Spring Break
Adderall expedites your studies, but not without harm
Issue date: 4/9/09
But Adderall is not a dream drug - unless you dream of hypertension, elevated heart rate and dependence. In particular, all amphetamines have the potential to become addictive, because long-term use increases your tolerance.
In studies conducted by the Adderall XR development program, Adderall was shown to cause mild transient hypertension in patients, which increased with dosage. Because of this, it's more dangerous for people with cardiovascular problems to take Adderall without a prescription, because it may have serious side effects. Depending on the consumer, Adderall may cause heart palpitations and after long-term inappropriate use, it may result in irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
Another noticeable side effect is loss of appetite and dry mouth, generally resulting in weight loss. Although most consumers might not think this is an undesirable side effect, Adderall can also cause diarrhea and constipation, as well as nausea and headaches - an all around icky feeling.
Side effects associated with the nervous system are less common, but no less serious. As a stimulant, Adderall can exacerbate tics and twitches, particularly in people with Tourette's Syndrome. Short and long-term psychological effects include psychotic episodes, agitation, anxiety, dizziness and, most commonly, insomnia.
Another problem presented by Adderall: As a stimulant, many consumers use it to counteract the depressive effects of alcohol. If Adderall is taken before alcohol is consumed, the consumer can drink more alcohol without noticing its effects, but the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream may be much higher than realized because they do not suffer from the sleepy/drunk feelings. This can lead to too much alcohol consumption, possibly to the point of alcohol poisoning.
Adderall can cause increased tolerance to the drug, which may lead to addiction. For the same reason that Navy Seals and Army Green Berets can perform their duties with little accelerated heart rate, Adderall and other amphetamines can cause pill poppers to build up tolerance, so eventually, they barely notice any effects. Experience and repeated use of a neurotransmitter can alter the sensitivity of a response.
In studies conducted by the Adderall XR development program, Adderall was shown to cause mild transient hypertension in patients, which increased with dosage. Because of this, it's more dangerous for people with cardiovascular problems to take Adderall without a prescription, because it may have serious side effects. Depending on the consumer, Adderall may cause heart palpitations and after long-term inappropriate use, it may result in irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia).
Another noticeable side effect is loss of appetite and dry mouth, generally resulting in weight loss. Although most consumers might not think this is an undesirable side effect, Adderall can also cause diarrhea and constipation, as well as nausea and headaches - an all around icky feeling.
Side effects associated with the nervous system are less common, but no less serious. As a stimulant, Adderall can exacerbate tics and twitches, particularly in people with Tourette's Syndrome. Short and long-term psychological effects include psychotic episodes, agitation, anxiety, dizziness and, most commonly, insomnia.
Another problem presented by Adderall: As a stimulant, many consumers use it to counteract the depressive effects of alcohol. If Adderall is taken before alcohol is consumed, the consumer can drink more alcohol without noticing its effects, but the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream may be much higher than realized because they do not suffer from the sleepy/drunk feelings. This can lead to too much alcohol consumption, possibly to the point of alcohol poisoning.
Adderall can cause increased tolerance to the drug, which may lead to addiction. For the same reason that Navy Seals and Army Green Berets can perform their duties with little accelerated heart rate, Adderall and other amphetamines can cause pill poppers to build up tolerance, so eventually, they barely notice any effects. Experience and repeated use of a neurotransmitter can alter the sensitivity of a response.
Viewing Comments 1 - 8 of 9
Ross
posted 4/10/09 @ 5:45 AM EST
I have been talking Adderall/ridilan since I was very very young. I take it now. And I can tell you, stopping the dosage does not result in withdrawal. (Continued…)
Shaun
posted 4/11/09 @ 12:55 AM EST
I can see how it could be addicting in a nicotine sort of way. I've been taking Adderall for four years and for various reasons may be off them for a week or so at a time. (Continued…)
Nailhead
Shaun
posted 4/11/09 @ 1:05 AM EST
I can see how it could be addicting in a nicotine sort of way. I've been taking Adderall for four years and for various reasons may be off them for a week or so at a time. (Continued…)
b
posted 4/12/09 @ 9:41 PM EST
Adderall can help, but careful. I'm the unfortunate combination of ADD and addiction-prone and when my insurance stopped paying for the more-expensive drug I was taking for it (provigil) I switched to the more affordable Adderall. (Continued…)
jeannie wolfe
posted 4/13/09 @ 10:35 AM EST
my son commited sucide while taking adderall 6o mg. in his blood at time of death has this happened before
jeannie wolfe
posted 4/13/09 @ 1:57 PM EST
please i need to know if this medication might cause someone to end his or her life
Dave
posted 4/15/09 @ 10:44 PM EST
Jeannie.
No it is not known to cause that. I'm sorry for your loss.
Angioplasty
posted 8/12/09 @ 11:08 PM EST
Aderall has proven itself to me as one of the most dangerous prescription drugs out there right now. It is just like meth. It can cause hallucinations through lack of sleep. (Continued…)
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