Adderall Side Effects


Adderall is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD and is a medication. It basically uses a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine in order to control symptoms of ADHD. Like most drugs, Adderall has some side effects which range from mild to severe. It is highly advised that you discuss Adderall side effects with your physician, both temporary and long term before taking this drug.

Studies show that about 3-7% of school-aged children have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorders. Some of the key symptoms include :

1. Having trouble concentrating
2. Inability to complete simple or complex tasks
3. Losing or misplacing important items
4. Forgetfulness
5. Becoming easily distracted
6. Hyperactivity
7. Restlessness
8. Impulsivity
9. Inability to get along well with others and frequent insubordination.

A trained psychologist and medical doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis based on past behavior and medical testing.

Adderall drug treatment generally involves taking 20 mg at a time, once or twice a day. Your medical doctor will mostly start you off on a small dose and slowly increase the medication until it reaches the desired effects. The reason for the tapered dosage is to gauge the side effects of this medicine.

Some Adderall side effects include :


1. Dizziness
2. Nervousness
3. Headache and weight loss.

A gradual increase in Adderall may help reduce the effect of certain symptoms. Taking too much Adderall medicine initially could make attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms worse.

Treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder depends on the severity of your disease as well as what type of support system you have in place. Specialized treatment outside of the classroom that focuses on one-on-one evaluations and a tailored curriculum-based education plan will allow for the student to get caught up and familiarized with his work environment. An individualized education plan or IEP that involves pertinent school personnel including teachers, special education teachers, school psychologists, school mentors, school principal and parents will allow for proper documentation and evaluation throughout the school year. This information is essential part of a student’s overall treatment plan through his medical doctor to track the effectiveness of the side effects of adderall as part of the students ADHD treatment plan.

Side Effects Symptoms :


1. Lack of appetite
2. Headache
3. Inability to fall asleep and stay asleep
4. Dry Mouth
5. Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
6. Weight Loss
7. Restlessness

If you already suffer from gastrointestinal problems, thyroid problems or congenital heart defects, Adderall prescription medication could interfere with your treatment plan for an underlying illness. Not all patients react the same to Adderall, so your doctor will follow you closely with frequent check-ups and routine medical exams.

Hazardous Side Effects :


While most patients can tolerate low dosages of Adderall prescription medicine with minimal problems, there are some dangerous or hazardous side effects you should discuss with your doctor before starting a treatment plan. Some hazardous side effects include:

1. Dangerous increase in blood pressure
2. Tachycardia or a high pulse rate
3. Irregular heart rate
4. Difficulty breathing
5. Chest pain
6. Allergic reaction that includes swelling and redness in the eyes or throat
7. Migraine headaches
8. Syncope or losing consciousness
9. Blurry or double vision
10. Seizure activity and excessive and uncontrollable shaking
11. Extreme nervousness and paranoid delusions
12. Mood swings that include hostility and severe aggression
13. Depression

High doses of Adderall can target the heart and respiratory system, causing temporary or long-term damage. In some cases, Adderall can also cause sudden death or stroke in patients, in particular those who have a heart defect or heart problem. Adderall may also interfere with other medication for an underlying illness or medical condition. Adderall taken for long periods of time throughout childhood and adolescence may stunt growth or weight gain and lead to long term complications related to development.

Adderall acts a central-nervous stimulant. Long-term use of Adderall as a prescription medication treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder may make symptoms worse and make withdrawal symptoms unbearable. Signs of withdrawal include severe depression or dysphoria, irritability, rage, trouble sleeping and an intense craving for the medication. Symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder may be more severe during the withdrawal phase.

Conclusion :


Adderall should be used as a temporary medication to help control symptoms and help regulate brain activity. Close supervision from a school psychologist or school personal is recommended until symptoms are under control with cognitive or behavioral therapy, if any.