Why do people need adderall

Adderall is an addictive prescription Stimulant with effects similar to Meth. Because of its potency and accessibility, the risk of Adderall addiction and abuse is high. Although not everyone who uses Adderall will develop an addiction, people regularly taking Adderall at unprescribed doses are at an elevated risk of becoming addicted. Over time, those habitually using Adderall develop a tolerance to the drug and are unable to function normally without it. Adderall works by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the central nervous system CNS.

Norepinephrine affects how the brain responds to events, particularly how it pays attention and the speed with which it reacts to outside stimuli. Although dopamine occurs naturally, drugs like Adderall produce unnaturally high levels of it. This can cause users to come back for more. The brain of an addicted person is dependent on Adderall to stimulate alertness and productivity.

Without Adderall, addicted people often feel tired and mentally foggy. These are symptoms of Adderall withdrawal , a strong sign of an addiction. No one intends to become addicted to Adderall. Usually, the problem starts as a way of increasing productivity on a stressful day at work or studying for an important test.

Some people even fake the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD to get their own prescription for the drug. Uninsured, I chose to pay hundreds for a refill instead of buying groceries. The withdrawal symptoms caused by Adderall addiction make it hard for users to quit on their own.

These withdrawal symptoms can seem unbearable for some. Getting the help of a therapist or treatment center increases the chances of successfully quitting. An Adderall dependency is a natural, expected physiological response to the drug. These individuals are usually unable to cope when they stop taking Adderall and will go to any length to obtain more of the medication.

Use of the drug becomes the main priority of the individual. They often run out of their prescription early due to taking more than prescribed, leaving them in withdrawal from the substance, which results in going to any length to obtain more of the substance. Obsessive thoughts about Adderall and cravings are also indicators of addictive behavior. It is a Schedule II controlled substance because of its strong addictive potential.

While it decreases fatigue in narcoleptic patients, it has the opposite effect in those with ADHD. Adderall comes as a tablet to be ingested orally, with doses ranging from 5 to 30 milligrams. Some people looking for immediate effects may crush up their tablets and snort their Adderall.

Adderall is a brand name for the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. The medication alters certain naturally-occurring chemicals in your brain by enhancing the effects of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. According to the Cleveland Clinic , stimulants like Adderall improve symptoms of ADHD in 70 to 80 percent of children, and in 70 percent of adults.

Adderall comes in either a tablet form or as a time-release capsule. It can interfere with sleep, so it should be taken in the morning. Your doctor will most likely start you off with a low dose to make sure you can tolerate it. Then, the dose can be slowly increased. Before taking Adderall, tell your doctor about any preexisting physical or mental health problems you have and list all other prescription and over-the-counter medications you take.

Adderall is a federally controlled substance that should never be taken without medical supervision. You may be more awake during the day, as well as become more focused and calm. In adults, Adderall may cause changes relating to your sex drive or sexual performance.

Serious side effects include fever and weakness , or numbness of the limbs. An allergic reaction to Adderall may cause swelling of the tongue , throat, or face. This is a medical emergency and should be treated immediately. Abusing or overusing Adderall and then stopping suddenly can cause symptoms of withdrawal, such as:.

Some side effects can be serious, and the NIH says that anyone who experiences any of these symptoms should call their doctor immediately:. Adderall is not for everybody. It should not be used by patients with a history of glaucoma, severe anxiety or agitation, a personal or family history of tics, or Tourette syndrome.

Stimulants can also cause sudden death in patients with congenital heart defects or serious heart problems. As a result, patients should alert their doctors if they have a history of heart disease, heart rhythm disorder, coronary artery disease or heart attacks, according to the NIH.

Doctors should also be alerted if the patient has a history of high blood pressure , mental illness, peripheral vascular disease or seizure disorders. Adults ages 65 and older should usually not take Adderall because it is not as safe as other medications for this age group, the NIH says. Some drug interactions could be harmful. The NIH says that people should not take Adderall if they have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor MAOI , a type of antidepressant, in the last two weeks.

For children with ADHD , or hyperactive-impulsive or inattentive symptoms that cause impairment and appear before the age of 7, Adderall can be considered part of a total treatment program. ADHD must be diagnosed through a series of tests that rule out other mental disorders. Adderall should be considered a part of a total treatment program that includes psychological, educational, dietary changes and social aspects. Most adults diagnosed with ADHD show symptoms of inattention or distraction.

Adderall may be working if a person with ADHD says they are doing better at work or school. It calms them and most often improves their ability to focus. The greatest risks and side effects occur when the medication is not used as intended or the user takes more than the prescribed dose, Dr. Stimulants can raise your heart rate and increase anxiety, so a person with high blood pressure, seizures, heart disease, glaucoma, liver or kidney disease, or an anxiety disorder should tell their doctor about them before taking any stimulant.

Non-stimulants like Strattera can take 4 to 8 weeks to reach maximum effectiveness at the proper dose.