A Note On Whether Adderall Will Make You Smarter
While Adderall makes people feel more alert and perhaps helps them focus longer or endure tasks longer, it does not actually make them smarter or improve their cognitive abilities. Despite this, some people still use the drug for nonmedical purposes because they think it improves their intelligence.
Adderall lifts users moods because it boosts the brains dopamine levels in the brain, but when used recreationally, it can create feelings of euphoria.
What Does Adderall Do
After taking Adderall, the CNS stimulants, dextroamphetamine, and amphetamine trigger multiple reactions in the brain. For example, the introduction of Adderall affects neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin.
- Norepinephrine is a component of the sympathetic nervous system that releases adrenaline throughout the body, triggering its fight-or-flight response . Increased levels of norepinephrine enhance alertness and attentiveness, while also sharpening focus for enriched performance and increasing alertness in people with narcolepsy.
- Dopamine is one of the four feel-good hormones due to the pleasurable feelings it generates. As a result, your body produces it and your CNS uses it to transmit messages to the nerve cells, resulting in feelings or satisfaction and bliss.
- Serotonin, another one of the feel-good hormones, influences states like happiness, pleasure, and sleep. When there is a lack of serotonin, you are at risk for depression, anxiety, and/or rage.
Adderall enhances all three of these neurotransmitters and hormones, often producing desirable side effects when taken as prescribed.
Side Effects Of Adderall
Common side effects of Adderall may include:
- Loss of appetite
These side effects are usually temporary and not detrimental. However, if they worsen and/or last longer than a few weeks you should consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Severe side effects of Adderall may include:
Why Adults Without Adhd Take Adderall And How Its Killing The American Dream
Democracy has its perks if you do well. Our benchmark in what doing well means varies from community to community and culture to culture. But if you believe in capitalism and do what you can to practice it Monday through Friday, theres a certain kind of pressure that goes with the territory. For a growing number of would-be capitalists and white-collar professionals their big edge up comes in a little blue pill. Sure, there are other colors but the basic substance behind it is of the amphetamine family, known as Adderall, Vyvanse or Ritalin. Learn why adults without ADHD take Adderall.
These medications were created to specifically treat mental/behavioral conditions that affect cognitive function, prevalent in Attention Deficit Disorder ADD and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD. However, adults without ADHD take Adderall without attention-deficit disorders diagnosis. While there are health risks in doing so, there is a bigger problem behind the intention to abuse these drugs and its killing the American dream.
Don’t Miss: Is Autism A Mental Illness Uk
How Adderall Affects The Brains Of Those Who Need It And The Brains Of Those Who Dont
Prescription stimulants like Adderall are most often prescribed in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder . Adderall and other prescription drugs such as Ritalin can help people with ADHD to feel more focused. Unfortunately, illicit use of Adderall has become far too common, especially among high school and college students who look to the study drug for enhanced performance, but do not realize the dangers of misuse.
Adderall Effects On Adhd
Adderall affects ADHD by reducing impulsivity and improving a persons attention and focus. Adderall helps people with ADHD by enhancing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, which increases activity in the central nervous system.
People with clinical ADHD have brains with low dopamine function. Stimulants like Adderall increase the amount of dopamine in the brain, which can help alleviate symptoms of ADHD. ADHD symptoms may include problems with:
- Short attention span
Recommended Reading: What Is The Autism Behavior Checklist
How Does Adderall Affect Someone Without Adhd
There are several adverse effects of Adderall that occur in people who do have ADHD, so you can only imagine how Adderall affects someone without ADHD. Because Adderall boosts energy and concentration by increasing the dopamine levels in the brain, it can also affect the heart. This medication can also kickstart the cardiovascular system, causing abnormal heart rate, heart attacks, seizures, and even sudden death. Individuals without ADHD who take Adderall are also likely to take a higher dose than they would be prescribed, increasing their likelihood of experiencing heart problems among other side effects.
