Stopping Adderall can also cause symptoms of your condition to return. Adderall XR capsules are approved for treating ADHD in children ages 6 years and older. Some people who take Adderall or similar stimulant medication along with antidepressant medication have improved depression symptoms. Adderall and methylphenidate are both commonly used to treat ADHD. They’re both stimulant medications and work in a similar way. Adderall and modafinil are both available in brand-name and generic versions.
- In addition, studies show that many students turn to Adderall and other performance-enhancing drugs to study.
- Call your doctor right away if you or your child have any signs of heart problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting while taking Adderall®.
- Although Novak et al. reported high sedative usage in Sweden, for these three countries to have such exceptionally high levels is unusual and it is likely there is some cross-border/within-Schengen trade occurring.
- Your doctor may tell you to stop taking dextroamphetamine and amphetamine from time to time to see if the medication is still needed.
- These can be mild, such as dry mouth, or more serious, such as rapid heartbeat or a psychotic episode where you start hallucinating.
Adderall Effects On The Brain
While the research is limited, some of the well-known side effects of Adderall may assist someone in losing weight, and it may even be safe if used with a good diet, exercise, and other necessary medicines (7). It is important to note that the research on the effects of Adderall related to anxiety has only been on people with ADHD. Plus, many antidepressants and other medications take a while to work, so taking Adderall for depression can have an instant effect. These benefits can have beneficial effects on a person’s wellness and fight mental illness. Adderall, like other central nervous system stimulants, alters the effects of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. This can cause an extensive range of different feelings and sensations, both positive and negative.
What Should I Do If I Accidentally Use Too Much Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine?
The following sections include more side effects of the drug. There is a serious problem of Adderall misuse in high schools and colleges throughout the country. If an individual without ADHD takes this medication, he or she feels a boost of psychological energy and alertness. Students find that they can pull “all-nighters,” whether to study or spend time with friends. This boost is similar to the boost you would get from consuming a lot of caffeine.
1 Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

They might experience side effects with Ritalin and none with Adderall or vice versa. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies drugs for use in pregnancy into several categories. They are grouped based on information available from human and/or animal studies, and whether that information shows the drug is harmful. Category C medications should only be used if the benefits to the mother are greater than any potential risk to the unborn child. Your doctor can help you determine if this is the right choice for you.

ADHD medicines improve attention by helping normal brain chemicals work better. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Medication Guide. Do not use Adderall® for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give Adderall® to other people, even if they have the same condition.
What Are The Signs That My Adderall Dose Is Too Low For ADHD?
Discuss circulation problems with your doctor before taking Adderall XR, which has been known to cause numbness, coolness, or pain in fingers or toes, including Raynaud’s phenomenon. Report to your doctor any new blood-flow problems, pain, skin color changes, or sensitivities to temperature while taking Adderall XR. Adderall XR should not be taken off-label to help you lose weight. Adderall can help boost alertness, wakefulness, and concentration. By increasing the production of dopamine in the brain, the drug can also cause feelings of euphoria and improved mood. An allergic reaction to Adderall may cause swelling in the tongue, throat, or face.
Substance Abuse →

The problem is that Adderall overstimulates a brain that already has normal levels of dopamine and norepinephrine. You might feel jittery, lose your appetite, and experience greater insomnia. Research found that using stimulants such as Adderall made the study participants take longer to complete a mental task than those who got the placebo (dummy drug) — and their results were slightly less accurate too. Its main ingredients are a mix of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. While the drug can help you remain more focused and alert as well as control impulsive behavior, it does have some side effects.
Before taking Adderall XR, discuss all other active prescription medications with your doctor. Adderall XR can have a dangerous, possibly fatal, interaction with antidepressants, including MAOIs. Store Adderall XR in a secure place out of the reach of children, and at room temperature.
Food And Nutrition, Medication, Supplements, Natural Therapies, And More

You should not drink alcohol during your Adderall treatment. Adderall can mask the effects of alcohol, so you may drink more than you usually would. If you have a condition that causes seizures, such as epilepsy, Adderall could make your condition worse. If you have tics or Tourette syndrome, Adderall could make your condition worse. In addition, tell your doctor if you’re taking any medications.
Other Uses That Aren’t Approved
- Do not use ADDERALL for a condition for which it was not prescribed.
- The typical duration of action is around 4-6 hours for Adderall and 8-10 hours for Adderall XR, according to information provided by the drug manufacturer.
- Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant that can improve symptoms of depression.
- Together, these brain chemicals play a vital role in wakefulness and attention.
- These include your age, the form of Adderall you’re prescribed, and the condition the drug is being used to treat.
Neurotransmitters are chemicals that send messages, or signals, between cells. Adderall and modafinil, a generic drug, are both stimulant medications, but they affect the brain in slightly different ways. Fatigue may occur in 2 percent to 4 percent of people who take Adderall XR in commonly prescribed dosages.
Recommended Dosages
Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. These uses may vary depending on the specific amphetamine/dextroamphetamine product prescribed. Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider. Opioid dependency products are also dominated by the USA, potentially a reflection of the ongoing opioid crisis in that country coupled with their supply restrictions (Hadland & Beletsky, 2018). The “within country share and change” columns of the table present the within country longitudinal analysis of the market activity restricted to within each country as modelled through the smoothed regression technique outlined above.
Amphetamines are sympathomimetic amines that stimulate the central nervous system (CNS). Amphetamines stimulate norepinephrine and dopamine release in the CNS, increasing their levels in the extraneuronal space. Taking Adderall with cannabis (marijuana) can increase your risk of heart-related side effects. These include rapid heartbeat, arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), and heart attack. Before taking Adderall, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take.