Facts About Adderall

Adderall is a psychostimulant drug that is made up of Racemic Amphetamine Sulfate, Racemic Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate, Dxtroamphetamine Sulfate and Dextroamphetamine Saccharide. Adderall is used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder (ADHD). Adderall is legal in the US and Canada and is commercially available to the public. It is available in two forms; instant release and extended release. It is a popular drug among college students seeking energy boosts, better concentration and increased alertness

How does it work?

The chemicals in Adderall block reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine.

Types

Immediate release Adderall is absorbed into the body within 1.5 hours. Extended release Adderall will enter the bloodstream over a longer period of time, normally several hours.

ADHD

3%-7% of children have some form of ADHD. Children diagnosed with ADHD typically have trouble concentrating, difficulty completing tasks, are easily distracted and have trouble getting along with their fellow classmates.

The treatment of ADHD begins with 20 mg doses of Adderall which increase until the desired effect is achieved. Adderall can cause harmful side effects (which we will discuss later) when taken or stopped suddenly. Doctors will normally wean your child on and off Adderall to avoid any issues it may cause.

Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine

The main ingredients in Adderall, both Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine stimulate the users central nervous system and control chemicals in the brain which cause hyperactivity.

Side Effects

Side effects of Adderall consumption include constipation, dry mouth, dizziness, headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, upset stomach, stomach pain, restlessness and trouble sleeping, weight loss, weakness and vomiting.

A small percentage of people may experience an allergic reaction to Adderall. Symptoms may include itching, rashes, hives, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the face, mouth, lips or tongue, blurred vision, altered sexual drive, fainting, confusion, chills, fever, irregular heartbeat, anxiety, delusions, depression, hallucinations and hostility.

Side effects will vary based on the user and may include effects that are not listed.

If you have used a MAO inhibitor, you should not take Adderall within a 14 day span. The two drugs can react and create dangerous side effects.

Abuse

Abuse of Adderall is common in the college community. Because college students obtain the drug illegally, it is often misused and sometimes over used or combined with alcohol which can put them in danger. Adderall is not a recreational drug and should not be consumed without a prescription from a doctor.

Overdose

An overdose of Adderall can lead to heart failure and permanent brain damage. Adderall can cause circulatory issues which lead to dangerous blood clots and even heart attacks. Adderall has also been known to permanently alter the mental state of the user. Long term use can even lead to suicidal thoughts.

Withdraw Symptoms

Adderall withdraw symptoms include extreme fatigue, possible depression and changes in the users heart rhythm. Changes in the users heart rhythm is normally not life threatening, however it may cause discomfort and restlessness. It is recommended that you slowly decrease your Adderall intake as opposed to stopping cold turkey to help minimize withdraw effects.

Adderall is habit forming

Adderall can become both physically and psychologically addicting for the user. Withdraw effects may occur if the user stops suddenly after prolong use. College students can experience withdraw effects if they attempt to stop after they use it through the weeks of their midterms and finals.

Adderall is likely to lead to alcohol problems

90% of college students that take Adderall also binge drink, according to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

Testing for Adderall

In home Adderall tests can be purchased if you want to know if your child has been taking the drug or not. These are quick and simple urine tests that can usually detect the drug 2-4 days after consumption and can detect 1000 ng per 1000 ML.

If you or your child is suffering with ADHD or narcolepsy, you should talk with your doctor and find out if Adderall is the correct treatment. In these situations, Adderall can be used to treat those issues. If you are not dealing with ADHD or narcolepsy, you should not take Adderall. Un-prescribed consumption of the drug can lead to harmful and serious side effects that you may not be able to handle.