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Adzenys XR-ODT Addiction: Signs and Side Effects of Adzenys XR-ODT Abuse

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Abusing Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) can quickly lead to addiction

Published: October 17, 2025

Reviewed by Matthew N. Parker, MD

Both prescription and non-prescription drugs have the potential to be abused or cause addiction with improper use. Stimulants, a class of drugs commonly prescribed for their therapeutic benefits, are among these medications.

Adzenys XR-ODT (amphetamine) can be very useful in treating certain indicated conditions; however, its use must be monitored closely as the medication is linked to a high risk of addiction.

This article will cover everything you need to know about stimulant addictions, such as Adzenys XR-ODT addiction. Learn more about why addiction occurs, the side effects associated with it, and how to recognize it.

Why Does Adzenys XR-ODT Lead to Addiction?

Used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, and obesity, Adzenys XR-ODT is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. This means it interacts with the brain and spinal cord.

More specifically, stimulants like amphetamine alter your brain chemistry to correct any imbalances. Adzenys XR-ODT affects the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and has a small impact on serotonin, all of which are neurotransmitters.

These neurotransmitters can affect numerous functions in the body and are part of the brain’s reward system. When used as indicated, the increase in neurotransmitters can be therapeutic, but when abused, the increase can create euphoric feelings that can become addictive.

Abuse, even on occasion, can quickly lead to addiction. Risk-enhancing behaviors such as crushing or dissolving Adzenys XR-ODT tablets to feel the effects faster are more likely to lead to addiction.

Adzenys XR-ODT Abuse vs. Adzenys XR-ODT Addiction

It’s vital to understand the differences between abuse and addiction when learning about stimulant use disorders (SUD).

Stimulant abuse is defined as any unprescribed use of stimulants. This can occur both with and without a prescription for Adzenys XR-ODT. Examples of abuse include taking the drug without a prescription, taking it more often than prescribed, taking it in higher doses than prescribed, or taking it in a different way than intended (crushing, dissolving, or snorting pills).

Even though abuse and addiction are different conditions, it’s important to understand that there is a strong link between them. Habitual abuse can turn into a full-blown addiction without proper treatment.

Addiction, which often occurs in the presence of psychological dependence, can cause people to neglect their responsibilities, experience strong cravings, or continue to use stimulants despite negative consequences.

Does Adzenys XR-ODT Cause Dependence?

Yes, there are two types of dependence commonly seen with Adzenys XR-ODT use – they are physical dependence and psychological dependence.

As mentioned above, psychological dependence is a strong indicator of addiction. It occurs when the brain relies on stimulants to function. Symptoms of psychological dependence include compulsive use, cravings, and the inability to stop thinking about stimulants.

Physical dependence, on the other hand, causes the body to rely on stimulants to work. This happens primarily because the body gets used to having stimulants in its system, and as a result, learns to function in their presence.

When stimulants are no longer available to the body, it may struggle to function normally, causing withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms can happen if you go longer in between doses than usual or if you try to stop using Adzenys XR-ODT. This is why overcoming addiction can be so difficult.

Dependence on a drug does not necessarily mean you are addicted, but rather that your systems rely on the drug. That being said, having either physical or psychological dependence on stimulants is a red flag that you may be developing an addiction.

Another issue seen with long-term use of stimulants is developing a tolerance. When you take a medication for a long period, you may become less sensitive to the effects of the drug, leading you to take a higher dose. As you continue to build your tolerance, you may be more susceptible to abuse, addiction, and overdose.

Signs of Adzenys XR-ODT Addiction

Adzenys XR-ODT addiction signs can present physically, psychologically, and even behaviorally. Knowing what signs to look out for can help confirm that someone may need a professional evaluation or treatment.

Psychological signs of addiction often occur due to the way stimulants alter your brain chemistry. With abuse, this can cause your brain to rewire, causing symptoms like anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.

Physical signs can include weight loss, loss of appetite, insomnia, extreme energy, high blood pressure, and skin sores. They are most likely to occur with long-term abuse.

Behavioral signs can be easier to identify in others, especially if an individual suddenly acts out of character. Examples of behavioral signs of addiction include secrecy (especially in teens and students), risky behavior, doctor shopping, academic or professional decline (students and professionals), sudden isolation, abandonment of responsibilities, and weakened relationships.

In students and professionals abusing stimulants, you may notice them staying awake for very long periods.

Identifying signs of addiction early can increase the chances of positive treatment outcomes. Addiction can present differently between individuals and cannot be diagnosed without a professional evaluation, but if you’re suspicious of stimulant abuse in a loved one, it’s best to encourage medical attention.

