Adderall is a medicine that is often used to treat the condition of Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. In today’s blog, we will cover most facts about Adderall medication. Please keep reading to learn more.
How is Adderall helpful in treating ADHD?
Adderall is a combination drug of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, two CNS stimulants that reduce impulsivity and improve focus by increasing norepinephrine and dopamine levels in the brain. The FDA approved Adderall in 1996.
Adderall helps people diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder by improving their concentration and focus since Adderall is a direct stimulant on the CNS. Adderall possibly does not make all the symptoms of ADHD disappear, but it certainly helps improve some symptoms, such as the ability to stay attentive to a task and finish it. The patients with ADHD will eventually feel the difference after taking Adderall medication. They will find themselves doing better at school or work. Adderall improves the condition of ADHD in patients by enhancing their alertness and attention and helps the mind to calm down. This medication reduces impulsive behavior in patients. It is worthwhile for about 80 percent of people with ADHD.
The benefits of Adderall medication are even more significant if it is taken along with behavioral therapy. The purpose of behavioral therapy is to help patients with various behavioral or mood disorders.
What if a person without ADHD uses Adderall?
Adderall medication has the same effect on people with ADHD. Suppose Adderall is consumed by a person who does not have ADHD. In that case, the user may experience euphoria and feel more energetic because Adderall produces an excess amount of norepinephrine and dopamine. This, in turn, increases the activity in the central nervous system. There is also a possibility of dangerous emotional and physical side effects in those cases after consuming Adderall medicine. It is important to remember that Adderall has side effects such as restlessness, problems sleeping, headaches, nervousness, and more.
Why is it advisable to buy Adderall online but with caution?
You must buy Adderall with caution because Adderall contains amphetamine, the abuse or misuse of which can cause severe (possibly fatal) blood pressure and heart problems. Amphetamine-type drugs can be addictive. Moreover, you must not buy Adderall if you have a history of glaucoma, OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder, severe aggression or anxiety, or Tourette syndrome (a neurological disease characterized by vocal and muscle tics like throat clearing, uttering taboo phrases, or blinking). Adderall can also cause harmful side effects, which I have discussed further in this blog.
What is the recommended dose of Adderall as per prescription?
Adderall comes in tablet form and also as an extended-release capsule form. Adderall medicine comes in different doses, ranging from 5 mg to 30 mg. The doctor will prescribe the amount according to the severity of the patient’s symptoms and age. Doctors usually start from a low dose and gradually increase the dosage to patients if needed.
In children from three to six years of age, start using Adderall with 5 mg daily; the daily dosage can be increased in increments of 2 mg at weekly intervals till the expected results are achieved. In children seven years and older, start with 6 mg once or twice daily; the dosage can be increased in increments of 3 mg at weekly intervals till the expected results are achieved. Only in rare cases will it be required to exceed 40 mg per day. The first dose must be given on awakening; additional doses at intervals of 3 to six hours.
Why is it not recommended for alcohol addicts and pregnant women?
For alcohol or drug addicts
It would be best to avoid alcohol consumption while on Adderall medication because that can be dangerous. Alcohol and Adderall contain chemicals that affect the CNS differently. Adderall contains amphetamine salts which enhance the effect of neurotransmitters in the brain. In contrast, alcohol decreases the effects of neurotransmitters in the brain. This may slow down mental and bodily functions. When taken together, the sedative effects of alcohol can counter the stimulant effects of Adderall. Alcohol is a depressant; however, it can be a temporary stimulant in small doses. Taking Adderall may elongate this period of stimulation. Adderall may also delay the sedating effects of significant amounts of alcohol. This effect can cause severe problems such as,
- Alcohol poisoning because when people use alcohol and Adderall together, they are usually not aware of the amount of alcohol they have consumed. This can lead to overdrinking and other such consequences like risky behavior and alcohol poisoning;
- Heart problems- Adderall and other stimulant drugs pose some risk of heart problems. The trouble is more significant if you take the medication with alcohol. When used together, it may raise your body temperature, cause an irregular heart rate, increase your heart rate, or increase your blood pressure; or
- Behavioral issues- Overdrinking may reduce your inhibitions. It may also lead to violent behavior. Adding the Adderall drug to the mix can enhance both of these effects.
Additionally, Adderall and alcohol require the same liver enzymes for digestion. Alcohol addicts who drink after taking Adderall may also feel the effects of one of the two drugs more than usual, depending on which drug is processed faster by the liver.
For pregnant women
Adderall is not recommended for pregnant women because it can cause damage to fetal health. Babies born to mothers using Adderall in pregnancy are at increased risk of low birth weight, premature delivery, and withdrawal symptoms, including dysphoria, laziness, agitation, and poor feeding and growth. Furthermore, if you are planning to breastfeed, you must continue to stay off Adderall because the drug may pass through breast milk and can lead to unpleasant symptoms in the baby, such as:
- restlessness
- loss of appetite
- failure to thrive
- insomnia
Side effects of Adderall
Physical side effects of Adderall medication may include psychosis, glaucoma, increase in heart rate (tachycardia), rise in blood pressure (hypertension), kidney or liver disease, seizures. Taking Adderall over a long duration can lead to premature aging of body organs, as research suggests. Adderall is a habit-forming drug, and using it recreationally can increase the chances of developing a physical and psychological dependence on it.
In some cases, Adderall has been reported to cause schizophrenia-like symptoms, such as hallucinations, paranoid delusions, and sudden changes in mood or behavior. Panic attacks and anxiety disorder can also be triggered by extended use of an amphetamine stimulant or Adderall withdrawal. The FDA (Food and drug administration) prints warnings about possible adverse psychiatric side effects.
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