Adderall is the brand name of the generic drug combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine manufactured by Shire US, Inc. The tablets are available in the strengths of 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg. Adderall is used in the treatment of ADHD as well as other disorders and is a prescription drug.
Indications
It is prescribed for people who suffer from attention deficit disorder who exhibit symptoms of hyperactivity. The drug is also used to treat narcolepsy or great fatigue that is not a result of narcolepsy. It is prescribed when the patient has problems focusing or is uncontrollable when it comes to activities.
Action
Adderall is a brain stimulant and it also stimulates the central nervous system. It causes certain natural substances in the brain to undergo change and bring about a more controllable nature. The drug also tends to increase blood pressure. As it is used very often on children, the action of this drug has to be closely monitored for any effects because not enough research has been done to determine exactly what the action is. The action of the medication is IR or instant release and the medication dissolves immediately and takes effect unlike Adderall XR where the effect is XR or extended release.
Side Effects
This drug can be habit forming as it contains amphetamine. Some of the side effects are headaches and dizziness, blood pressure and heart rate going up, restlessness and nervousness. Other side effects that have been observed are flushing and twitching, tremors, changes in sexual desires, mood swings, sweating and even chest pain. More serious side effects have also been recorded such as severe hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes and glaucoma. Other side effects could be dilated pupils, fever, anorexia, blurred vision and substance abuse. Sometimes, the patient could be euphoric or perform repetitive actions.
Caution
You must let your doctor know if you are taking any other medication and follow his guidelines as to how and when to take the medication. The doctor must be told at once if any alcohol has been had because it can cause reactions. This drug can become a habit and the person could keep wanting higher and higher doses so there will necessarily have to be drug holidays where the person is kept off the drug for a while before starting it again. There could be withdrawal symptoms at this time and there could be symptoms of depression, vivid dreams and extreme agitation, often with thoughts of suicide. There must be a check kept on the patient to see that there are no higher doses or more frequent doses that are taken. This medication must not be disposed off in the garbage or given to anyone else – anything left over must be given back to the pharmacist to get rid of.
Contraindications
It is contraindicated for pregnant women and nursing mothers as the effects could be carried to the fetus or the nursing baby.