How Adderall Affects the Body

Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant. It is a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine which acts to speed up the transmission of electrical and chemical signals throughout the central nervous system. It is primarily used in the treatment of ADHD symptoms such as inattentiveness and hyperactivity while increasing attention span. Adderall does this by boosting the effects of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It also boosts the quantity of these "reward" chemicals. This means it can be habit forming, and has a history of being abused. Use of Adderall should be carefully monitored by your health care provider.

Before taking Adderall, discuss any and all medications you are taking with your doctor. Adderall has a list of drug interactions which should be avoided. Adittionally, You should not take this medication if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or hardening of the arteries. People with hyperthyroidism or glaucoma should also avoid Adderall.

How Adderall Affects The Central Nervous System
Adderall acts by stimulating the central nervous system, and increasing the quantity and activity of certain reward chemicals in the brain. It has been approved to treat the symptoms of hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and inattention. According to the Cleveland Clinic, stimulants like Adderall improve ADHD symptoms in about 70% of adults and 70% to 80% of children shortly after starting treatment.

Potential side effects with stimulant drugs like Adderall include dizziness, headache, dry mouth, loss of appetite, weight loss, mood swings, nervousness, and insomnia. More potentially serious side effects have also been noted with the use of Adderall, including high blood pressure, increased heart rate, circulation problems, blurred vision, and slowed growth in children. In adults, use of Adderall may result in a loss of sex drive or decreased sexual performance. Adderall may cause swelling of the tongue, throat, and face. In rare cases, Adderall has been linked to risk of seizures, stroke, heart attack, and new or worsening psychiatric problems, including hallucinations, paranoia, and depression. If you are experiencing any of these potentially serious side effects, talk to your doctor right away.

Withdrawal symptoms are usually experienced by those who are abusing Adderall and taking too high a dose. These symptoms include sleep disturbances, anxiety and irritability, intense hunger, panic attacks, fatigue, depression, lack of energy, phobias, powerful cravings for more of the drug, and even suicidal thoughts. Though not everyone experiences these withdrawal symptoms, a slow tapering off may help you avoid them altogether.

How Adderall Affects Circulatory and Respiratory Systems
Stimulants can raise your blood pressure and make your heart beat faster. They can also interfere with your circulation, causing your fingers and toes to feel numb or turn blue. Serious side effects for the circulatory system include increased risk of heart attack and stroke. In patients with existing heart problems, Adderall can lead to sudden death. Contact your doctor immediately if you are experiencing shortness of breath, chest pains, fainting, or difficulty breathing.

How Adderall Affects the Skin
In some cases, the use of Adderall can cause an allergic reaction. This can cause the skin to itch. It may also cause rashes, hives, or blistering skin. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of these serious side effects.

How Adderall Affects the Digestive System
The use of Adderall may cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. It may also cause diarrhea or constipation. It can slow down a child's weight gain, and may cause loss of appetite leading to weight loss. Weight loss is usually a temporary side effect which goes away as you become used to the medication.

As more medications are produced to treat ADHD, it can be hard to tell which medication is right for you or your loved ones. Getting informed about how Adderall affects the body is a step towards choosing the proper medication for your needs.

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