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How to Get an Adderall Prescription Download ArticleExplore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Write out a list of your symptoms. 2 Make an appointment with your doctor. 3 Describe your symptoms and provide examples. 4 Answer your doctor’s questions truthfully. 5 Tell your doctor that you’re open to medication. 6 Follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes. 7 Monitor your side effects during the trial period. 8 Make a follow-up appointment to discuss your progress. 9 Work with your doctor to adjust the dose as needed. 10 Visit your doctor every month for a new prescription. + Show 7 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Padam Bhatia, MD and Janice Tieperman
Last Updated: August 20, 2024 Fact Checked
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This article was co-authored by Padam Bhatia, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Dr. Padam Bhatia is a board certified Psychiatrist who runs Elevate Psychiatry, based in Miami, Florida. He specializes in treating patients with a combination of traditional medicine and evidence-based holistic therapies. He also specializes in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), compassionate use, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Dr. Bhatia is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (FAPA). He received an MD from Sidney Kimmel Medical College and has served as the chief resident in adult psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in New York. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 3,239,482 times.
If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD or you think you have ADHD, you may have thought about taking Adderall before. This stimulant can improve focus, make you be more organized, and lower your hyperactivity levels that stem from ADHD. To start taking Adderall, first you’ll need a prescription.
Here are 10 tips to help you get an Adderall prescription from a doctor.
Steps
1
Write out a list of your symptoms.
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Be prepared for when you go and visit a doctor. If you think you have ADHD, you might experience some or all of these symptoms on a daily basis. ADHD is different for everyone, but common symptoms include:[1]X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Having a short attention span
Making many thoughtless mistakes
Being forgetful or losing things often
Having trouble sticking with tasks for a long period of time
Having difficulty sitting still
Excessive talking or physical movement
A decreased or nonexistent sense of danger
Acting impulsively
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Make an appointment with your doctor.
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Your regular doctor can give you a prescription. If you have a psychiatrist, you can also make an appointment with them instead. Set up the appointment to talk about your ADHD symptoms to make sure you discuss a prescription medication.[2]XResearch source
A doctor won’t be able to counsel you like a psychiatrist will, but they can prescribe you medication.
3
Describe your symptoms and provide examples.
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Talk about any concerns you have about your symptoms. Explain how they affect your daily life and how often you have them. Really reiterate how much your memory, attention span, and focus make it hard to do your schoolwork or job.[3]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Always be honest, and try to be as thorough as possible when talking to your doctor or psychiatrist. The more you open up about your symptoms, the more they can help you.
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Answer your doctor’s questions truthfully.
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They may have questions about your symptoms. If you have any trouble remembering something, defer back to your list of symptoms that you wrote out earlier. You might have to answer questions about your memory, your hyperactivity levels, or your impulsivity.[4]X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
Don’t exaggerate, but don’t play it down, either.
5
Tell your doctor that you’re open to medication.
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Some people don’t want to treat ADHD with medication. However, if you’d like to try Adderall as a treatment, tell your healthcare professional that. Based on your symptoms, they might recommend that you try a different medication or stick to therapy for now.[5]X Trustworthy Source Mayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
Other ADHD medications include Ritalin, Concerta, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine.[6]X Trustworthy Source Child Mind InstituteNonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source
You’ll also need to tell your doctor about any other prescriptions you’re taking and if you have a history of substance abuse.
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Follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes.
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It’s important not to abuse Adderall if you get a prescription for it. Take the dose that your doctor prescribes, and try to monitor your symptoms throughout the day. The amount you take depends on your age, weight, medical history, and the type of medication you’re taking.[7]X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK)Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
If you are prescribed long-acting Adderall, or Adderall XR, you will probably only need to take 1 pill per day.[8]X Trustworthy Source Child Mind InstituteNonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source
If you are prescribed standard Adderall, you may need to take 2 pills per day.[9]X Trustworthy Source Child Mind InstituteNonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source
7
Monitor your side effects during the trial period.
Download Article
All ADHD medication comes with a range of side effects. When you take Adderall, you might experience loss of appetite, insomnia, dizziness, headaches, stomach issues, or mood changes. These side effects may get better as you stay on the medication, but it’s important to tell your doctor about them.[10]X Trustworthy Source HelpGuideNonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
If you experience any severe side effects like muscle weakness, panic attacks, hypertension, or psychosis, call your doctor right away.[11]XResearch source
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Make a follow-up appointment to discuss your progress.
Download Article
Make the appointment about a month from your start date. After about a month or so, you should be able to tell if Adderall is improving your day-to-day life. You can talk about your focus, attention span, ability to concentrate, and hyperactivity levels.[12]X Trustworthy Source HelpGuideNonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
It might be helpful to keep a journal or a diary about your symptoms.
