Adderall is a stimulant medication that increases norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain and produces calm and focus in people with ADHD. Adderall and modafinil, a generic drug, are both stimulant medications, but they affect the brain in slightly different ways. Generic drugs are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs. The generic name of Concerta is methylphenidate extended release. Fatigue may be more common in people who misuse Adderall, especially in higher doses.
Drug Interactions
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Like all stimulant medications, Adderall is a controlled substance. That means there are restrictions in place to reduce the potential for abuse and addiction. For instance, prescribers can only write prescriptions for one month at a time. Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Not every brand of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine is for use in the same age group of children.
Before taking this medicine
This medicine may cause some people to feel a false sense of well-being or to become dizzy, lightheaded, or less alert than they are normally. It may also cause blurred vision or other vision problems. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
Adderall XR
Adderall is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using your medicine improperly or without a prescription. You may have blood circulation problems that can cause numbness, pain, or discoloration in your fingers or toes. Adderall may cause new or worsening psychosis (unusual thoughts or behavior), especially if you have a history of depression, mental illness, or bipolar disorder.
Brand names
They’ll be able to help adjust your dosage or suggest alternative remedies for your concerns. Weight loss in adults can be a temporary side effect of Adderall, and appetite should increase as your body adjusts to substance dependence the medication. For people with ADHD, Adderall may improve focus and attention while reducing hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. It works by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
How does Adderall help ADHD?
Singer Jessie J has revealed she was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) three months ago. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. If you have difficulty swallowing this medication whole, you may sprinkle the entire contents of a capsule on a small amount of applesauce just before taking. Do not chew the mixture, and do not save it for future use.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal. The immediate-release tablet (Adderall) is usually taken 2 to 3 times daily, 4 to 6 hours apart, with or without food. The extended-release capsule (Adderall XR) is usually taken upon awakening with or without food. The extended-release capsule (Mydayis) is usually taken upon awakening and must be taken consistently either with or without food. Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine combination should not be taken in the late afternoon or evening because it may cause difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Adderall can make symptoms worse for people with mental disorders that cause psychosis, like bipolar disorder, Beresin says. Adderall causes your brain to release more dopamine and norepinephrine.. Adderall is helpful for many people, but can also carry serious risks including addiction or worsening heart problems. Here’s what you need to know about how Adderall works and the risks and benefits of taking it.
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. If you think this medicine is not working properly after you have taken it for several weeks, do not increase the dose and check with your doctor. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
However, there are some differences that might make you prefer one over the other. Because Adderall and Vyvanse are very similar medications, they also have similar side effects and drug interactions. There are other drugs available to treat your condition. Talk with ecstasy withdrawal and detox symptoms and timelines your doctor to learn more about other medications that may work well for you. From time to time during your treatment, your doctor may check whether you need to keep taking it. They’ll do this by tapering you off the medication to see if your symptoms return.
Although rare, blurred vision or trouble focusing can occur in some people who take Adderall. Increased amounts of these messengers in the brain can result in more focus and attention. In people older adults national institute on alcohol abuse and alcoholism niaaa with ADHD, it can also result in a calming effect. In people with narcolepsy, it helps with alertness and wakefulness. Consuming alcohol with Adderall can be a dangerous combination.
Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Taking Adderall during pregnancy can cause premature birth, low birth weight, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn baby. OCD is a mental health condition where a person has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours, the NHS says. If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or fainting, contact your local emergency medical services immediately.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, an estimated 5.1 million people over the age of 12 misused stimulants in 2018. Also, tests may be done to check for heart problems, breathing problems, and oxygen levels. And medications may be needed for heart problems or seizures if they occur.
You can also try behavior therapy for your child, with or without medication. In fact, stimulant drugs can make anxiety worse in a small percentage of kids with ADHD. But for others, reducing the symptoms of ADHD can make kids less anxious. This is because when kids can concentrate better, school feels less stressful.
- Also, describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use.
- When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well.
- They’re both stimulant medications and work in a similar way.
- 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.
- Learn about possible side effects, dosage, and other facts so you can decide if Adderall is right for your child.
- If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact a doctor or emergency medical services immediately.
If you experience any changes in your vision that don’t go away with continued use of Adderall, talk with your doctor. 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. If you experience blurred vision that doesn’t go away with continued use of Adderall, talk with your doctor.
Be sure to schedule appointments with your doctor on a regular basis so that you do not run out of medication. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.