Prescription Stimulant Misuse In Athletes
ADHD is a controversial problem in sport as participants with this disorder often require banned stimulants while competing. Many of the governing bodies of competitive sports have developed regulations that limit the use of stimulant medications to treat ADHD. In other cases, stimulant use is allowed in the setting of a documented diagnosis of ADHD. Most sports organizations around the world now follow the guidelines set forth by the World Anti-Doping Agency . According to this document, the diagnosis of ADHD is to be made by experienced clinicians and in accordance to the DSM-IV. Stimulant medications are considered to be a medical best practice treatment that do require the athlete to file a therapeutic use exemption . A TUE gives athletes with medical diagnoses an exemption to use a drug normally prohibited by MLB, to treat a legitimately diagnosed medical condition. WADA recommends reassessments of continued treatment every 34 months. Other organizations, such as the National College Athletic Association and individual professional leagues, such as the National Football League and Major League Baseball , have developed their own regulations.
Some athletes will only take medications episodically for school testing or for studying purposes. Others may feel that their sport performance is improved on stimulants, whereas others may temporarily stop taking them so that their sports play is more random and unfocused, which they feel improves their performance .
If You Really Have Add The Medication Is Calming
Think about it. Adults who genuinely have Attention Deficit Disorder need stimulants to quiet the symptoms. A cup of coffee can have a calming effect on a person with ADD. The reason that children with the condition were given Ritalin is so they could maintain some realm of control in a classroom setting, follow instructions from parents and better refrain from outbursts. Adults who have ADHD show low levels of dopamine receptors in specific areas of the brain. Adderall is prescribed to help restore the balance. But for adults who have no imbalance the damage from taking these substances is very real.
Health Risks from Adderall Addiction:
- Diminished appetite
What Does Adderall Do For People With Adhd
“Give them a stimulant and they’re relatively back at ‘normal’,” Arnold says. “That’s because these drugs hike up the neurotransmitter dopamine in the brain’s reward center, which helps people feel more alert and attentive and has a calming effect.”
But wait,
your friend protests,
Adderall makes me focus too.
Maybe, but that might be in his head. “Research has shown that the placebo effect of ADHD drugs is quite large, so you feel more focused because you tell yourself that’s supposed to be the effect,” says Karen Miotto, director of the UCLA Addiction Medicine Service.
A review of 40 studies
found that in more than half of the research, adults without ADHD who took stimulants didn’t see any cognitive improvements.
Plus, being able to concentrate doesn’t mean your ability to learn and/or do things well gets any better. “Stimulants may help with certain kinds of recall and attention but they don’t actually boost skills like multitasking and complex learning tasks, which is the bulk of what most jobs have you doing anyway,” Miotto says. What is a complex learning task? It’s not something like remembering that Kelly in accounting is a vegan, but rather things like coming up with a business strategy or knowing how to persuade a finicky clientand stimulants don’t do much in that department.
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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.
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.
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Adderall And Other Medications
Below is a list of medications that can interact with Adderall. This list doesnt contain all drugs that may interact with Adderall.
Before taking Adderall, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Acid-reducing drugs
Medications that reduce the amount of acid in your stomach can increase the amount of Adderall your body absorbs. This can raise your risk of side effects. Examples of acid-reducing drugs include:
- antacids that contain calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, or sodium bicarbonate
- tranylcypromine
Serotonergic drugs
Taking Adderall with medications that increase serotonin in your body can raise your risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a drug reaction that can be dangerous. If you take any of these medications, you may need to start with a lower dosage of Adderall.
Examples of medications that increase serotonin include:
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as escitalopram , fluoxetine , paroxetine , and sertraline
- serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors such as duloxetine , venlafaxine , and desvenlafaxine
- tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline, desipramine , and imipramine
How Do You Take Adderall
Take this medication orally with or without food, generally one to three times daily as advised by your doctor. The first dose is usually taken when you wake up in the morning.
If more doses are required, they should be taken as suggested by your doctor, often four to six hours apart.
Adderall comes in two forms:
-
Adderall oral tablet
-
Adderall XR oral capsule
Immediate release means the drug is released into your body straight after taking a dose. Extended release means the drug is released into your body gradually.