9
Work with your doctor to adjust the dose as needed.
Download Article
Adderall is not a one-size-fits-all medication. You might need to up your dosage, lower your dosage, or switch to a different medication entirely. Always talk to your doctor before stopping Adderall so you can do it safely, and follow their prescriptions exactly.[13]X Trustworthy Source HelpGuideNonprofit organization dedicated to providing free, evidence-based mental health and wellness resources. Go to source
Going cold turkey off Adderall can cause health problems like tremors, headaches, and having suicidal thoughts. Always talk to your doctor before stopping a prescription medication.[14]XResearch source
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Visit your doctor every month for a new prescription.
Download Article
Adderall is a controlled substance, so you won’t get automatic refills. You will most likely need to visit your doctor every 30 days to talk about your symptoms and your dose levels. Some insurance companies let you do 90-day refills through the mail, but it depends on your healthcare provider.[15]X Trustworthy Source MedlinePlusCollection of medical information sourced from the US National Library of Medicine Go to source
You may be able to see your doctor via a video visit or over the phone.
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question When can my teenager stop taking their adderall? Padam Bhatia, MD Board Certified Psychiatrist Dr. Padam Bhatia is a board certified Psychiatrist who runs Elevate Psychiatry, based in Miami, Florida. He specializes in treating patients with a combination of traditional medicine and evidence-based holistic therapies. He also specializes in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), compassionate use, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Dr. Bhatia is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (FAPA). He received an MD from Sidney Kimmel Medical College and has served as the chief resident in adult psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in New York. Padam Bhatia, MD Board Certified Psychiatrist Expert Answer It really depends on their individual treatment plan and how your teen is managing their condition. Whatever you do, talk to your teen's doctor or psychiatrist before you change or stop their medication. You typically need to be tapered off of psychiatric medication over time, which requires the help of your teen's treatment team. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 11 Helpful 19
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Warnings
Never purchase Adderall online or from someone who is not a doctor. Unregulated Adderall can be dangerous, and you should never take a prescription medication without a doctor’s approval.[16]X Trustworthy Source PubMed CentralJournal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health Go to source Thanks Helpful 4 Not Helpful 4
Adderall contains amphetamine, which can be habit-forming. If you are worried about your Adderall consumption, talk to your doctor.[17]XResearch sourceThanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 3
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Co-authored by: Padam Bhatia, MD Board Certified Psychiatrist This article was co-authored by Padam Bhatia, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Dr. Padam Bhatia is a board certified Psychiatrist who runs Elevate Psychiatry, based in Miami, Florida. He specializes in treating patients with a combination of traditional medicine and evidence-based holistic therapies. He also specializes in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), compassionate use, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Dr. Bhatia is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (FAPA). He received an MD from Sidney Kimmel Medical College and has served as the chief resident in adult psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in New York. This article has been viewed 3,239,482 times. 18 votes - 89% Co-authors: 64Updated: August 20, 2024 Views: 3,239,482 Categories: Attention and Developmental Disorders | Prescription Drugs
Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
Read More...
Article SummaryX
To get a prescription for Adderall, which is used to treat ADHD in children and adults, first decide if your symptoms are severe enough to cause difficulty at home, school, or work, which is an indication that you're dealing with ADHD. If you have a hard time focusing from time to time, you may want to ask yourself if you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and getting enough exercise, which can help with concentration. However, if you are easily distracted, can’t focus long enough to complete tasks, are forgetful, and chronically procrastinate, then you may want to talk to a psychiatrist about medication. After you both decide on a prescription, try the lowest dose first to gauge your sensitivity to it. You can then review your symptoms and any side effects at your follow up appointment. To learn how to properly take Adderall, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Brandon D.
Apr 18, 2016
"I had no idea that I had ADHD until I read this article. I've had over half of the symptoms daily for my entire life. I thought this was normal. It has impacted personal and business relationships, because I couldn't focus on the topic at hand. People just view this as offensive and say, "You're not even listening to me." Maybe I can get help now. Thanks for the knowledge!"..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Padam Bhatia, MD Board Certified Psychiatrist Co-authors: 64Updated: August 20, 2024 Views: 3,239,48289% of readers found this article helpful. 18 votes - 89% Click a star to add your vote
Brandon D.