Adzenys XR-ODT Withdrawal Symptoms

Withdrawal symptoms from Adzenys XR-ODT use occur once you’ve developed a physical dependence on the drug. They can be very uncomfortable and affect your physical, mental, and behavioral states.

Physical symptoms of Adzenys XR-ODT withdrawal include:

  • Increased appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Slowed movement
  • Oversleeping
  • Intense cravings
  • Weakness

Psychological withdrawal symptoms are also common:

  • Slowed thinking
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Nightmares
  • Agitation
  • Irritability

Stimulant withdrawal tends to start a few hours to a few days after your last dose. Withdrawal symptoms look different in everyone because they are affected by certain factors like how long you’ve taken stimulants, the dose you usually take, how severe your addiction is, and your general health.

By the third day of withdrawal symptoms, most people notice their symptoms have peaked in intensity. From there, the symptoms can last several weeks to months. Withdrawal is a very painful process for some people, and it can be tempting to turn back to drugs to make the discomfort go away.

This is why it’s important to get professional treatment. Medical detox services can guide you through the process, make it more comfortable, and reduce the risks associated with withdrawal.

Side Effects of Adzenys XR-ODT Addiction

Side effect severity with Adzenys XR-ODT addiction can vary between individuals. Side effects are most likely to occur with repeated, extended abuse and can be both short-term and long-term.

Short-term side effects occur shortly after taking stimulants. Long-term side effects, on the other hand, occur with long-term habitual abuse. They can have a lasting impact on your physical and mental health.

Short-Term Effects of Adzenys XR-ODT

Short-term side effects can vary in severity. Some may be inconvenient or annoying, while others can be medical emergencies.

Short-term effects may include:

  • Trouble sleeping
  • Shivering
  • Diarrhea
  • Euphoria
  • Tingling or pain in the fingers or toes when exposed to cold temperatures
  • Shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, or feet
  • Cough
  • Hallucinations
  • Fever
  • Blurred vision
  • Crying
  • Hoarseness
  • Lower back or side pain
  • Chest pain or discomfort
  • Sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Confusion
  • Slow or fast heartbeat
  • Dizziness
  • Bladder pain
  • Delusions
  • Fainting
  • Agitation
  • Uncontrolled vocal outbursts or tics
  • Chills
  • Swelling of the feet or lower legs
  • Hives, itching, skin rash
  • Sweating
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Bloody or cloudy urine
  • Sore throat
  • Mood swings
  • Headache
  • Blistering, peeling, and loosening of the skin
  • Fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
  • Depression
  • Vomiting
  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Nausea
  • Adzenys XR-ODT overdose

Long-term abuse of stimulants can increase your risk of overdose due to the likelihood of building up a tolerance. Some people may take high doses to feel the effects of Adzenys XR-ODT that are enough to cause an overdose. Stimulant overdose requires immediate medical treatment as it can cause severe deficits and death.

Call 911 right away if you notice signs of stimulant addiction, such as dry mouth, fever, muscle twitches, tremor, pounding in your neck or ears, vomiting, muscle pain or weakness, headache, fast or pounding heartbeats, agitation, dilated pupils, coma, hallucinations, sweating, seizure, or confusion.

Long-Term Effects of Adzenys XR-ODT Use

Long-term side effects are most commonly associated with repeated Adzenys XR-ODT misuse over a prolonged period and can have permanent effects on your health.

Long-term effects can include:

  • Circulatory problems
  • Increased risk of heart attack or stroke
  • Severe weight loss
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Cognitive decline
  • Cardiovascular issues

Risk Factors for Adzenys XR-ODT Drug Addiction

The risk of abuse and addiction applies to anyone who uses Adzenys XR-ODT. It’s important to note, however, that not everyone who uses the medication will become addicted.

Several groups of people are at greater risk for stimulant addiction. One of these groups is college students, teens, and professionals. Stimulants are commonly abused in these demographics for their ability to keep users awake, alert, and focused for long periods. This can be enticing for students and professionals under high pressure.

Students and teens are also more susceptible to peer pressure. Being around addictive substances at a young age can increase the risk of addiction. Additionally, knowing someone with access to stimulants can make it that much easier to start abusing them.

Another risk factor for stimulant addiction is a history of mental illness or addiction. People who have previously abused drugs are more likely to abuse stimulants. And those who have other mental health conditions like depression, ADHD, and anxiety are also more vulnerable to addiction. These are called co-occurring disorders.