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How Does Adderall Affect Someone Who Doesnt Struggle With Adhd Or Narcolepsy
Adderall, a brand-name prescription medication, is used to treat Attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. The powerful central nervous system stimulant is made up of a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which boosts the levels of dopamine in the brain and lifts users moods.
People with ADHD are able to concentrate for longer periods when they take the medication at therapeutic levels. But the benefit of maintaining focus for a longer time also appeals to people who dont have ADHD or narcolepsy, the condition in which the brain is unable to control sleep-wake cycles these people seek to abuse it for that reason and more.
According to recreational Adderall users, they have more energy and a heightened state of alertness when using Adderall, which has helped boost its reputation as a study drug that improves academic performance and gets them through those long, late nights of studying.
How Can I Tell If Adderall Is Working
Its unlikely Adderall will make every symptom of ADHD go away, but youll know its working when some symptoms improve like the ability to stay focused on a task and complete it. Adderall may be working if a person with ADHD says they are doing better at work or school.
Adderall helps reduce symptoms of ADHD in about 80 percent of my pediatric patients, Dr. Chatigny says. Children with ADHD experience whats called a paradoxical reaction to the medication. It calms them and most often improves their ability to focus.
In people who dont have ADHD, because Adderall produces an excess amount of dopamine, users may experience feelings of euphoria and increased energy levels, as well as possible dangerous physical and emotional side effects.
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What Do People Use Adderall For
There is a range of uses that Adderall can be prescribed for. For people with ADHD, Adderall helps them focus, increase memory and productivity, and control impulses and behavioral problems. Many people diagnosed with ADHD report feeling more in control when they take Adderall, and the medication helps to level their temperament or increase their concentration.
Adderall also promotes wakefulness and boosts energy, motivation, and confidence in people who suffer from narcolepsy and chronic daytime sleepiness. Doctors can prescribe Adderall to help with weight loss, though its very important to adhere to the doctors prescription to avoid dangerous side effects. Some people also take Adderall off-label in order to lift their moods and reduce various depression symptoms.
People rarely use Adderall to treat anxiety, but some people with ADHD and narcolepsy find that the drug helps reduce fear and worry. Since Adderall is a stimulant, doctors prescribe it to curb some symptoms of bipolar disorder as well, which can also help enhance cognition.
How Does Adderall Cause Irritability And Anger
Adderall is a stimulant medication. In other words, it helps people feel alert and energetic. This occurs because of changes with the brain chemicals dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin, as follows:
- Dopamine helps with motivation and feelings of reward when engaging in or completing tasks. Having too much dopamine can increase aggression and lower impulse control. Low levels can impact your motivation and excitement levels.
- Norepinephrine is a fight-or-flight chemical that helps with alertness and focus. A surge of norepinephrine can sometimes increase anxiety.
- Serotonin creates feelings of pleasure in the brain, and it also affects stress, fear, body temperature, sleep, and addiction, among other things. High amounts of serotonin can make a person feel agitated.
People with ADHD often struggle with elevated levels of irritability and anger. For most people, Adderall helps with ADHD-related emotional responses. However, if irritability is worsened with Adderall, a change in medication or dosage might be required.
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Effects Of Adderall If You Don’t Have Adhd:
If you don’t need them, stimulants could make it easier to remember something, but they’re not all they’re cracked up to be in terms of helping you do better at work. You might experience some side effects, thoughranging from headaches, loss of appetite, and jitteriness to elevated blood pressure, palpitations, and insomnia. And you areer, he islikely to feel a bit sluggish and maybe even have the sads, since you’ve just overloaded the brain with more dopamine than it needs, which means all the happy will come crashing down after the meds have circulated out of your system.
Runner Up Adderall Alternatives: Performance Lab Mind And Performance Lab Stim Stack
Mind and Stim are both products that work as Adderall alternatives from Performance Lab and theyre a stack Ive used in the past.
Performance Lab Mind is a nootropic, and Stim is a smart-caffeine supplement.
Using it on a daily basis I feel I get much better:
Mental Energy Soon after taking it, Im wide awake and ready to go.
Prolonged Focus I can concentrate on my work without getting distracted.
