Effects of Adderall Abuse
Adderall is a psychostimulant pharmaceutical drug that is commonly used for the treatment of attention deficit disorder and narcolepsy. Adderall is a combination of amphetamatine and dextroamphetamine which are both central nervous system stimulators that directly affect the chemicals of the brain and the nerves that are responsible for hyperactivity and impulse control. Due to the stimulating effects of Adderall, this medication is commonly used for cognitive and athletic performance enhancement, an aphrodisiac, and as a euphoriant. The performance enhancing nature of Adderall is the reason why this medication is listed as a banned substance with every major sports association in the world including the NFL, NBA, and MLB.
Adderall, when taken appropriately under the care of a physician, is greatly effective for the treatment of narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder. However, as with any medication, it can have some serious effects when abused. As cited by Forrester in 2007, Adderall abuse reports to poison control centers in the US increased during 1997‐2001, and Adderall represented a rising proportion of the ADHD medications adolescents abused. Abuse of Adderall can cause some alarming effects, therefore, if your child is prescribed Adderall for a medical purpose, it is crucial for you to understand and identify the signs of abuse.
Mild Effects of Adderall Abuse
Adderall abuse causes shaking, nervousness, anxiety, and many other dangerous symptoms.
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Uncontrollable Body Shaking
- Headache
- Difficulty Sleeping
- Difficulty Staying Asleep
- Nausea
- Stomach Pain
- Dry Mouth
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Loss of Appetite
- Weight Loss
Serious Effects of Abuse
- Rapid Heartbeat
- Shortness of Breath
- Fatigue
- Seizures
- Arm and Leg Weakness
- Arm and Leg Numbness
- Dizziness
- Slurred Speech
- Chest Pain
- Hoarseness
- Verbal and Motor Tics
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Aggressive Behavior
- Blurred Vision
- Itching
- Swelling (In case of allergy or overdose)
- Hives
- Rash
- Blistering of the Skin
If any of these serious side effects are noticed, a physician should be consulted immediately in order to avoid a potentially life threatening situation.
Adderall is no different from any other prescription or illicit drug. Therefore, when this drug is abused, there is a very real risk of an overdose.
Signs of Overdose
- Feeling of Panic
- Restlessness
- Hallucinations
- Quickened Breathing
- Uncontrollable Shaking
- Confusion
- Coma
- Dizziness
- Irregular Heartbeat
If you or your child is prescribed Adderall for a medical purpose, if any of these signs are identified, 911 or local emergency services should be notified and dispatched immediately.
It has been scientifically proven that Adderall is an effective treatment for narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder. However, as with any other prescription medication, Adderall can promote some serious unwanted side effects when not taken as prescribed or abused recreationally. It is extremely important that you are able to recognize the signs of Adderall abuse in order to avoid a potentially life threatening medical condition. If you notice signs of Adderall abuse, do not hesitate to immediately contact a physician or, if overdose is suspected, engage emergency medical personnel.
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Adderall Street Names
- Slang names are usually used to refer to Adderall when a person using the medication is doing so illegally, or is selling their own prescription.
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Dangers of Adderall Abuse
- Adderall is known as a 'study drug' which people abuse for perceived academic improvement and other performance enhancement. Adderall abuse is dangerous to the health and well-being of all who use is wrongly.
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Finding Help for Adderall Addiction
- If you or someone you know is struggling with an Adderall addiction it is good to know that help is available. Treatment programs exist that provide counseling and other treatments to help you heal from the effects of Adderall while building a life without the drug.
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Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Addiction
- With regular use it is possible to become addicted to Adderall. Signs of addiction include loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities, having a compulsion to take Adderall, doctor shopping to get more of the medication, and feeling withdrawal when you do not have it.
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