Adderall is a brand name for one of the many drugs that treats treating ADHD (Attention) Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and narcolepsy. It functions by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It is typically prescribed as Adderall IR (instant release), or Adderall XR (extended release), the latter of which is prescribed to treat either of the above disorders, but more exclusively for ADHD. The drug is also characterized as having a significant addiction and dependency potential.
As a result of Adderall’s powerfully addictive and dependency characteristics, there are many addiction treatment and recovery centers throughout the US that are now offering Adderall drug rehab and recovery programs to help those individuals suffering with this particular addiction. Adderall helps to improve the following:
- alertness
- concentration
- decreasing fatigue
- moods
- overall cognitive performance
The primary quality of Adderall is its ability to stimulate an individual’s central nervous system by targeting those brain and nerve chemicals contributing to controlling an individual’s impulses and their hyperactivity.
The common side effects
You can experience side effects with Adderall just like you would with other prescription medications, whether taken as prescribed or if you are abusing it for recreational purposes. These include the following more common side effects such as:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- difficult sleeping
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- headache
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- nervousness
- restlessness
- stomach pain
- unpleasant taste in mouth
- vomiting
- weight loss
The bottom line is that you need to be cautious whenever you are taking Adderall because of how easily it is to become dependant on it and get addicted to it.
Potentially serious side effects
In addition to the common side effects mentioned above, there could be more serious side effects that result and will necessitate immediate medical attention. Because of how Adderall increases blood pressure there is a greater risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden death, especially if you abuse the drug recreationally. It increases the risk of seizures as well with those individuals who are prone to them. Additionally, research studies have revealed a temporary decrease in a child’s rate of growth.
However, it does not impact their final height once they have entered the adult stage of their lives. Weight loss results due to the fact that Adderall is a stimulant which tends to decrease an individual’s appetite. Some individuals experienced significant vision changes and others began showing signs of increased aggressiveness. In some cases, noticeable hair loss was documented in these studies. The bottom line is that you want to be careful if you are taking Adderall whether prescribed or recreationally. Delray Recovery Center offers an excellent adderall drug rehab program and many addiction treatment and recovery programs.
