Adderall what does

Adderall helps people diagnosed with ADHD by improving their focus and concentration since it is a direct stimulant on the central nervous system. The medication has the same effect on those who do not have ADHD, and it's important to remember that Adderall has side effects such as nervousness, restlessness, headaches, problems sleeping, and more.

Adderall withdrawal is also a serious issues, and it is extremely important that adults and children take Adderall under the supervision of a doctor. ADHD, usually first diagnosed in childhood, is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder among U. Chatigny explains. Chatigny says. Chatigny cautions that any evaluation for childhood ADHD should involve tests to rule out other mental and medical disorders.

Adderall is responsible for effects outside the brain as well, and these can happen to anyone, even those taking the drug as prescribed for an approved medical reason. These side effects include increased blood pressure, palpitations, and even sudden cardiac death. The physician can not only stop the Adderall if side effects develop but also treat the underlying condition exacerbated by the drug. Especially as people get older and have greater risk of glaucoma or heart or blood pressure problems, the risk-benefit ratio needs to be re-evaluated.

Taking the drug as prescribed can also mitigate addiction risk, which is a very real concern with Adderall. You put all that together, and you get a very abusive picture.

Media contact: Dee Dee Grays , You Asked: What does Adderall do to your body? Students may be tempted to use prescription drugs to help them study, but taking stimulants without the supervision of a physician can be dangerous.

Adderall is a prescription medication that contains two drugs: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It belongs to a class of medications called stimulants.

Adderall is considered a first-choice treatment option for ADHD. Studies show that it improves attention and focus, and reduces impulsive behaviors. Between 75 percent and 80 percent of children with ADHD will see improved symptoms with the use of stimulants such as Adderall. Adderall is also effective for increasing daytime wakefulness in people with narcolepsy, although there is little related research available. Yes, Adderall is a controlled substance. This means that it can cause psychological or physical dependence and has the potential for abuse and misuse.

The government has created special regulations that determine how controlled substances are prescribed and dispensed.

These regulations also require that you get a new prescription from your doctor for each refill. Adderall oral tablet and Adderall XR extended-release oral capsule are both available in generic forms. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths. Adderall contains a mixture of different forms of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.

Specifically, these forms include amphetamine aspartate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, and dextroamphetamine sulfate. Adderall can cause mild or serious side effects. The following list contains some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Adderall. For more information on the possible side effects of Adderall, or tips on how to deal with a troubling side effect, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. These side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks.

Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Adderall is safe to use long term when taken at doctor-recommended dosages. For many people, common side effects such as loss of appetite, dry mouth, or insomnia are reduced with continued use of the drug. For others, these side effects may continue. Long-term use of Adderall or other stimulants may cause some changes in the brain, such as decreases in the amount of the chemical messenger dopamine. This seems more likely to happen in people who abuse Adderall in high doses.

When Adderall is misused or abused, long-term use can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Inappropriate use can lead to many serious side effects, including:. Some people who take Adderall may experience feelings of being energetic, focused, excited, or self-confident. Feelings of euphoria also sometimes occur. These effects are more likely when the medication is misused or abused.

Headache is one of the most common side effects of Adderall. In some studies, headache occurred in up to 26 percent of people who took Adderall XR. This side effect may decrease with continued use of the drug.

Nausea is a common side effect of Adderall. In some studies, nausea occurred in 5 percent to 8 percent of people taking Adderall XR. Men who abuse amphetamines such as Adderall can experience erectile dysfunction as well as increases or decreases in sexual desire. Constipation is a common side effect of Adderall. In some studies, constipation occurred in 2 percent to 4 percent of people who took Adderall XR. Some people who take Adderall have reported hair loss. Symptoms of psychosis , including hallucinations, agitation, or disordered thinking, are a rare side effect of Adderall.

In some cases, these symptoms have occurred in people taking typical, recommended doses of Adderall. Symptoms of psychosis are more likely to occur in people who have a history of psychosis before they start taking Adderall. If you have this side effect while taking Adderall, talk with your doctor right away.

You may need to stop taking Adderall. Adderall XR commonly causes dry mouth in up to 35 percent of people who take it. Some people who take Adderall report increased sweating. This seems to occur in about 2 percent to 4 percent of people taking Adderall XR. Insomnia , or trouble sleeping, is one of the most common side effects of Adderall. As much as 27 percent of people who take Adderall XR can have insomnia. If you do, it might mean that you have a heart condition.

Fatigue may occur in 2 percent to 4 percent of people who take Adderall XR in commonly prescribed dosages. Fatigue may be more common in people who misuse or abuse Adderall, especially in higher doses. Also, people who have become dependent on Adderall can experience extreme fatigue if they stop taking the drug. Some children can have slightly slowed growth in height and weight while taking Adderall. This is usually temporary, and growth typically catches up over time. In some cases, Adderall can temporarily cause your pupils — the black centers of your eyes — to dilate become bigger.

However, for people with glaucoma , this effect could worsen their condition. The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs. If you miss a dose in the morning, take it as soon as you can.

When possible, avoid taking makeup doses in the late afternoon or evening because this can cause problems falling asleep at bedtime. You might need to use this drug long term. From time to time during your treatment, your doctor may check whether you need to keep taking it.

If symptoms do return, you may need to keep taking the medication. Talk with your doctor before stopping this medication. If you stop taking it, the symptoms of your condition may return.

You may also develop withdrawal symptoms. These can include:. Adderall has been approved to treat two conditions.

Adderall tablet is also approved to treat narcolepsy. It can help reduce daytime sleepiness in people with this condition. This is called off-label use. It may also be used to treat depression in people who have both ADHD and depression.

Some people who take Adderall or similar stimulant medication along with antidepressant medication have improved depression symptoms. However, taking stimulants with antidepressants can increase the risk of side effects. Talk with your doctor before combining Adderall and any antidepressant medication. Adderall or similar stimulant medications are sometimes prescribed off-label for people with anxiety , especially for those who have both ADHD and anxiety.

Some research suggests that combining stimulant medication with antidepressants might improve symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Adderall and other stimulants are sometimes prescribed off-label for treating symptoms of depression in people with bipolar disorder. In some cases, this type of misuse of Adderall can lead to abuse of the drug.

Adderall can cause a loss of appetite. Because of this side effect, some people misuse Adderall as a weight loss aid. Adderall is often misused by people without ADHD to increase focus, concentration, and endurance when studying. This occurs especially often with college students. In addition, it could worsen memory. Adderall tablets are approved for treating ADHD in children ages 3 years and older. Weight loss can be a side effect of Adderall use.

But can this ADHD drug be used safely to shed pounds? Some studies suggest that certain nutritional supplements and herbal remedies can relieve ADHD symptoms. We'll show you which ones are worth trying. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Mental Health. Effects of Adderall on the Body. Medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, Ph. Share on Pinterest.

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