Apr 18, 2016
"I had no idea that I had ADHD until I read this article. I've had over half of the symptoms daily for my entire life. I thought this was normal. It has impacted personal and business relationships, because I couldn't focus on the topic at hand. People just view this as offensive and say, "You're not even listening to me." Maybe I can get help now. Thanks for the knowledge!"..." more
Anonymous
Jan 28, 2017
"Letting the doctor know that I tried a friends prescription and how it worked for me is good. I can't concentrate on what I'm doing or even a topic I am speaking about, which is extremely annoying. I have also been on Wellbutrin for over 10 years now."..." more
Khalid
Jul 1, 2018
"This article helped me a lot. From age 10 until now (I'm 27) I still have those symptoms, I didn't even know that I have ADHD. I had hard time focusing in the classroom or at work, found info really helpful."..." more
M. Carroll
Sep 1, 2016
"Honest, real answers. Thank you. I was just doing some random searching and inquiring about things that I have some knowledge in. This was on point. How refreshing!"..." more
Jama Japa
Dec 8, 2016
"I wanted to know what my doctor wanted to treat. I have several mental health problems and didn't know what Adderall was for."..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Download Article Explore this Article IN THIS ARTICLE 1 Write out a list of your symptoms. 2 Make an appointment with your doctor. 3 Describe your symptoms and provide examples. 4 Answer your doctor’s questions truthfully. 5 Tell your doctor that you’re open to medication. 6 Follow the dosage that your doctor prescribes. 7 Monitor your side effects during the trial period. 8 Make a follow-up appointment to discuss your progress. 9 Work with your doctor to adjust the dose as needed. 10 Visit your doctor every month for a new prescription. + Show 7 more... - Show less... Other Sections Expert Q&A Video Tips and Warnings Related Articles References Article Summary Co-authored by Padam Bhatia, MD and Janice Tieperman 
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Co-authored by: Padam Bhatia, MD Board Certified Psychiatrist This article was co-authored by Padam Bhatia, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Dr. Padam Bhatia is a board certified Psychiatrist who runs Elevate Psychiatry, based in Miami, Florida. He specializes in treating patients with a combination of traditional medicine and evidence-based holistic therapies. He also specializes in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), compassionate use, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Dr. Bhatia is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (FAPA). He received an MD from Sidney Kimmel Medical College and has served as the chief resident in adult psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in New York. This article has been viewed 3,239,482 times. 18 votes - 89% Co-authors: 64 Updated: August 20, 2024 Views: 3,239,482 Categories: Attention and Developmental Disorders | Prescription Drugs 
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Be prepared for when you go and visit a doctor. If you think you have ADHD, you might experience some or all of these symptoms on a daily basis. ADHD is different for everyone, but common symptoms include:[1] 
Your regular doctor can give you a prescription. If you have a psychiatrist, you can also make an appointment with them instead. Set up the appointment to talk about your ADHD symptoms to make sure you discuss a prescription medication.[2] 
Talk about any concerns you have about your symptoms. Explain how they affect your daily life and how often you have them. Really reiterate how much your memory, attention span, and focus make it hard to do your schoolwork or job.[3] 
They may have questions about your symptoms. If you have any trouble remembering something, defer back to your list of symptoms that you wrote out earlier. You might have to answer questions about your memory, your hyperactivity levels, or your impulsivity.[4] 
Some people don’t want to treat ADHD with medication. However, if you’d like to try Adderall as a treatment, tell your healthcare professional that. Based on your symptoms, they might recommend that you try a different medication or stick to therapy for now.[5] 
It’s important not to abuse Adderall if you get a prescription for it. Take the dose that your doctor prescribes, and try to monitor your symptoms throughout the day. The amount you take depends on your age, weight, medical history, and the type of medication you’re taking.[7] 
All ADHD medication comes with a range of side effects. When you take Adderall, you might experience loss of appetite, insomnia, dizziness, headaches, stomach issues, or mood changes. These side effects may get better as you stay on the medication, but it’s important to tell your doctor about them.[10] 
Make the appointment about a month from your start date. After about a month or so, you should be able to tell if Adderall is improving your day-to-day life. You can talk about your focus, attention span, ability to concentrate, and hyperactivity levels.[12] 
Adderall is not a one-size-fits-all medication. You might need to up your dosage, lower your dosage, or switch to a different medication entirely. Always talk to your doctor before stopping Adderall so you can do it safely, and follow their prescriptions exactly.[13] 
Adderall is a controlled substance, so you won’t get automatic refills. You will most likely need to visit your doctor every 30 days to talk about your symptoms and your dose levels. Some insurance companies let you do 90-day refills through the mail, but it depends on your healthcare provider.[15] 
Padam Bhatia, MD Board Certified Psychiatrist Dr. Padam Bhatia is a board certified Psychiatrist who runs Elevate Psychiatry, based in Miami, Florida. He specializes in treating patients with a combination of traditional medicine and evidence-based holistic therapies. He also specializes in electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), compassionate use, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). Dr. Bhatia is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (FAPA). He received an MD from Sidney Kimmel Medical College and has served as the chief resident in adult psychiatry at Zucker Hillside Hospital in New York.