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Adderall XR (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts) is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. When taken as directed, Adderall is useful in treating people who have these conditions.
For people who have ADHD, Adderall targets the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, and it works to improve focus, attention, and concentration. Even though it is a stimulant, it has what is called a “paradoxical effect,” meaning it can help calm people who have hyperactive symptoms. ADHD medicines improve attention by helping normal brain chemicals work better.
- The stimulant properties of Adderall are also useful in helping combat excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) in patients with narcolepsy.
- Adderall is also a drug of abuse, taken without a prescription by people who want to stay awake longer. But the risks of taking Adderall for uses other than indicated, when not prescribed, or when not used as directed can be serious.
- Increased blood pressure, palpitations, enlarged heart (cardiomyopathy) can lead to heart failure, stroke, and even sudden death can occur.
- The drug can also aggravate pre-existing conditions such as anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, or schizophrenia.
What Are Side Effects of Adderall?
Side effects that can happen if you take Adderall XR include:
- Headache
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Excitability
- Increased blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Palpitations
- Stomach pain
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Irritability
- Weight loss
- Vision problems
- Weakness
- Unpleasant taste in the mouth
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Fear
- Tremor
- Difficulty having an orgasm
- Loss of interest in sex
- Impotence
Chronic use of Adderall XR may lead to dependency and symptoms such as:
- Difficulty concentrating
- Problems sleeping
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Loss of motivation
- Depression
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Lethargy
- Heart disease
- Weight loss
- Headaches
- Tremors
- Constipation
- Aggression
- Mood swings
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations
- Thoughts of suicide
- If you or someone you know are in crisis, call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The service is available to anyone. All calls are confidential.
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https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2019/021303s034lbl.pdf
https://americanaddictioncenters.org/adderall/long-term-effects
https://vitalrecord.tamhsc.edu/you-asked-what-does-adderall-do-to-your-body/
https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.7788