Adderall is a medication used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It contains a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are central nervous system stimulants. It is available in Adderall oral tablet and Adderall XR extended-release oral capsule
Adderall has a boxed warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as it has the potential to be misused. Taking the medication for long periods of time can cause psychological and physical dependence.
Generic name: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine
Brand name: Adderall, Adderall XR, Mydayis
Drug class: CNS stimulants
Uses of Adderall
It is used to treat:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and
- narcolepsy
How To Take Adderall
Take Adderall precisely as your doctor prescribes. Follow your prescription’s instructions to the letter. Your doctor may adjust your dose from time to time. This medicine should not be taken in bigger or smaller doses or for longer than suggested.
Adderall has the potential to become addictive. Never give this medication to someone else, especially if they have a history of drug abuse or addiction. Place the medication in a secure location where others will not be able to get it. It is illegal to sell or give away this drug.
Read all of the patient information, prescription guidelines, and instruction sheets that you’ve been given. If you have any concerns, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
You can take it first thing in the morning with or without food. An extended-release capsule should not be crushed, chewed, broken, or opened. It should be swallowed entirely. You can open the capsule and sprinkle the drug into a spoonful of applesauce to make swallowing easier. Without chewing, swallow immediately. The combination should not be saved for later use.
Your doctor will need to check on you on a regular basis while you’re taking this medication. Any doctor who treats you should be aware that you are taking this medication. Certain medical tests may yield unexpected findings when taking Adderall. Any doctor who treats you should be aware that you are taking this medication. Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
Keep track of the medications you’re taking. Adderall is a commonly abused substance, and you should be aware if someone is abusing it without a prescription.
Side Effects
The following side effects can be associated with taking Adderall. They include mild and severe side effects.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information on Adderall’s potential adverse effects. They can provide you with advice on how to deal with any unpleasant side effects.
Mild side effects include:
- anxiety
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- dizziness
- trouble sleeping
- weight loss
- dry mouth
- headache
- nausea
- lack of appetite
Severe side effects include:
- irritability
- severe allergic reaction
- depression
- high blood pressure
- rapid heartbeat
- heart attack
- stroke
- rhabdomyolysis
- aggressive behavior
- delusional thinking
- hallucinations
- blurred vision
Precautions
Adderall has the potential to become addictive, and it is an often abused medication. If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse, tell your doctor. In persons with excessive blood pressure, cardiac disease, or a heart defect, stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death.
If you’ve taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine, or if you’ve had a methylene blue injection, don’t take this medicine.
If you have a history of depression, mental illness, or bipolar disorder, Adderall may cause new or worsened psychosis (abnormal thoughts or behavior). Numbness, discomfort, or discoloration in your fingers or toes could indicate a problem with blood circulation.
If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor straight once:
- Chest pain, light-headedness, or shortness of breath, are all symptoms of cardiac disease.
- Paranoia, hostility, new behavioral issues, and seeing or hearing things that are not real, are all symptoms of psychosis.
- Unexpected cuts on your fingers or toes are an indication of circulatory issues.
If you have glaucoma, an overactive thyroid, extreme agitation, moderate to severe high blood pressure, heart disease or coronary artery disease, vascular disease, or a history of drug or alcohol addiction, you may not be able to use Adderall.
