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Adderall is a prescription drug mainly used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Adderall is a prescription drug mainly used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that help improve focus and control behavior problems.
CNS stimulants act on the sympathetic nervous system that triggers the body’s fight-or-flight responses which include pupil dilation, increased heart rate, and raised blood pressure and are caused by increased activity of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine.
Although research is unclear as to its efficacy in treating other conditions, Adderall can also be used in the treatment of:
- Narcolepsy
- Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD)
- Treatment-resistant depression
How is Adderall taken?
Adderall should only be taken under medical supervision.
Adderall is available in the form of a tablet. Adderall XR is the extended-release version of the drug in capsule form, in which half the dose takes effect immediately, while the other half takes effect in about 4 hours.
Doses may vary from 5-30 mg depending on the severity of the disease being treated. Doctors generally start with a low dose and gradually increase to tailor the dose to the specific person.
Adderall is typically taken in the morning. If you forget a scheduled morning dose, take it as soon as possible. However, caution should be exercised when taking the drug in the afternoon because it can interfere with sleep when taken too close to bedtime.
If it's almost time for your next dose, avoid doubling up on the medication. You can skip the missed dose and resume your normal schedule.
Who should avoid Adderall?
Adderall is not suitable for everybody. People over age 65 should avoid taking the medication.
You should also inform your doctor if you have a history of the following:
- Heart disease, hypertension, heart rhythm disorders, congenital heart defects, coronary artery disease, or peripheral vascular disease
- Mental or neurological disorders such as seizures, anxiety, or agitation
- Tics or Tourette’s syndrome
- Eye disorders such as glaucoma
- Concurrent medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (antidepressants) in the last 2 weeks
What are the risks of Adderall?
Risks of taking Adderall include the following:
- Adderall can impair growth in children. Talk to your pediatrician if your child is on Adderall and not growing or gaining weight.
- Adderall can lead to sudden death in people with congenital heart defects or serious heart issues. Adderall can lead to precipitation of heart attacks in people with coronary artery disease or heart rhythm disease.
- This type of medication is associated with peripheral vasculopathy (narrowing of blood vessels to the extremities) that reduces blood flow to the hands and legs.
- Stimulants can trigger anxiety and agitation in people with a history of such disorders.
- Stimulants can increase the occurrence of seizures in people with a history of seizures.
- Adderall may worsen motor and vocal tics if the person has Tourette's syndrome.
- Blurred vision may occur with this type of medication even without a history of eye diseases.
- Adderall XR can impair your ability to operate heavy machinery or drive vehicles.
What are the side effects of Adderall?
The most common side effects of Adderall include:
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea
- Headache and dizziness
- Palpitations
- Increased sweating
- Dry mouth
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Nervousness or irritability
- Insomnia
Adderall may also cause serious side effects such as:
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing
- New behavioral problems
- Aggression
- Paranoia
- Hostility
- Hallucinations
- Feeling cold
- Skin color changes in the fingers or toes
- Convulsions
- Tics
- Visual disturbances
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical help immediately.