. [5]
Therefore, the impact of Adderall on short-term memory remains unclear. Small declines may occur during peak drug activity. But normal function is restored after the medication wears off.
Effects on long-term memory
There is limited research on Adderall’s long-term effects on memory and cognitive function:
- One study followed ADHD children who were treated with stimulant medications for an average of 10 years. They showed no differences in long-term memory compared to unmedicated children. [6]
- A review of three studies on long-term stimulant use found no negative effects on learning, memory, executive function, or language abilities. [7]
Based on the available evidence, Adderall does not appear to negatively affect long-term memory when taken as prescribed by those with ADHD. More research is still needed, however.
What causes Adderall-related forgetfulness?
Although the impact of Adderall on memory and cognition is somewhat debatable, many people do subjectively feel like they are more forgetful after taking Adderall.
There are several potential reasons for Adderall-related forgetfulness:
Altered sleep cycles
Adderall is a stimulant that can cause insomnia if taken too late in the day. Poor or inadequate sleep can negatively affect memory consolidation.
Disruptions to normal sleep cycles may be one reason people experience worse memory after taking Adderall.
Nutritional deficits
Appetite suppression is a common side effect of Adderall. People may not get adequate nutrition, negatively impacting brain health and function. Deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, proteins, and healthy fats may contribute to impaired cognition.
Narrowed focus
Adderall allows people to focus intently on tasks. But this narrowed focus may mean they ignore or neglect other information. Details that would normally be incidentally encoded into memory may be missed.
Drug tolerance
Over time, the brain may adapt to Adderall, reducing its cognitive-enhancing effects. People may need higher doses to feel the same level of concentration and memory retention.
Withdrawal effects
When the drug wears off, there may be rebound effects resulting in temporary cognitive impairment. Adderall withdrawal may mimic ADHD symptoms like inattention, forgetfulness, and mental fogginess.
Structural brain changes
There is limited evidence that long-term stimulant use may alter the structure and function of brain regions involved in memory and cognition. One study found decreased cortical thickness in ADHD patients on prolonged stimulant treatment. [8]
Tips to prevent Adderall-related forgetfulness
If you do experience worse forgetfulness when taking Adderall, there are some steps you can take to help counteract the effects:
Get enough sleep
Make sure to take Adderall early enough in the day that it won’t interfere with sleep. Prioritize getting 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night.
Eat a nutrient-rich diet
Consume plenty of leafy greens, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, proteins, healthy fats and antioxidants. Stay well hydrated and limit sugary foods and drinks.
Use memory aids
Set reminders, use to-do lists, leave notes, create checklists, or leverage apps to help compensate for forgetfulness.
Exercise and reduce stress
Regular exercise and stress management helps boost blood flow and brain health for better memory function.
Ask for dosage adjustments
If forgetfulness persists, speak to your doctor about adjusting your Adderall dosage or formulation to see if that helps.
Take occasional drug holidays
Schedule planned breaks from Adderall to give your brain a rest and prevent dependence. Even skipping it one day a week may help.
The bottom line
While the research on Adderall’s impact on memory and cognition remains somewhat ambiguous, some temporary forgetfulness is likely when Adderall levels are at their highest. This effect dissipates once the drug wears off.
There is no convincing evidence of long-term memory deficits when Adderall is taken as prescribed by those with ADHD. Any forgetfulness can often be managed with dosage adjustments, drug holidays, sleep hygiene, and memory aids. But discuss any persisting issues with your doctor.
References
- Lakhan SE, Kirchgessner A. Prescription stimulants in individuals with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: misuse, cognitive impact, and adverse effects. Brain Behav. 2012;2(5):661-77.
- Advokat C. Update on amphetamine neurotoxicity and its relevance to the treatment of ADHD. J Atten Disord. 2007;11(1):8-16.
- Faraone SV, Biederman J, Morley CP, Spencer TJ. Effect of stimulants on height and weight: a review of the literature. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2008;47(9):994-1009.
- Mehta MA, Owen AM, Sahakian BJ, Mavaddat N, Pickard JD, Robbins TW. Methylphenidate enhances working memory by modulating discrete frontal and parietal lobe regions in the human brain. J Neurosci. 2000;20(6):RC65.
- Linssen AM, Sambeth A, Vuurman EF, Riedel WJ. Cognitive effects of methylphenidate and levodopa in healthy volunteers. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2014;24(2):194-201.
- Kimko HC, Cross JT, Abernethy DR. Pharmacokinetics and clinical effectiveness of methylphenidate. Clin Pharmacokinet. 1999;37(6):457-70.
- Schrantee A, Tamminga HG, Bouziane C, Bottelier MA, Bron EE, Mutsaerts HJ, Zwinderman AH, Groote IR, Rombouts SA, Lindauer RJ, Klein S, Niessen WJ, Opmeer BC, Boer VO, Lucassen PJ, Geurts HM, Douw L, van Dijk EM, de Ruiter MB, Milaneschi Y, Boomsma DI, Vonk P, van der Wee NJ, van Rossum EF, den Heijer T, Geurts JJ, Rive MM, Axthelm MK, Guadalupe T, Zwiers MP, Franke B, van Wingen G, Martens GJ, Buitelaar J, Fernandez G, Kan CC. Long-term stimulant treatment affects brain dopamine transporter level in patients with attention deficit hyperactive disorder. Sci Rep. 2015;5:12020.