Adderall can be prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy. It is effective when taken according to prescription. Adderall can have serious side effects if it is misused or abused. These include addiction and withdrawal symptoms. According to health research firm IQVIA, more than 40 million Adderall prescriptions were dispensed by the United States between 2021 and 2022. It is best used by those with ADHD or narcolepsy. However, it is also widely misused to boost energy levels for school and at work. The demand for this popular drug in recent years has led to a shortage, and many pharmacies are unable fill prescriptions.
What is Adderall?
Adderall, a stimulant approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration, is a combination dextroamphetamine and amphetamine that acts on the central nervous system. The drug is federally controlled and must be prescribed by a doctor. Adderall comes in two forms – Instant Release (IR) and Extended Release (XR). Extended Release pills should be taken in the morning to ensure that they last the entire day. Instant Release pills are more potent than XR but last only 4 to 6 hours. According to the National Institutes of Health, Adderall taken without a prescription can cause dependence or addiction. Adderall can help people with ADHD focus and calm down when taken in the right dosage. Adderall, also known as “study drugs”, is widely abused, particularly on college and high-school campuses. Some studies suggest that up to 20 percent of college students misuse prescription stimulants, most commonly by taking drugs they weren’t prescribed. Adderall is also abused by people who are trying to lose weight, have eating disorders or work in stressful environments, as well as athletes and those with a drug history.
What is Adderall?
Adderall stimulates your central nervous system and makes you feel alert, calm, and focused. The lowest dose effective is usually prescribed to those in need.
Adderall, when prescribed by a doctor, is an effective medication for ADHD patients. It can help improve focus and reduce impulsive behaviors by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain. Norepinephrine affects the cardiovascular system of the body, including heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing. Dopamine, a chemical messenger found in the brain, reinforces rewarding or pleasurable behaviors. There are healthier ways to boost dopamine naturally and improve motivation.
Adderall Side effects
Adderall, even when taken exactly as prescribed, can have mild or severe side effects.
The prescribing physician will need to be aware of the medications that a patient is taking. Adderall may interact negatively with antidepressants or blood pressure medications, seizure medication, blood thinners or decongestants.
Adderall is known to cause a number of side effects.
Weight loss, decreased appetite and stomach pain
Restlessness and nervousness
Sleeping problems or insomnia
Heart rate increases
Headaches
Dizziness
Dry Mouth
Slow speech
Irritability and mood swings
Adderall can cause serious side effects, including:
Mental health conditions such as depression or anxiety are getting worse
Uncontrollable shaking and tics
Seizures
Blurred vision and other eye problems
Blood pressure and heart rate increase
Adult stroke and heart attacks
Adderall can have serious side effects if misused. Adderall is even more dangerous when combined with alcohol or other drugs.
Adderall is addictive.
Adderall can be addictive at higher dosages.
The main reason for this is that a drug user will develop a tolerance and need to take more to achieve the same effects as before.
Adderall users will need to take more medication in order to get the same result. The effects are even more severe for those who use the drug without a doctor’s prescription.
Adderall addiction is usually caused by:
Take more than prescribed dosage
Use the medication more often than necessary
Take it for an extended period of time
Adderall addiction can manifest in several ways.
Doctor shopping is the practice of getting more than one prescription for a drug.
Adderall can be manipulated by crushing, snorting or manipulating it to produce faster and stronger effects.
Spending more time on the drug and talking about it excessively
Avoiding social responsibilities and withdrawing from society
Lack of hygiene or self-care, whether gradual or sudden
The drug may initially be used to enhance mental performance. However, it can quickly turn into a crutch, leading to addiction.
It is dangerous to take large doses of Adderall for the purpose of experiencing a “high”. This can lead to tolerance, dependence and even death.
Adderall Withdrawal
Adderall withdrawal is more likely to occur if a person becomes addicted to it and can no longer find the medication. Adderall crashes are the dangerous withdrawal side effects.
Adderall withdrawal can cause the following symptoms:
Anxiety and irritation
Panic attacks
Insomnia or trouble sleeping
Addiction to drugs
Dizziness
The following are some of the ways to reduce your risk:
High blood pressure or increased heart rate
Restlessness and paranoia
Extreme fatigue
Seizures
Suicidal thoughts
The more a person abuses a drug, the stronger their addiction. Many people are afraid of Adderall withdrawal and don’t get the help they need. It is better to taper off the drug slowly if you are addicted to Adderall.
Inpatient rehab and detox facilities are the most effective for treating Adderall addiction.
Adderall patients should be monitored by a medical professional at a drug detox center. Inpatient treatment and therapy are available after the Adderall medication has been safely removed from a person’s body and withdrawal symptoms have subsided. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy are two effective treatment modalities that can prevent relapses and set the foundation for a long-lasting recovery. Adderall is highly effective when used by those who truly need it. However, the side effects, withdrawal and addiction potential are always concerns for those who take it without prescription or recreationally.
The best way to recover is to seek treatment before it becomes hard to quit.
