Positive Side Effects of Adderall

Adderall is a stimulant that works by changing the amounts of certain chemicals in the brain, specifically norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. These chemicals are responsible for boosting attentiveness and energy.(7) The most positive side effect of Adderall is said, by users, to be mood elevation. Due to the increase of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain, those who use Adderall may experience a restructuring of their brain chemistry, which can make them feel more attentive or focused.

Side Effects on the Gastro-Intestinal System

Adderall may cause several issues within the digestive tract, including, but not limited to: - – Bladder pain - – Difficulty urinating or bloody urine - – Constipation - – Diarrhea - – Dry mouth - – Bad taste in the mouth One reason someone who is taking Adderall might have these issues mentioned above is that Adderall increases the amount of sugar released into the body. This increase in sugar could cause abdominal pain and constipation or could cause one to have bouts of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.(11)

Side Effects on Metabolism

Adderall suppresses the appetite, which may lead to weight loss. If not monitored, the weight loss could become severe and unhealthy, which could cause one to develop an eating disorder such as anorexia, or to become malnourished. Malnutrition can have many effects on one’s body and vital organs.(12) Loss of appetite does not only cause weight loss. It can also cause the stunting or slowing of growth in children. Amphetamines have long since been connected to slow weight gain, and the reduced calorie intake as a result of the loss of appetite may be the reason.(5)

Side Effects on the Cardiovascular System

Adderall can have many different effects on the cardiovascular system. While most of these are relatively harmless for those who use Adderall as prescribed, long term use or abuse can heighten these effects and lead to damaging or weakening of the cardiovascular system in those who abuse it. Organs or other parts of the cardiovascular system that could be affected include: - – The heart - – The lungs - – The arteries - – The veins As a result of how the drug interacts with the body, the previously mentioned parts of the cardiovascular system are forced to work harder. Working harder may cause them to become strained from long-term use.(12)

Side Effects on the Nervous System

Because amphetamines deal with chemicals in the brain that are responsible for energy levels, certain neurological symptoms can result from using Adderall. But these neurological symptoms can be better or worse depending on if the user is taking the drug as prescribed or is abusing it.

Side Effects on the Endocrine System

In adults, Adderall can affect sexual drive or performance. One might have a decreased interest in having sex, an inability to have or keep an erection.(6) To the opposite extreme, the use of Adderall might increase the risk of priapism, which is a persistent, painful erection that lasts more than four hours and usually occurs without any sexual stimulation. If not treated right away, the condition could lead to permanent scarring or even erectile dysfunction.(3) Women may experience abdominal cramps that are worse than normal during their menstrual cycles.(2)

Side Effects on the Skin

Adderall can sometimes cause a minor allergic reaction. An allergic reaction can present itself in many different ways. It can affect the skin, which would result in: - – Itching or irritation - – Hives or a rash - – Blistering or peeling skin(11) In rare cases, Adderall can cause a severe allergic reaction. A serious allergic reaction might be accompanied by intense itching or rash, swelling of the tongue, throat, or face, dizziness, and trouble breathing.(1)

Side Effects on Pregnancy and Fetuses

While the study of the side effects of Adderall on pregnant women and their fetuses is still largely unexplored, there has been indications that prenatal exposure to amphetamines can result in long-term neurological and behavioral problems. These issues include: - – Learning and memory deficits - – Altered motor skills - – Changes in sexual function Babies who are born to mothers who were dependent on amphetamines during pregnancy are more likely to have: - – Increased risk of being born prematurely

Side Effects of Withdrawal

Amphetamines have a high addiction rate, but when those who are addicted to Adderall abruptly stop taking Adderall, they can experience many unpleasant side effects, both mental and physical. As abusers of Adderall become dependent on the drug, the brain reduces its natural production of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. Abrupt cessation of the drug, consequently, results in excessively low levels of these chemicals in the brain which can lead to depression, fatigue, and thoughts of suicide. Changes in sleep patterns also can occur.(8)

Signs and Symptoms of an Overdose

As the brain develops a dependency on Adderall, it also builds up a tolerance to the drug, which causes the user to seek higher doses to achieve the same results. This increasing of dosage amplifies Adderall’s side effects and can lead to an overdose.(7) There are many symptoms and signs that someone has overdosed. In acute overdose cases, signs and symptoms might include: - – Restlessness - – Tremors - – Overresponsive reflexes - – Rapid breathing - – Confusion or combativeness - – Hallucinations

Side Effects of Adderall Used with Alcohol

Adderall has some serious side effects just by itself, but when one decides to take it with alcohol, it can create further complications. Alcohol is a depressant, meaning it shuts the body down. Adderall, on the other hand, as a stimulant, wires the body up. Slurred speech and lethargy are signs that someone has ingested too much alcohol, but when that person is also on Adderall, the drug can mask those warning signs.(7)Because Adderall keeps users awake, it can shut off the cues from the body that tell people that they’ve had too much to drink, which can lead to a potentially dangerous situation called alcohol poisoning.(12)

