Taking Adderall Can Have An Unexpected Effect On A Man’s Sex Drive

In recent years, Adderall, which is prescribed to combat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), has become a very popular drug. So many people are on Adderall these days that in October 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that there was officially an Adderall shortage (per CNN). 

But while its effectiveness for those who have ADHD and similar conditions appears to be fairly certain, if you have a penis, it can do a number on your sex drive. And not in a good way. 

Whether you are prescribed Adderall for ADHD or take it recreationally, it’s important to be aware of the side effects of it — and it’s not a short list. From a change in your sex drive to sleepless nights, vision issues, and more, Adderall can cause some surprising side effects.

Like all prescription medication, it affects everyone differently. In some men, their libido may be absolutely squashed by taking Adderall. The reason for this is because of how it affects the dopamine in the brain, leading to less enjoyment and sexual pleasure. Naturally, if sexual activity doesn’t feel as good as it used to, it can result in one losing interest in sex altogether. While not having a sex drive can be fine for some, if you have a partner, it might cause some issues.

Another component that may decrease your sex drive is mental exhaustion. Because Adderall has your brain focusing in ways that it’s unable to on its own, mental fatigue can creep in, per Dallas Men’s Health. As everyone knows, when you’re exhausted, whether physically or mentally, interest in sex — or anything for that matter — goes out the window.

However, it should be noted that some people with a penis experience an increased sex drive. According to a 2017 study published in the Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology, Adderall can cause hypersexuality in some adolescents, leading to excessive masturbation. In other words, no matter your gender or age, Adderall can affect your mind and body in unexpected ways. Because of this, it’s paramount that you know the potential side effects and report any negative experiences to your doctor.

When someone takes Adderall, dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine levels are all increased. This happens so those who struggle to focus can have a quieter head, so to speak, because the hormones work together to decrease an overstimulated brain. That’s the good news. 

The bad news is that Adderall doesn’t just alter hormone levels, but also constricts blood flow within the body. When this happens, blood can’t get to where it needs to go. If you have a penis and are aroused, blood needs to get to your genitals, fill your penis with it, thereby creating an erection. If the blood can’t do that, you end up with erectile dysfunction.

However, if this happens to you, Verywell writes that there are some things you can do. First of all, you can give your body some time to adjust. Often, side effects will subside as your body becomes accustomed to your medication. You could also speak with your doctor about whether changing medications or lowering your dose is an option. And, finally, you may be able to avoid this side effect with careful planning, either waiting until Adderall leaves your system or skipping a dose when you know you are going to be engaging in sexual activity.