The effects of Adderall on someone without ADHD include:
- Loss of appetite
Treatment For Stimulant Addiction With Evoke Wellness
If you or someone you love is struggling with an addiction to stimulants, our addiction specialists are available around the clock to assist you. Evoke Wellness assists men, women, and families throughout the United States that are struggling with substance abuse and are searching for addiction treatment. We can help you get on the road to long-lasting recovery. You dont have to suffer any longer. Call us today.
You May Like: Is Picky Eating A Sign Of Autism
Reasons Why Adderall Is Not Working
One likely reason any prescription medicine may stop working as effectively is drug tolerance. Essentially, your body becomes accustomed to your regular dose of medication. To continue to experience benefits, you need a larger dose.
Adderall tolerance can occur fairly quickly when taking prescribed doses. The process is likely to be sped up when taking larger, illicit doses.
A drug interaction is also potentially the cause. Some multivitamins can reduce the effectiveness of Adderall, as can some antacids and other compounds.
Financial And Insurance Assistance
If you need financial support to pay for Adderall, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.
You can search Medicine Assistance Tool and NeedyMeds to find programs that may help decrease Adderalls cost. To learn more, visit their websites.
Also, to learn more about saving money on prescriptions, see this article.
Don’t Miss: What Is Occupational Therapy For Autism
Interactions With Other Drugs
Be sure to tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking, including vitamins and herbal supplements. Adderall can cause serious side effects if taken with other drugs. For example, antacids increase the absorption of Adderall and should be avoided.
Adderall may interact with monoamine oxidase inhibitors , tricyclic antidepressants, or other drugs that increase norepinephrine levels. Taking Adderall with MAOIs can cause a dangerous reaction, with high fever, rigid muscles, and mental changes.
You should not take Adderall if you have taken a MAOI within the past 14 days. If you take tricyclic antidepressants, Adderall can increase the level of these drugs in your body which could lead to more side effects.
Forms And Strengths Of Adderall And Adderall Xr
Adderall comes in these forms and strengths:
- Adderall oral tablet, which is an immediate-release * form of the drug. Adderall oral tablets are available in the following strengths:
* IR means the drug is released into your body right away after taking a dose. ER means the drug is gradually released into your body.
Don’t Miss: How To Make My Autistic Child Sleep
The Action Of Adderall
Adderall directly affects norepinephrine and dopamine, the two neurotransmitters that affect many chemical processes in the brain. For example, if you have ADHD, Adderall will improve your attention span, impulsive behavior, and hyperactivity. This drug and other stimulants can improve ADHD symptoms in adults by up to 70% and 70-80% in children. For better results, you can combine behavioral therapy with Adderall. Adderall is available as capsules and tablets, so you can choose whichever is easy for you to swallow. Whats known about this drug is that it interferes with sleep, so you shouldnt take it at night. Your healthcare provider will likely start you on a low dose then increase gradually as your body learns to tolerate it. Before taking Adderall for ADHD, make sure your healthcare provider knows about any physical or mental problems you suffer from. Also, provide them with a list of all the OTC or prescription medications you are currently using. Finally, remember that the federal government controls the use of Adderall, meaning you cant take it without supervision and prescription.
Approved Uses For Adderall
The FDA has approved Adderall to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy.
Adderall for ADHD/ADD
Both Adderall oral tablets and Adderall XR capsules are FDA-approved for adults and children to treat ADHD.
Adderall can help reduce hyperactivity and inattentiveness in people with ADHD. ADHD is sometimes referred to as ADD. But doctors use the term ADHD to describe this condition.
Adderall for narcolepsy
Adderall oral tablets are also approved to treat narcolepsy. The drug can help reduce daytime sleepiness in people with this condition.
