What is Adderall?
Adderall is the brand name for a psychostimulant that is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall was introduced on to the market in 1996, and is composed of a mixture of amphetamine salts. It comes in two forms, immediate release and extended release. Immediate release is used to treat both ADHD and narcolepsy, while extended release is used primarily for ADHD.
Adderall has also been used to help treat certain types of depression when typical antidepressants don't work. Other non-FDA approved uses for Adderall include epilepsy, senile apathetic behavior, and obesity.
Adderall works by altering chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. It increases levels of dopamine and serotonin, leading to a higher focus level, and lower prevalence of hyperactive-impulsive and inattentive symptoms.
Potential for Abuse?
Adderall is widely considered a habit-forming drug and has a very high potential to abuse. Adderall is reportedly widely used as a "study drug", as it can help focus energy and concentration for long periods of time. Serious side effects such as paranoia, hallucinations, or even heart attack can occur if Adderall is used to alter a normal sleep pattern. Adderall is an amphetamine, and as with other amphetamines a tolerance and eventually a dependence may form, leading to serious withdrawl symptoms if the user stops taking it. Adderall is not advised for people with a history of drug abuse.
Adderall Side Effects
Serious Adderall side effects:
- fast, uneven heartbeats
- fainting
- feeling dizzy or light-headed
- severe headache
- blurred vision
- chest pain
- numbness
- tremor
- restlessness
- hallucinations
Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of these side effects, or have an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling of the lips, face, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Less serious Adderall side effects:
- headache
- insomnia
- dry mouth
- diarrhea
- constipation
- loss of appetite
- impotence
- difficulty having an orgasm
This is not a complete list of Adderall side effects. Consult your doctor for a full list.
Interesting Adderall Tidbits
Here are some interesting places Adderall has been seen in pop culture
- UFC fighter Tim Credeur was removed from a UFC fight in UFC seven due to a positive drug test for Adderall
- A recent study showed that 25% of students attending highly competitive college campuses or ones with a high rate of binge drinking abused ADHD drugs including Adderall
- The Nevada State Athletic Commission recently banned athletes from using Adderall
Share your Adderall experience
Male /
43
04/03/2012
Rating: 10
Time Taken: 2 Months
Dry Mouth little blurry sometimes on the vision I have not experienced any negative sexual side effects
This drug has changed my life for the better in that i am structured and focused in my abilities.
Male /
17
03/31/2012
Rating: 5
Time Taken: 1 Days
i took one today its my first one. i keep moving my jaw i feel light headed,dificulty seeing from close,a little numb and depresed
at begging i thought it was good because i could do one thing and not think of others. now i have trouble rading on my pc usually i didnt
Female /
19
03/29/2012
Rating: 8
Time Taken: 4 Days
Took to much?
I think I took to many in one day...I took about 80mg and my tongue Is a little swollen and I'm a little itchy,I looked up side effects, call poison control/primary care doctor blah blah blah, whatever. Stupid websites made me think I had Stevens johnsons syndrome...but then again this is what I get for taking so many...
Male /
48
03/29/2012
Rating: 10
Time Taken: 2 Years
No side effects presently unless it can cause you to start clenching your jaws.
I am presently up to 30mg XR 2x per day. I was taking prodigal and liked it better but it was too expensive
Male /
23
03/25/2012
Rating: 1
Time Taken: 8 Years
Too descriptive to list.
I quit taking the medicine, because of the side effects. In high school I weighed 130 lbs and I was depressed as irritable everyday around 4pm. I had ticks and restlessness. Near the end I was getting migranes almost everday. I stopped taking Adderall and I haven't had a migrane since. My growth was stunted. I never grew to my full potential (facial hair, body hair, etc). And the worst is that I feel that my brain is fried. It endured so much over-stimulance as a teenager that I lose track of my thought mid sentence on a regular occasion and I get frustrated trying to remember the simplest things short term. I used to be a great test taker. Now no matter how much I study I can't seem to retain the info during a test.
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The adderallsideeffects.com website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician.