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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
What is Adderall?Adderall is a prescription amphetamine, which is a type of central nervous system (CNS) stimulant.3 It’s commonly used in the treatment of ADHD, a mental health condition that includes hyperactive-impulsive and/or inattention symptoms.1 When used as prescribed for ADHD, Adderall can reduce symptoms, resulting in improved focus and attention.4However, Adderall is classified as a Schedule II stimulant, indicating that it has a serious potential for abuse.3 According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, roughly 17.8 million people used prescription stimulants such as Adderall in the past year.5Adderall is misused by a variety of people including:Students sometimes misuse Adderall as a study aid or in an effort to improve academic performance, as it is perceived as effective in increasing alertness and concentration.6 (Interestingly, research shows that college students who report use of stimulants as an academic aid have high rates of other substance use and perform less well than those who do not use prescription stimulants in this manner.)6,7Athletes sometimes use stimulants for their anti-fatigue properties to improve performance, especially in endurance sports such as cycling, although there is little published evidence of their efficacy.8,9 Stimulants of all types, including Adderall and over-the-counter options, are banned or monitored for compliance by the World Anti-Doping Agency and many other sports organizations.10,11Others misuse it for feelings of intoxication and experimentation, as well as to counteract adverse effects of other drugs.6When misused, prescription stimulants such as Adderall are most commonly obtained from family and friends.6 Although Adderall is prescribed in pill and capsule forms, those who misuse the drug may do so by smoking, snorting, or injecting it as well.3How Does Adderall Work?Amphetamines, including Adderall, are potent central nervous system stimulants.3 Researchers believe that Adderall’s effects are primarily due to increasing the activity of norepinephrine and dopamine in the central nervous system, by preventing their reuptake and increasing their extracellular release in the space outside of neurons.1Norepinephrine helps treat ADHD-related impairments in response inhibition, vigilance, working memory, and planning.12 Dopamine is responsible for the motivational value of rewards and is essential for goal-directed behaviors often lacking in those affected by ADHD.13 Ultimately, however, this can also result in feelings of euphoria and hyperexcitability when the drug is misused, especially at higher doses.14 Common effects of Adderall include:1Decreased appetite.Stomachache.Nervousness.Headache.Trouble sleeping.Mood swings.Weight loss.Dizziness.Dry mouth.Fast heartbeat.Signs and symptoms of amphetamine misuse may include:1Increased heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, and/or sweating.Dilated pupils.Hyperactivity.Restlessness.Insomnia.Decreased appetite.Loss of coordination.Tremors.Flushed skin.Vomiting and/or abdominal pain.Anxiety, psychosis, hostility, aggression, and suicidal or homicidal ideation have also been observed.1 Counterfeit Adderall Pills May Be Extremely DangerousCounterfeit pills typically look like prescription medications such as Adderall, Valium, etc. According to data from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, many of these counterfeit pills contain methamphetamine or fentanyl, which are extremely dangerous. In fact, testing showed that 2 out of every 5 counterfeit pills with fentanyl contain a potentially lethal dose.15 Is Adderall Addictive?Yes, use of amphetamines and stimulants such as Adderall can result in tolerance and physiological dependence and can
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