Don’t Miss: Wellbutrin For Adhd Reviews
Does Adhd Medication Lead To Addiction
A big concern about ADHD medication is the worry that kids who take them will be at higher risk for substance abuse when they are older. But several studies have shown no correlation. The most recent research showed that while teens and young adults with ADHD are at higher risk for substance abuse than other kids, treating them with stimulant medications neither increases nor reduces the risk. What the new study shows is that the risk is linked to the disorder, not to the treatment. The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that addiction is a risk when these stimulants are abused, that is, taken in doses and via routes other than those prescribed . Then they produce euphoria and, as a result, increasing the risk of addiction. Hence a history of substance abuse would be an important factor when considering whether a teenager is a good candidate for ADHD medication.
How Does Adderall Affect Narcolepsy
Since the 1930s, amphetamines have been used to improve alertness in narcolepsy and other conditions. These medications are among the most effective for reducing sleepiness, but side effects are moderately common.
A large variety of amphetamines are clinically available, and individuals may respond better to one than to another. Some of the most common are dextroamphetamine and a mixture of amphetamines and dextroamphetamine . Methylphenidate is closely related to the amphetamines and has similar benefits and side effects.
All these medications improve alertness by increasing brain levels of dopamine. To a lesser degree they can also increase brain levels of two other wake-promoting chemicals, serotonin and norepinephrine.
Read Also: How Many Boys Have Autism
Prescription Stimulant Use In Adhd
It is estimated that about two-thirds of the children diagnosed with ADHD receive pharmacological treatment and the majority of medications used are stimulants . The prescribed use of stimulant medications to treat ADHD in children age 18 and younger rose steadily from 1996 to 2008, from an estimated 2.4% in 1996 to an estimated 3.5% of US children in 2008 . Overall, prescription stimulant use among 6- to 12-year-olds is highest, going from 4.2% in 1996 to 5.1% in 2008 however, the fastest growth rate occurred among 1318 year olds, going from 2.3% in 1996 to 4% in 2008. Prescription stimulant use remained consistently low in the West than in other US regions and in lower racial/ethnic minorities.
How Extended Adderall Use Affects The Brain
Stimulants increase concentration and energy levels while decreasing the need for sleep and suppressing the appetite. Adderall increases the activity of several neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, norepinephrine, and especially dopamine. Over time, the changes in dopamine activity can impact our brains reward center, and alter our ability to experience pleasure without the chemical support of continued amphetamine use.. The more often Adderall is taken, the more ingrained these changes become. A tolerance to the drug may form, and more Adderall may be needed at each dose in order to feel the same desired effects.
As Adderall leaves the bloodstream, withdrawal symptoms and drug cravings may occur, indicating a physical and emotional dependence on the drug. The way in which Adderall is abused, along with the amount and duration of abuse can affect the dependence level to the drug. Crushing the pills and then injecting or snorting them, for example, sends the drug into the brain more rapidly than ingesting them whole and having them enter the bloodstream via the digestive tract. As a result, injecting or snorting the crushed pills increases the chances for a life-threatening overdose and the potential for addiction. Addiction is a disease that affects each person individually, and environmental and biological factors may also play a role in its onset.
Don’t Miss: How To Teach Body Parts To Autistic Child
Adderall And Adderall Xr
Adderall comes in two forms:
- Adderall oral tablet, which is an immediate-release * form of the drug.
- Adderall XR oral capsule, which is an extended-release * form of the drug.
* IR means the drug is released into your body right away after taking a dose. ER means the drug is gradually released into your body.
Adderall Users And Alcohol
Adderall is highly abused among college students, and demand for it has increased because of its performance-enhancing reputation. Recreational Adderall users typically open the capsules or crush the pills before snorting the substance, which can be potentially fatal.
The drug is more potent when snorted because users are consuming it in larger quantities than intended. Those amounts also enter the bloodstream faster. At that intensity, users can develop substance dependence or addiction.
Recreational users also use the study drug as another party drug, like cocaine, to stay awake at social events, including those where is alcohol is served. This is not a good mix. Alcohol is a depressant while Adderall is a stimulant. With both substances present in the body, they cancel each other out, according to Healthline, and compete with each other.
