Adderall dextroamphetamine saccharate amphetamine is a prescription medication that psychiatrists commonly give to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms. ADHD medication is prevalent in the U.S., where almost 15% of children aged 12–17 are diagnosed with ADHD each year.
Millions of people have been taking Adderall since it was FDA approved in 2002. To learn more about whether this is safe, this article provides essential information.
Key Takeaways: Is Adderall Bad for You?
- Adderall is a widely prescribed amphetamine treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy because it increases focus and concentration.
- The potency of the drug and the effect it has on the brain make it addictive and regularly misused.
- Addiction treatment can be required for Adderall abuse.
- Adderall is a prescription-only drug and should be taken at a usual dose.
- Adderall can have serious psychiatric and physical side effects, including heart attack and psychotic symptoms.
- Natural alternatives to Adderall are available over-the-counter and are healthier for your brain and body.
Is Adderall Bad for You?
Adderall use comes with serious health risks. It has a powerful physiological impact because it is an amphetamine, or stimulant medication, and long-term use can lead to addiction. Acute intoxication, as well as prolonged use, can cause cardiovascular problems and further mental health issues. The risks are amplified if you have pre-existing health or mental health problems.
It has been used to treat ADHD due to its behavioral benefits, particularly for those who struggle with impulse control and focus, but should always be taken with a prescription from a medical provider. It is also important for you to be informed of the risks if you are thinking of taking the drug.
Adderall’s Effects on the Body
Adderall, also known as dextroamphetamine saccharate amphetamine aspartate, is a stimulant drug that strongly affects the central nervous system and chemicals in the brain. As it stimulates the nervous system, it increases heart rate and blood pressure, dilates pupils, and gives a feeling of increased wakefulness, raising energy levels and possibly disrupting sleep.
Due to its effects on the cardiovascular system, it may increase the chance of ischemic strokes or heart disease when used for a long period [1].
Side Effects of Adderall
Adderall has many side effects, some more common than others. They vary depending on the age of the person taking the drug, as effects differ from adults to children. The most commonly reported side effects across all ages are decreased appetite, stomach ache, and sleeping problems.
Common Side Effects
- Decreased appetite leading to weight loss.
- Feeling nervous.
- Insomnia.
- Stomach pains.
- Dry mouth.
- Tachycardia or rapid heart rate.
- Irritability.
- Headache.
Uncommon Side Effects
- Blurred vision.
- Adverse effect on mental health and mood swings.
- High or low blood pressure.
- Tremors.
- Reduced circulation or tingling in the hands and feet.
- Skin rashes if you are allergic, also known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Inform your medical provider immediately if you or your child are taking Adderall and develop a rash and flu-like symptoms [2].
Severe Side Effects
- Severe hypertension.
- Manic symptoms.
- Psychosis.
- Cardiovascular problems.
- Seizures.
- Stunted growth in children.
- Sudden death, particularly for people with underlying heart defects or high blood pressure.
- Serotonin syndrome, which is a potentially life-threatening reaction caused by mixing Adderall with certain medications.
Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include:
- Hallucinations or delirium.
- Coma.
- Inability to control movement or muscles; spasms.
- Increased or irregular heartbeat.
- High or low blood pressure.
- Fever.
- Nausea.
- Gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Muscle stiffness [3].
Adderall should never be mixed with other medications without medical advice or used without a prescription. If you witness someone with symptoms of serotonin syndrome, seek medical attention immediately.
Adderall’s Short-Term Effects on the Brain
Short-term effects on the brain are different to when you use the drug for a prolonged period of time. After consumption, Adderall quickly stimulates the central nervous system and increases the amount of dopamine in the brain by switching on dopamine receptors. Dopamine is a hormone and neurotransmitter that helps the brain to transmit messages between cells.
Thanks to dopamine, when you take amphetamine aspartate (Adderall), you experience a feeling of reward, satisfaction, and an elevated mood. The right mix of dopamine in the brain can enhance concentration and focus, memory, and the capacity to learn, hence the reason Adderall is prescribed.
However, an intoxication from high doses of Adderall XR can make you lose control. Although this will give you a feeling of euphoria, acute intoxication can also result in psychiatric adverse events like a manic episode, depending on the amount you have taken and your pre-existing brain chemistry [1].
Long-Term Effects on the Brain
In the long term, stimulant drugs have a more destructive effect on the brain. Chronic use of amphetamine causes oxidative stress, or tissue damage. Oxidative stress is caused by the consumption of a toxic substance, and in the case of Adderall, abuse damages the brain’s neurological receptors.
When dopamine receptors are depleted, it is more difficult for your brain to naturally conjure up reward hormones, blunting your ability to feel good without the drug’s effects.
Can Adderall Permanently Change Brain Chemistry?
Adderall abuse can cause changes to your brain chemistry, which can lead to other symptoms like depression.
Fortunately, they are, for the most part, reversible. The first step to preventing further damage would be to recognize that Adderall is starting to impact your life in a negative way, possibly due to mood swings and fatigue, then to discontinue the use of the drug.
When you have stopped taking Adderall XR for a consistent amount of time, the damage caused to the brain and the body will slowly start to repair itself.
