Diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are becoming more frequent. While many people with ADHD take Adderall on a daily basis, there is growing concern about the potential problems that may accompany the medication. As a result, Adderall variants and natural alternatives are increasing in popularity. This article explores ADHD, Adderall, and the risks associated with the commonly-prescribed drug.
What is ADHD?
ADHD is a widespread neurodevelopmental disorder. It is typically identified in childhood and can continue through adulthood for many people. Inability to focus, inappropriate hyperactivity, and impulsivity are all hallmarks of the disorder. ADHD is considered a chronic issue that can negatively affect self-esteem, academic performance, social interactions, and overall quality of life.
According to statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 8.7% of adolescents aged 13 to 18 years and 4.4% of adults in the United States suffer from ADHD. The majority of children are initially diagnosed with ADHD when it begins to interfere with their academic performance, with most children with moderate ADHD diagnosed at age 6. About one-third of children who are diagnosed with ADHD remain affected as adults.
ADHD can manifest in one of three ways. Predominantly inattentive presentation where the individual has difficulty staying focused and completing tasks; predominantly hyperactive/impulsive presentation where the individual has trouble managing restlessness and impulsivity; or a combined presentation which is a mixture of both. ADHD looks different with every individual and hyperactivity and other externalizing behaviors are more prevalent in boys than girls.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a drug that is often prescribed as a treatment for ADHD. It consists of two stimulants—amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Doctors have deduced that ADHD is caused by an imbalance of natural-occurring chemicals such as dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Therefore, the stimulants in Adderall work to increase central nervous system activity and the levels of these neurotransmitters.
There are two different kinds of Adderall available. The immediate-release tablet is taken one to three times daily with doses four to six hours apart; it is prescribed to children as young as 3. The extended-release tablet (Adderall XR) is taken once daily and provides a slow and consistent dose throughout the day; it can be given to children from the age of 6. Dosage is tailored to the individual and may be adjusted by the doctor depending on the patient’s response to treatment.
There are potential mental and physical effects associated with taking a stimulant medication such as Adderall. These can include enhanced awareness, increased energy levels, sharper focus, less restlessness and fidgeting, improved concentration and attention span, as well as faster heart rate and higher blood pressure.
What are the Risks of Adderall?
Despite being helpful to many individuals with ADHD, Adderall can sometimes cause several negative side effects. Some of these include headaches, insomnia, irritability, nervousness, changes in vision, stomach aches, constipation or diarrhea, and decreased appetite—which can result in poor growth and development in children. Adderall can also worsen the symptoms of mental disorders such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.
Stimulants can cause significant changes to your blood pressure and heart rate by constricting your blood vessels. This can exacerbate several circulatory problems and cause pain or numbness in the fingers and toes. Because there is a serious risk of cardiac arrest and stroke for people with pre-existing heart conditions, doctors will typically recommend a cardiology consultation before prescribing Adderall to such individuals.
Another factor that is a common concern for people who are prescribed Adderall is its addictive qualities. Adderall is listed as a Schedule II substance by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), meaning that it has a high potential for misuse and dependence. Addiction to Adderall can generally be avoided by using the medication exactly as directed by your doctor. However, dependency can quickly develop when it is used improperly.
An individual who misuses Adderall will eventually develop a tolerance to the effects of the substance. They will then need to take higher or more frequent doses of the drug to enjoy the same effects. When these people try to stop taking Adderall abruptly, they can experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms that include insomnia, lethargy, lack of motivation, depression, inability to feel pleasure, and even suicidal ideation.
Alternatives to Adderall
Given the potential for Adderall to cause harm, many people turn to natural alternatives for ADHD. Some over-the-counter products can boost the same dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters. These supplements can enhance brain function, memory, and focus without the negative side effects and addictive qualities of Adderall. And since they do not contain controlled substances, these supplements are legal and easily available.
Adderall has been effective as a treatment for ADHD. It can help those with ADHD focus on tasks and decrease their restless and impulsive urges. However, Adderall can come with undesirable side effects that range from digestive discomfort and problem sleeping to life-threatening circulatory problems and addiction. Hence, the medication should never be taken without a prescription and should always be used as prescribed.
Drug misuse can lead to serious negative effects on your mind and body. To avoid the risk of developing a dangerous dependency, many people switch to natural alternatives to Adderall. With proper and consistent treatment, people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can improve their mental and physical capacity to function, and increase their quality of life.
