Adderall

Adderall  

Adderall is a Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant that is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (excessive sleepiness). It is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is a stimulant that stimulates the neurotransmitters in the brain which will control the hyperactivity of the CNS. Its route of administration is oral, rectal, sublingual, and insufflation.  It is available in the form of capsules and tablets. It is also available in generic form by the names of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts.

What is Adderall used for?

Adderall is a CNS stimulant that is used in the management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.  It has some therapeutic effects too like it improves cognitive control, euphoria, changes in sex drive, and increased wakefulness.  It increases attention and reduces restlessness in overactive patients.  It helps to increase attention in patients who cannot concentrate on their work. It also helps those people who feel sleepy due to narcolepsy. Moreover, it is also used by some athletes for its performance enhancing effect. Several studies report that Adderall is useful in treating the symptoms of lack of attention, impulsiveness, aggression, and disruptive behavior. 

How effective is Adderall?

Adderall is an effective treatment for narcolepsy and ADHD. It helps to increase energy and wakefulness in people who feel sleepy due to narcolepsy. It increases the levels of concentration and focus in people who want to engage in activities like sports. It improves nerve growth and brain development. Some randomized control trials approved its effectiveness and safety. It was reported that Adderall is an effective treatment to reduce core symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) like reduced attention, impulsiveness, and over activity of brain. It ultimately increases the functional outcomes by enhancing the quality of life. Another randomized control trial reported the effectiveness of Adderall that it increased the IQ points in children by 4.5. Its therapeutic doses increase cognitive function and physical performance in adults. It also increases the motivation to perform a task and wakefulness in narcoleptic patients. 

How should I take Adderall?

• Take the medication as prescribed by the doctor.  Read and follow the instructions on the label carefully.
• Oral tablets can be taken with or without food.
• It can be taken 1 to 3 times a day.
• The first dose is taken in the morning.
• Other doses should be taken by doctor's consultation.
• If taken at night, it can cause trouble sleeping (Insomnia).
• Swallow the whole tablet, it can be taken with or without water.
• Do not break, crush or chew them.
• Try to take the medication at the same time every day.
• Store the medicine at room temperature.
• Do not share your medicine with someone else.
• Keep the medicine away from the reach of children.

What dose of Adderall should I take?

The dose of Adderall is different for every patient. It is prescribed by the doctor depending upon the purpose, severity of disease, and age.  Adderall is available  in the following dosages: 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg.

For attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) 

• For adults, a 20mg capsule is given once a day in the morning.
• For children <17 years, a 10mg capsule is given once a day in the morning. 
• For adults, 5mg tablets are given 1 or 2 times a day.

For narcolepsy

• For adults and children 12 years of age, 10mg is given once a day.
• For children <12 years of age, 5mg is given once a day. 
• For children less than 6 years of age, the dosage must be prescribed and adjusted by the doctor.
• Do not take more than the prescribed dosage.
• Do not take it more often.
• In case of a missed dose, take it as soon as you remember.
• Do not double the dosage without asking your doctor.
• Ask your doctor before stopping this medication.

Why is Adderall considered as a good treatment for ADHD and narcolepsy?

Adderall is considered a good treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy because it starts working within 30 minutes to 1 hour. It will stay in your body for almost 2 days. Its effects will last for 4 to 6 hours. Patients will feel its effects immediately. It decreases the hyperactivity of the brain. This medication enhances the ability to pay attention, increases cognitive function, and concentration, and controls abnormal behavior. It is also effective in improving coordination and listening skills. In a research, 75 to 80% of children with ADHD saw improvement in symptoms by taking Adderall. Furthermore, it is effective in treating narcolepsy by reducing sleepiness and increasing wakefulness.

What are the side effects of Adderall?

Side effects of this medication include:

• Hematuria
• Bladder pain
• Painful urination
• Micturition
• Back pain
• Diarrhea
• Cough
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Urge to urinate
• Frequent urination
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Trouble sleeping
• Nausea
• Tiredness
• Headache
• Runny nose

Some side effects require medical attention immediately. They include:

• Anxiety
• Weight loss
• Blurred vision
• Hallucinations
• Pounding  heartbeat
• Depression
• High blood pressure
• Irritability
• Rash
• Hives
• Blisters

Alternative treatment options for ADHD and narcolepsy?

There are few medications that are used for narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

For narcolepsy:

• Dexedrine
• ProCentra (dextroamphetamine)
• Zenzedi
• Ritalin, Concerta, Methylin (methylphenidate)
• Evekeo (amphetamine)
• Xyrem (sodium oxybate)
• Provigil (modafinil)
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
• Nuvigil (armodafinil)

For attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

• Amphetamines (Dyanavel XR, Evekeo, Adzenys ER,  Evekeo ODT, Adzenys XR-ODT)
• Desoxyn (methamphetamine)
• Intuniv (guanfacine)
• Strattera (atomoxetine)
• Wellbutrin (bupropion
• Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate CD, Quillivant, Daytrana, Methylin
• Kapvay (clonidine)
• Norpramin (desipramine)
• Tofranil (imipramine)
• Focalin, Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)
• Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Other than medications some therapies are also helpful in treating ADHD and narcolepsy. They include cognitive therapy, behavior therapy, counseling, and patient education. These therapies can help in relieving symptoms but they cannot permanently treat these conditions.  Besides these medications and therapies, dietary adjustments can also help in relieving symptoms of ADHD. It includes magnesium, melatonin, zinc, fish oil, and

Can I buy Adderall online?

Yes, you can buy this medication online. Although it should be bought on a doctor's prescription, it is easily available online without a doctor's prescription.