Is Adderall Addictive?
Adderall is addictive. Because of its powerful effect on the reward center in the brain, it increases dopamine levels to a much higher level than would be seen by natural incentives. Therefore, when you are no longer under the influence of the drug, you will crave the feeling of reward and motivation it brings you and struggle to find the same level of pleasure elsewhere.
The longer and more often you take the drug, the more likely you are to become dependent on it. Also, the more you take, the more your body craves. Users may start to experiment with higher doses through crushing and snorting an amphetamine sulfate tablet or making a mixture and taking it intravenously.
Behavior like this is very risky and makes you vulnerable to overdosing on the drug.
Adderall abuse causes a physical and emotional addiction that can be very challenging to overcome. If you want to stop abusing Adderall, you may require support and care. It would also benefit you to look up a treatment center.
In 2020, about 4.4% of 12th graders misused Adderall
Signs of Adderall Abuse
In cases of substance abuse, a drug would generally be considered a problem when the person comes to rely on it to function in everyday life. Adversely, the drug may also start to interfere with everyday activities in a negative way. Adderall abuse leads to mood changes as well as lifestyle and behavioral changes, which is how you may recognize someone is misusing it.
Also, when someone relies on the drug to function, they will suffer from Adderall withdrawal symptoms when the effects of the drug wear off. The withdrawal symptoms of Adderall are:
- A depressed mood.
- Fatigue.
- Nightmares.
- Insomnia or hypersomnia.
- Pacing, toe-tapping, or rapid talking.
- Decreased appetite.
- Irritability.
They may also experience intense cravings for the drug and have paranoid thoughts [4].
If you are concerned that you or someone you know is suffering from an Adderall or other substance addiction, talk to a health professional or look up your nearest treatment center for support.
Can Adderall Kill You?
Yes, the most severe side effects of Adderall include possible heart attack, ischemic attack, or stroke and hypertension that can be fatal, especially for those with underlying cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure, or hardened arteries. Reactions caused by mixing Adderall with some other medications can also lead to sudden death [5] [6].
The devastating adverse effects of the drug are usually associated with substance abuse and overdose, or not taking the drug as prescribed. It is essential that Adderall is only used through professional medical advice. Health care providers will check your medical history and overall health to ensure that it is safe for you.
You should tell your doctor if you suffer from chest pain or panic attacks before taking the drug. If you have been prescribed Adderall, a health or mental health professional should also follow up regularly to screen you for signs of Adderall addiction and other severe side effects.
How To Avoid Withdrawal Symptoms From Adderall
Withdrawal symptoms would usually point to some kind of dependency on the drug; therefore, it is advisable to avoid an Adderall substance addiction. Symptoms occur when the drug is metabolized and leaves the body, the emotional attachment to the drug can last much longer.
Those who go “cold turkey” may experience severe mood changes and require support. There is no drug treatment that is effective in curbing physical amphetamine withdrawal. Amphetamine addiction treatment for psychological symptoms usually involves cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) [7].
Is Adderall Safe as a Study Pill?
Often referred to as the “study drug,” Adderall is an attractive option for ambitious students who want to boost their concentration late at night. Due to its availability in the U.S. and its perceived harmlessness, prescription drug abuse of Adderall XR has become common among young people, who may share their prescription between friends.
As explored in other sections of this article, Adderall comes with some serious risks, such as increasing the risk of heart disease and possibly aggravating psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder.
It is a myth that Adderall is harmless or just another way to stay awake, like drinking coffee. If you don’t have any health conditions or cardiac issues, it is not likely that you will experience severe side effects straight away. But taking Adderall is habit-forming, and should be exercised with caution to avoid the dangers of substance abuse.
Adderall Alternatives for Improved Focus
Other drugs used as first-line adult ADHD medications include dextroamphetamine sulfate or Dexedrine, Methylphenidate or Ritalin, and Dexmethylphenidate or Focalin. The ADHD meds are a mix of stimulants, like Adderall and antidepressants. Similar to Adderall, all are prescription-only drugs and have their own unique, potentially dangerous side effects.
There are good natural alternatives to psychiatric drugs for concentration called nootropics. For those looking to help their memory, boost mental energy, and increase focus, natural over-the-counter options exist that can nourish the brain as opposed to burning it out.
Nootropics
Nootropics are specialized brain-enhancing supplements containing blends of herbs and vitamins. We have looked into the neurological benefits and the contents of some leading nootropic products, and we like what we have found.
The supplements are known to have very few side effects: they stimulate the mind without risk and promote long-term brain health. Oxidative stress from taking amphetamines damages brain neurotransmitters in the long term. Conversely, nootropic compounds can mitigate the damage to cells caused by toxins. For that reason, nootropics for memory may help your capacity for learning, whereas Adderall could have the opposite effect over time.
For example, Thesis Nootropics contain ingredients like L-theanine, Lion’s Mane mushrooms, alpha-GPC, and ashwagandha that have been shown in studies to boost brain function [8] [9] [10] [11].