Sharper Reaction Times Im quicker to correct errors and solve problems.
Stronger Memory and Recall Less time wasted double-checking myself.
Faster Learning I find I retain more information while using this stack.
More Developed Verbal Fluency Im more articulate and find it easier to get my point across.
These are totally OTC so theres no fear of not being able to get either of them. Theyre entirely legal, and effective.
These nootropics arent obviously not as intense as actual Adderall, but if you wanted to emulate some of the experience, this is the way to do it naturally with minimum recovery required.
Heres what each of these nootropics contains, and itll be easy to see why I rely a lot on this stack:
Performance Lab Mind ingredients:
L-Theanine 100 mgL-Tyrosine 250 mg
Again, it contains both the nutrients that I mentioned in the over the counter stimulants that work like Adderall. Theres a lot of winners in this mix.
If you want to know more about my experiences with Performance Lab Stim, check out my review:
Or see our current #1: VyvamindVyvamind.com
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Why Are Prescription Stimulants Misused
The reasons why prescription stimulants are misused are numerous and include achieving euphoria, and helping cope with stressful factors related to their educational environment. According to a survey of 334 ADHD-diagnosed college students taking prescription stimulants, 25% misused their own prescription medications to get high . Like cocaine, MPH inhibits the DAT, which increases synaptic levels of DA, and this is presumed to mediate MPH’s reinforcing effects and abuse potential. In laboratory studies, it has been shown that animals will repeatedly administer MPH as they do cocaine , and humans receiving both drugs indicate a similar high . A frequent concern regarding the use of stimulants for ADHD is their mechanism of action, which increases DA and thus may increase the risk for overt, illicit drug use. However, research points to the conclusion that people of any age receiving a stimulant for ADHD have no greater risk for illicit substance abuse compared with the general population .
Mind Lab Pro As An Otc Adderall Alternative
Mind Lab Pro is one of the better pre-made nootropic stacks out for alternatives to Adderall. We actually feature it in our best nootropics page. It has essentially every big hitter in the nootropic industry condensed into one bottle.
Again, Ive had effective results using Mind Lab Pro however, the lack of stimulants always puts it in second place for me when it comes to using it as an Adderall alternative.
Ive used Mind Lab Pro and feel it works to help:
Improve Focus Concentrate on the work Im doing quite effectively.
Better Mood More outgoing demeanour and better for interacting with people.
Being Productive Getting stuff done without the hassle.
Be in Control Stress management is more effective and I can stay on top of responsibilities easier.
It is something that I usually recommend as a good base nootropic. Mind Lab Pro has everything that someone who is curious about getting into cognitive boosters should test out and try if theyre look for natural alternatives without the side effects of the ADHD medication .
So, whats in Mind Lab Pro?
Vitamin B6 2.5 mgRhodiola Rosea 50 mgMaritime Pine Bark Extract 75 mg
Again, theres a lot in our list that Mind Lab Pro is hitting the target of. Citicoline, Phosphatidylserine, L-Tyrosine, L-Theanine, Maritime Pine Bark extract theres all that and more. It has numerous benefits that may support long term brain health.
If you want to read my full review of Mind Lab Pro, you can do so in the link below:
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Is Adderall Bad For You
It can be. The same molecules that rev up the sleepy parts of the brain also jumpstart the cardiovascular systemsometimes too much, Arnold says. In rare cases, Ritalin and Adderall can result in serious side effects such as abnormal heart rate, heart attacks, seizures, and even sudden death. Those are more likely if you take a larger dose than prescribed or have an underlying heart condition. Beyond that, who knows? There aren’t any studies on the long-term effects of stimulants on people who pop them when they’re not supposed to.
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Adderall Effects On The Brain
Adderall is a stimulant that works in the brain to treat symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder .
The exact way it works to treat ADHD isnt entirely clear. What is known is that Adderall affects chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters, such as norepinephrine and dopamine.
The effects on these neurotransmitters are thought to help control certain impulses and provide a calming effect in people with ADHD. They also cause increased focus and attention.
In people without ADHD, Adderall can cause wakefulness. It can also cause feelings of physical and mental energy, and a sense of confidence.