Side Effects from Drug Interactions

Abusing Adderall or taking it with alcohol can increase one’s risk for serious side effects, but drug interactions can increase the chances further. Certain drugs interacting with Adderall could alter how one or both medications work. Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, for example, slow down the rate at which one’s body can metabolize amphetamines, which makes the amphetamines more potent. The change in potency could lead to headaches and signs of hypertensive crisis. Toxic neurological effects can also occur, which could be potentially fatal.(8)It is recommended that one stop taking MAO inhibitors two weeks before starting Adderall.(1)

Less Common Side Effects

There are other side effects besides all of the ones listed up to this point that can occur from taking Adderall, but their reported frequency is unknown. These side effects include: - – Symptoms that resemble the cold or the flu - – A cough or hoarseness - – Confusion - – Having difficulty speaking or swallowing - – Inability to move certain muscles, such as arms, legs, or those on the face - – Double vision - – Joint or muscle pain - – Inability or decreased ability to control the bladder - – Muscle cramps, spasms, or stiffness

Adderall is not a drug that one should take lightly. It is highly addictive, which can lead to dependence, overdose, and withdrawal. It has an array of side effects, both good and bad. These side effects can be mostly useful one takes the drug exactly as prescribed and under doctor supervision, and most of the side effects are time-limited, meaning they should subside once the body gets used to the drug. There are a lot of things to consider before taking Adderall, but whether the risks of taking it outweigh the benefits or vice versa is up to the consumers.

- “Adderall Oral: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing.”WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-63163/adderall-oral/details#uses. Accessed 18 Mar. 2017. - “Adderall Side Effects.”com, Drugs.com, www.drugs.com/sfx/adderall-side-effects.html. Accessed 18 Mar. 2017. - “Adderall XR Side Effects and Warnings.”Drug Enquirer, Research Publishing Co, 15 Mar. 2015, adderall.net/. Accessed 20 Mar. 2017. - Addiction Blog. “Long Term Effects of Adderall on the Body.”org, Addictionblog.org, 2015, addictionblog.org/infographics/long-term-effects-of-adderall-on-the-body-infographic/. Accessed 20 Mar. 2017.

The Side Effects of Adderall: Short-Term, Long-Term & How to Manage Them

Adderall is an amphetamine that is mainly prescribed to treat the symptoms of ADHD, but it can also be used to treat depression and narcolepsy. Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and dependence. Despite this, it is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in the United States.

How Adderall Works

Adderall works by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a key role in attention, focus, and impulse control — the very functions that are impaired in people with ADHD. By boosting these chemicals, Adderall helps the ADHD brain function more like a neurotypical brain.

Common Side Effects of Adderall

Like all medications, Adderall can cause side effects. The most common include:

Decreased appetite: One of the most common side effects, particularly in children. This can lead to weight loss and growth concerns with long-term use.
Insomnia: Adderall is a stimulant and can make it difficult to fall asleep, especially if taken too late in the day.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure: Adderall stimulates the cardiovascular system, which can be a concern for people with pre-existing heart conditions.
Dry mouth: A very common side effect that can usually be managed by staying well-hydrated.
Headaches: Some people experience headaches, particularly when the medication is wearing off.
Irritability or mood changes: Some people feel irritable, anxious, or emotionally flat while on Adderall, particularly as it wears off ("rebound" effect).
Stomach upset: Nausea, stomach pain, and digestive issues are common, especially when taking Adderall on an empty stomach.

Serious Side Effects

More serious side effects are less common but require immediate medical attention:

Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Hallucinations or psychosis
Severe anxiety or panic attacks
Signs of circulation problems (numbness, pain, or color changes in fingers or toes)

Adderall and Dependency

Because Adderall is a stimulant with abuse potential, physical and psychological dependence can develop with prolonged use, particularly at higher doses. Tolerance — needing more medication to achieve the same effect — can also develop over time. It is important to take Adderall exactly as prescribed and to discuss any concerns about dependency with your prescribing physician.

Alternatives to Adderall

If Adderall's side effects are problematic, there are several alternatives worth discussing with your doctor:

Vyvanse — a prodrug that is converted to active amphetamine in the body, often with a smoother onset and offset
Concerta (methylphenidate) — a different class of stimulant
Ritalin — another methylphenidate formulation
Non-stimulant options such as Strattera (atomoxetine) or Intuniv (guanfacine)

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

The Side Effects of Adderall

How Adderall Works

Common Side Effects of Adderall

Serious Side Effects

Adderall and Dependency

Alternatives to Adderall

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