Mind Lab Pro supplements contain B vitamins known to support the production of the compound choline in the brain [12]. This can increase cerebral blood flow, feeding brain cells with more oxygen and glucose, naturally enhancing levels of focus, concentration, and sharpening memory. See the Mind Lab Pro review for more information on the products.
Performance Lab nootropics also contain natural compounds proven by clinical trials to support brain health and lift mood. While Adderall artificially excites the central nervous system and dopamine receptors in the brain, nootropics support the brain to regulate hormones and boost dopamine naturally, giving a balanced feeling of calm.
As such, supplementing with nootropics can help you to work under pressure and reduce anxiety. We made the Performance Lab review for more information on this. Alongside the anti-stress, anti-anxiety effect of the herbs, cognitive and neurological well-being is said to make you more alert, too. For an energy boost, nootropics for energy are available as well.
FAQ
There is a lot of information to consider when it comes to psychiatric drug administration. For that reason, we have simplified things to a few frequently asked questions:
What Does Adderall Do?
Adderall is an amphetamine-based psychiatric medication that strongly impacts the nervous system and hormone receptors in the brain. It also increases heart rate, raises a person’s blood pressure, and gives a sense of satisfaction, energy, and wakefulness.
Why Is Adderall Illegal?
Adderall abuse, which means taking it without a prescription, is illegal in the U.S.
Because of its associated risks and high potential for addiction and abuse, it is a controlled substance, which means there are limitations on how it can be dispensed [5].
Where Is Adderall Illegal?
Both Adderall and Ritalin are illegal in Japan. If you are thinking of traveling there, do not take those medications with you [6]. The drug is also illegal in many European countries, so always check before you travel.
What Is the Closest Over the Counter Drug to Adderall?
Nootropic supplements are the closest you will find to over the counter Adderall. Like Adderall, they have concentration-boosting effects, and some can increase memory and help with weight loss.
They will likely take slightly longer before you feel the results, though.
Conclusion
Is Adderall bad for you? Well, the short answer is yes, particularly if it is misused. Adderall is a powerful stimulant and, like with any other drug, can be very damaging to health. If you think you or someone you know has a problem caused by habitual Adderall use or abuse, you may require medical advice and support with treatment.
References
- Martin, Dustin. “Amphetamine.” StatPearls [Internet]., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 28 Aug. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK556103/.
- “Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis.” Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7700/stevens-johnson-syndrometoxic-epidermal-necrolysis.
- “Adderall® CII (DEXTROAMPHETAMINE Saccharate, AMPHETAMINE Aspartate, Dextroamphetamine Sulfate and Amphetamine SULFATE Tablets (Mixed Salts of a Single Entity Amphetamine Product)).” U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health, dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/medguide.cfm?setid=f22635fe-821d-4cde-aa12-419f8b53db81.
- Bramness, J. G., Gundersen, Ø. H., Guterstam, J., Rognli, E. B., Konstenius, M., Løberg, E. M., Medhus, S., Tanum, L., & Franck, J. (2012). Amphetamine-induced psychosis–a separate diagnostic entity or primary psychosis triggered in the vulnerable?. BMC psychiatry, 12, 221. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-244X-12-221
- Lakhan, S. E., & Kirchgessner, A. (2012). Prescription stimulants in individuals with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: misuse, cognitive impact, and adverse effects. Brain and behavior, 2(5), 661–677. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.78
- “Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine: MEDLINEPLUS Drug Information.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601234.html.
- McHugh, R. K., Hearon, B. A., & Otto, M. W. (2010). Cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use disorders. The Psychiatric clinics of North America, 33(3), 511–525. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2010.04.012
- Tamura Y, Takata K, Matsubara K, Kataoka Y. Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Increases Motivation in Healthy Volunteers: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Human Study. Nutrients. 2021 Jun 18;13(6):2091. doi: 10.3390/nu13062091. PMID: 34207484; PMCID: PMC8235064.
- Lai PL, Naidu M, Sabaratnam V, Wong KH, David RP, Kuppusamy UR, Abdullah N, Malek SN. Neurotrophic properties of the Lion’s mane medicinal mushroom, Hericium erinaceus (Higher Basidiomycetes) from Malaysia. Int J Med Mushrooms. 2013;15(6):539-54. doi: 10.1615/intjmedmushr.v15.i6.30. PMID: 24266378.
- Baba, Y., Inagaki, S., Nakagawa, S., Kaneko, T., Kobayashi, M., & Takihara, T. (2021). Effects of l-Theanine on Cognitive Function in Middle-Aged and Older Subjects: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study. Journal of Medicinal Food, 24(4), 333–341. https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2020.4803
- Xing D, Yoo C, Gonzalez D, Jenkins V, Nottingham K, Dickerson B, Leonard M, Ko J, Faries M, Kephart W, Purpura M, Jäger R, Sowinski R, Rasmussen CJ, Kreider RB. Effects of Acute Ashwagandha Ingestion on Cognitive Function. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022 Sep 20;19(19):11852. doi: 10.3390/ijerph191911852. PMID: 36231152; PMCID: PMC9565281.
- Kennedy D. O. (2016). B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy–A Review. Nutrients, 8(2), 68. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8020068