Lastly, there are genetic and environmental risk factors for addiction. If your family has a history of drug addiction, you may be genetically predisposed to substance use disorders. Similarly, growing up in the presence of drug abuse can increase your risk of addiction.

If you have any of the above risk factors, you should avoid using stimulants, prescribed or not. Talk to your doctor about your risk factors if you are prescribed Adzenys XR-ODT. They may monitor you closely or prescribe a medication with less potential for addiction.

How is Adzenys XR-ODT Addiction Diagnosed?

While you may identify signs of Adzenys XR-ODT addiction in yourself or others, a diagnosis can only be made by a medical professional.

People with stimulant addictions may be in denial or reluctant to get help. If this is the case for your loved one, consider introducing them to online self-assessments and screening tools or holding an intervention with friends and family.

During your appointment, a medical evaluation for addiction will occur. This includes questions regarding your stimulant use and related behaviors. To ensure an accurate diagnosis, you must be honest with your doctor.

Questions may include topics like:

  • Tolerance levels (needing more Adzenys XR-ODT to feel the same effects)
  • Impact on daily life, such as relationships, work, or responsibilities
  • Frequency and amount of use
  • Physical or psychological withdrawal symptoms
  • Attempts to quit and whether they were successful

Getting an official diagnosis can be the first step in your treatment journey. Medical professionals trained to diagnose addiction can help you choose a treatment strategy and recommend rehab facilities suited to your needs.

Diagnosing Adzenys XR-ODT Addiction Using DSM-5 Criteria

Your doctor may refer to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) during your evaluation. It is an official guide used to diagnose mental health disorders like stimulant use disorder.

The DSM-5 lists the following as symptoms of SUD:

  1. Using larger amounts and/or over a longer period than intended
  2. Unable to cut down or control use
  3. Spending a lot of time in activities necessary to obtain, use, or recover from the effects of the stimulant
  4. Craving stimulants
  5. Stimulant use interferes with taking care of responsibilities at work, school, or home
  6. Continued use despite stimulants causing persistent social or interpersonal problems
  7. Giving up previously enjoyed activities because of use
  8. Recurrent use in situations that increase the chances of getting hurt
  9. Continued use despite persistent physical or psychological problems caused by stimulants
  10. Tolerance to stimulants
  11. Withdrawal symptoms when stopping stimulants

Not everyone with a stimulant addiction will meet all of these criteria. This is because addiction severity correlates with the number of criteria you meet. Two to three criteria are considered mild, four to five are considered moderate, and six or more over 12 months is considered severe.

Treating addiction early increases the risk of positive treatment outcomes, which is why getting a diagnosis as soon as you notice signs of addiction is so important.

Adzenys XR-ODT Addiction FAQs

Can someone become addicted even if they take Adzenys as prescribed?

Yes, someone prescribed Adzenys XR-ODT can become addicted. While addiction is most likely to occur with long-term abuse and in those with risk factors for stimulant addiction, anyone who takes stimulants can become addicted. If you think you may be becoming addicted to Adzenys XR-ODT, call your doctor right away.

How quickly can addiction to Adzenys develop?

A stimulant addiction can happen very quickly. More specifically, it can happen in as little as a few weeks. That being said, addiction develops at different rates in different individuals.

Is Adzenys XR-ODT more addictive than other ADHD medications?

No, Adzenys XR-ODT’s active ingredient is amphetamine, which is classified in the same class of drugs as other ADHD medications like Adderall and Desoxyn. However, Adzenys XR-ODT is an extended-release form of amphetamine, which means that when taken as directed, it may be slightly less dangerous.

Are teens more vulnerable to addiction?

Yes, teens are at an increased risk of stimulant addiction. This is because they are more susceptible to peer pressure or may abuse stimulants to meet the high pressures of high school and college.

Can you overdose on Adzenys XR-ODT?

Yes, you can overdose on Adzenys XR-ODT. Signs of an overdose include seizures, vomiting, dilated pupils, and coma. If you notice signs of an overdose, call 911 immediately. Stimulant overdose is a medical emergency that can cause death if not treated.

Find Help and Support for Adzenys XR-ODT Addiction

Adzenys XR-ODT is commonly prescribed to treat several conditions, but is also frequently abused. Both proper and improper use can lead to addiction over time. Addiction may impact your physical, behavioral, and mental health.

Without proper treatment, SUD can be challenging to recover from. Professional diagnosis is the first step to treatment and recovery.

If you or a loved one needs guidance in their stimulant addiction treatment journey, call the RehabNet helpline today.

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