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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Does My Penis Shrink And Testicles Retract Painfully While Taking Adderall For ADHD?

Hi, my name is John and am a 18 year old college student. I am diagnosed with ADHD and take 20mg extended release Adderall in the morning and 10mg instant release in the afternoon. I’ve been on adderall for over a year now besides the usually side effects ie. sweating, headache, fast heart rate, I have one that I haven’t been able to get an answer for. When I take my adderall, my penis considerably shrinks. My testicals do not retract and I’m constant pushing them back down through out the day. This can be painful. I’ve found little information online and when I went to the doctors about my medication, It was kinda wrote off. I do see a urologist about other issues associated. Any recommendations would help. I’ve tried many dosages and they all have this weird side effect so I’m not sure what to do
posted on Thu, 30 Nov 2023
Twitter Mon, 29 Sep 2025 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 1 Oct 2025 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Adderall is a stimulant and causes vasoconstriction. Stimulants increase sensitivity to cold and anxiety, both of which can make retraction worse. Shrinking or retraction occur both due to vascular changes and nerve reflexes triggered by Adderall. Strong cremasteric reflex is causing you discomfort in your testicles.

If this side effect is significantly affecting quality of life, you are advised to get clinically examined by a urologist and tell him the symptoms in detail. Your doctor may consider adjusting the dose or timing, or switching to a different ADHD medication that will suit you better.

In case you have severe, sudden testicular pain, testicle stuck up in the groin, or swelling, redness, or nausea/vomiting. In such a condition you are advised to go to the ER urgently to rule out testicular torsion (a surgical emergency).

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician
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Why Does My Penis Shrink And Testicles Retract Painfully While Taking Adderall For ADHD?

Hello, Adderall is a stimulant and causes vasoconstriction. Stimulants increase sensitivity to cold and anxiety, both of which can make retraction worse. Shrinking or retraction occur both due to vascular changes and nerve reflexes triggered by Adderall. Strong cremasteric reflex is causing you discomfort in your testicles. If this side effect is significantly affecting quality of life, you are advised to get clinically examined by a urologist and tell him the symptoms in detail. Your doctor may consider adjusting the dose or timing, or switching to a different ADHD medication that will suit you better. In case you have severe, sudden testicular pain, testicle stuck up in the groin, or swelling, redness, or nausea/vomiting. In such a condition you are advised to go to the ER urgently to rule out testicular torsion (a surgical emergency). Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Nupur K., General & Family Physician