Adderall Side Effects, Information and Adderall Tidbits
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
Female /
46
09/27/2010
Rating: 7
Time Taken: 4 Years
Dry mouth
I've been taking it for almost 4 years now and my prescription has slowly been increased to now 20mg x2 daily. I almost feel like it's become non-effective. I'm extremely tired and my concentration is no where at the level it was when I first began taking it. I'm almost wondering if it would be possible to take a break from it and start fresh. I feel like I'm at square one :0(
Female /
50
07/10/2010
Rating: 9
Time Taken: 2 Years
extreme fatigue flu like symptoms
i take more than i should my dr has me on only 10 mg 3times a day have adult add and bipolar depressive my meds make me so tired i hope for him to increase my dose i run out early and feel really bad when i'm off of it. but it is worth it it helps all my symptoms
Female /
62
06/02/2010
Rating: 5
Time Taken: 2 Months
Itchy; nervous but at least I am not depressed; more focused, although sometimes on the wrong things
I recently read that levoampetamine is an ingrediant of adderall and that it can cause depression rather than euphoria. Does anyone know this?
Male /
29
04/09/2010
Rating: 10
Time Taken: 13 Years
Weight loss
This is a miracle drug. Raised my GPA from 1.0 in high school to a 4.2. Now as an adult, It helps me get through some mind numbing tasks as well. I find no downside to the medication, since i needed the weight loss as I am overweight.
Female /
16
04/09/2010
Rating: 10
Time Taken: 1 Years
dry mouth, loss of appitite, can't sleep .
I take adderall every now and again for school,to do chores and FEEL HAPPY. I don't feel happy because i feel "high". I feel happy because I can actually accomplish things that need to be done, instead of procrastinating everything and getting stuck in a bad moods. I can still feel sad about things and thoughts, but its different, I can get over it. When I'm not on Adderall I always sit there and think "ugh i have to go do this then that", on Adderall instead of waisting my time dreading things, I actually go do them. Lifting up all the stress I have. Also, I do better in school. I'm excited to do my homework bc I actually learned in school, and then I want to apply it, I finally know the answers, so homework is easy.
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The adderallsideeffects.com website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your physician.