Healthline also says Adderall can dull symptoms of alcohol intoxication, so a person taking it and drinking, too, may not be aware of how much alcohol they actually have consumed. Over-drinking can lead to alcohol poisoning. Research has also shown that the drug combination can adversely affect the cardiovascular system.
Other examples of how snorting Adderall affects someone who doesnt have ADHD or narcolepsy include:
- Damage to the nasal lining, sinuses, and lungs that have been in contact with the substance
- Experiencing psychotic episodes
- Severe dermatoses, a skin disease
Signs of chronic Adderall abuse include:
Also Check: Adderall For Adults With Adhd
How Does Adderall Affect The Brain
Individuals with ADHD usually have lower levels of dopamine, which is a chemical released in the brain that makes you feel good. This lack of dopamine causes people with ADHD to constantly seek stimulation. Adderall works by increasing levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine, thus bringing the brain from a state of overstimulation to a normal state of stimulation.
But what does Adderall do to the typical person who does not have ADHD? For a person starting out with normal levels of dopamine, they may feel a state of euphoria, increased wakefulness, and a better ability to cope with stress. Although this is certainly not recommended, this can make it easy to understand why Adderall is commonly misused by students who are feeling the pressures of exams, term papers, or sports.
Adderall And Herbs And Supplements
Adderall can interact with certain vitamins, supplements, or herbs you may be taking.
Vitamin C
Taking vitamin C supplements can make your stomach more acidic and can decrease the amount of Adderall your body absorbs. This can make Adderall less effective. Dont take Adderall within one hour of taking vitamin C.
Supplements that affect serotonin
Supplements that affect serotonin can increase your risk of developing serotonin syndrome. Examples of these supplements include:
Taking Adderall with marijuana can increase your risk of heart-related side effects. These include rapid heartbeat, arrhythmia , and heart attack.
Read Also: How Many Individuals With Autism Display Elopement Behavior
Taking Adderall Without Adhd
Doctors may sometimes prescribe Adderall for medical conditions other than ADHD or narcolepsy, such as to help with treatment-resistant depression.
Adderall is also frequently abused or obtained illegally without a prescription. Its one of the most widely abused prescription drugs in the U.S., often misused to help people study, accomplish more or feel more sociable. On campuses across the U.S., its not uncommon for students to use the drug around exam time or to perform well in school. Young professionals may do the same thing to get ahead in their careers. Adderall is also sometimes used illicitly to help people lose weight since the drug is an appetite suppressant.
Does Adderall Actually Make You Smarter
Although Adderall use among adolescents and young adults is common in an attempt to achieve better grades, studies have shown that Adderall does not improve academic performance in those without ADHD. While it may make studying less distracting or more enjoyable, Adderall doesnt actually make you smarter or improve cognitive function.
Recommended Reading: What Is Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder
Withdrawal Symptoms Of Adderall Abuse
The FDA categorizes Adderall as a Level II drug, meaning it is highly addictive. When you take unprescribed Adderall or a higher dosage than that prescribed by your doctor, you are likely to develop a dependence on the substance.
You may also experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop or reduce the dosage of Adderall. These can include:
Iris Healing strives to be diligent and prompt in updating the information available on our website. Please note, however, that our treatment modalities and protocols are subject to change at any time. For the most up-to-date details regarding our treatment offerings or other protocols, please contact us:
Who Should Not Take Adderall
Adderall should not be taken if you or your child:
- Have heart disease or hardening of the arteries
- Have moderate to severe high blood pressure
- Have hyperthyroidism
- Have an eye problem called glaucoma
- Are very anxious, tense, or agitated
- Have a history of drug abuse
- Are taking or have taken within the past 14 days an anti-depression medicine called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or MAOI.
- Are sensitive to, allergic to, or had a reaction to other stimulant medicines
ADDERALL® IS NOT RECOMMENDED FOR USE IN CHILDREN LESS THAN 3 YEARS OLD
You May Like: Is Adhd Considered A Form Of Autism