Adderall Side Effects: Misuse and Addiction

Adderall, a prescription medication, treats ADHD and narcolepsy 1, a neurological disorder marked with excessive daytime sleepiness. 2 Adderall can be deadly if misused.

Over 4.6 million people have abused prescription amphetamines, including Adderall, in the last year. Most prescription amphetamine users are young adults (18 to 25 years old) who use the products for non-medical purposes.

This article will explain how Adderall is used, the dangers of its misuse, its side effects, and how to treat Adderall dependence.

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What is Adderall?

Adderall is considered a Schedule II drug by the federal government.3 It’s a combination dextroamphetamine/amphetamine product that increases dopamine and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters) in the brain, increasing energy and sharper focus.1

It treats the symptoms of disorganization and difficulty focusing, making completing schoolwork or other responsibilities difficult. 4

Adderall can be helpful to those with ADHD or narcolepsy. However, it also needs to be used more. One study found that over half of adults who misused Adderall in the past did so to help them stay alert or to help them concentrate. Adderall abuse was also common for those who wanted to improve their study skills. 4

A recent study in the journal Pharmacology indicates that the drug has a minimal impact on neurocognitive function in college students without ADHD. 5

Some people abuse Adderall by consuming large doses or crushing pills and snorting or injecting them to achieve a euphoric feeling. A person can develop a tolerance for Adderall after frequent use. This causes them to take a higher dosage or more often to get the same effects. This can lead to dependence and a person developing stimulant use disorders. 1

Adderall abuse can lead to serious health problems. 1

Adderall Side effects

Even when Adderall is prescribed by a doctor and taken as directed, side effects can occur. Adderall side effects include: 6

  • Agitation.
  • Headaches.
  • Stomachache.
  • Nervousness.
  • Sleeping problems.
  • Reduced appetite
  • Dry Mouth
  • Constipation.
  • Diarrhea.
  • Nausea/vomiting.
  • Weight loss.
  • Grinding teeth

Adderall and Other Risks

Adderall can have several side effects, including some that are dangerous. These include effects on the cardiovascular system.

Sudden Death from Heart Attack or Stroke has occurred in adults taking stimulant drugs. The risk is greater for those who already have heart disease.

Adderall misuse or abuse can also cause serious health problems.

  • Verbal or motor tics.
  • Unpleasant or abnormal sensations–including pain, numbness, burning, or tingling–in the hands or feet.
  • Seizures.
  • Psychosis.
  • Depression and manic episodes.
  • Dependence on the drug increases.

Adderall Long-Term Effects

Repeated use can lead to an increased tolerance.

Adderall is a stimulant that can be taken in larger doses or more frequently to achieve the desired effects. This could lead to problematic usage and, eventually, a substance abuse disorder.

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Adderall is a stimulant drug that can be overdosed and cause several potentially dangerous or alarming symptoms.

  • Pupil dilation.
  • Restlessness and tremors.
  • Anger and aggressive or combative behavior.
  • Rapid breathing
  • Overactive or uncontrollable reflexes.
  • Hallucinations.
  • Panic attacks and severe anxiety.
  • Paranoia.
  • Muscle weakness, movement disorders.
  • Seizures.

Overdoses are medical emergencies that require immediate medical attention.

Adderall Addiction

Some people who abuse drugs will develop an addiction, but others are at risk of serious health problems, including permanent ones, and overdose.

Adderall abuse is diagnosed as a stimulant disorder if the user displays at least two symptoms over 12 months. The user: 8

  • Adderall is taken in larger amounts over a longer period than intended.
  • Adderall is a drug that can be addictive.
  • Spends much time taking Adderall to obtain, use or recover from.
  • Craves Adderall
  • We are constantly using, leading to a failure of major roles at work, school, or home.
  • Continue to use Adderall despite persistent interpersonal issues caused by or worsened by Adderall’s effects.
  • Adderall users may have to give up social, occupational, or recreational activities.
  • Adderall should not be used in physically dangerous situations.
  • Continues to use Adderall even though you know that it is likely that the drug has caused or exacerbated a persistent, recurrent, or severe physical or mental problem.
  • Adderall tolerance results from needing more stimulants to get the desired effects or experiencing less effect when using the same amount.
  • Adderall withdrawal symptoms include fatigue, unpleasant dreams, insomnia, or increased appetite.

Adderall Addiction Treatment

A stimulant use disorder can be difficult to recover from and may require the help of a medical professional.

We offer a variety of addiction treatments at Oxford Treatment Center. Our treatment is tailored to each patient’s needs.

Residential treatment includes medical care, 24-hour structured treatment, and safe housing. It also offers a variety of therapies. Outpatient Treatment includes many of the same treatments as inpatient treatment.

Treatments for Stimulant Addiction

Two approaches to behavioral treatment are recommended for stimulant abuse disorder.

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy can help you identify the problematic behavior that led you to misuse Adderall. The therapist will then teach you new ways to correct these behaviors in different settings. CBT teaches you to predict situations that may cause problems in your recovery and how to deal with them.
  • Contingency Management (CM) involves providing rewards for behaviors that encourage Adderall abstinence, such as vouchers or tickets to events or things that promote a drug-free lifestyle.