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Adderall has helped many people manage their ADHD symptoms; however, its potential for misuse and addiction carries with it significant risks, including side effects. Adderall side effects can impact physical and mental health to the point that interferes with one’s everyday life. While the medication can improve focus and energy levels, misuse can be harmful.
What is Adderall Used For?
Adderall is a prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It contains amphetamine which is a central nervous system stimulant that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves. Although Adderall is not FDA-approved for other uses, it is occasionally prescribed off label for treatment-resistant depression and certain cognitive disorders following a stroke.
Amphetamine isa widely used stimulant with over 25 million people worldwide relying on it for different medical conditions. Despite its benefits, the drug’s stimulating effects also make it prone to misuse.
Adderall’s Effect on the Body
As a stimulant, Adderall interacts with multiple systems in the body, including the brain, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system. These effects can vary depending on whether the medication is used as prescribed or misused.
How Adderall Affects the Brain
Adderall affects the brain by increasing levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine. In those with ADHD, these chemicals are lower, causing the brain to seek out constant stimulation. Adderall stimulates the release of these neurotransmitters which improves communication between neurons and helps to manage symptoms like distractibility and impulsiveness.
For those without ADHD, however, Adderall’s effects can be very different. The drug floods the brain with dopamine and other chemicals, creating a state of overstimulation. A study from the University of Rhode Island and Brown University observed that while Adderall might improve mood and focus in healthy students, it did not enhance their memory or reading comprehension during cognitive tasks. In fact, the findings suggest the drug may even impair certain cognitive functions.
How Adderall Affects the Cardiovascular System
Adderall affects the cardiovascular system by elevating blood pressure and heart rate which can happen with both short-term and long-term use. Studies show average increases of 2 to 4 mm Hg in blood pressure and 3 to 6 bpm in heart rate. Here’s what else research has shown:
- A 40% higher risk of serious heart-related complications such as heart attacks, strokes, or arrhythmias, within 30 days of starting stimulants.
- Older adults and those with existing cardiovascular conditions may be at a greater risk.
There have also been cases where sudden death occurred in patients with structural cardiac abnormalities or other serious heart conditions while taking stimulant medications at recommended ADHD doses.
How Adderall Affects the Respiratory System
While it’s mainly known for stimulating the central nervous system, Adderall can affect the lungs and airways as well. For example, long-term amphetamine use in rats has shown increased lung inflammation. This response involves changes such as:
- Higher levels of inflammatory markers like IL-4, Mac-1, ICAM-1, and PECAM-1.
- Greater airway reactivity following exposure to allergens.
- Reduced release of IL-10, an anti-inflammatory cytokine, which can complicate the body’s ability to control inflammation.
These changes suggest that extended amphetamine use can make the lungs more sensitive to allergens and irritants. For those with existing conditions like asthma or COPD, the respiratory effects of Adderall could cause additional risks like increased airway sensitivity or difficulty breathing.
Side Effects of Adderall Misuse
A person who misuses Adderall may do so by taking higher doses, taking the medication more frequently, or taking it through methods like snorting or injecting. These unhealthy behaviors increase the risk of developing substance use disorders and can cause serious health problems.
Risks of Adderall Misuse
Misuse of Adderall can lead to dangerous side effects, affecting different systems of the body:
- Increased heart rate and elevated blood pressure
- Faster breathing or shortness of breath
- Hyperactivity, restlessness, tremors, and dilated pupils
- Anxiety, paranoia, aggression, or psychosis
- Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
- Suicidal thoughts
- Risk of overdose, potentially leading to coma or death
Chronic misuse can also lead to dependence, which is when the body becomes reliant on the drug to function normally. This can make withdrawal challenging and potentially life-threatening if not monitored by a medical professional.
Adderall Drug Interactions
If you’re taking other medications alongside Adderall, you have an increased risk of experiencing adverse side effects, including:
- ;Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO) can cause dangerously high blood pressure and other complications.
- When combined with drugs that affect serotonin levels, there is an increased risk of serotonin syndrome which is a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Acidifying agents that lower the pH of urine may reduce Adderall’s effectiveness by speeding up its elimination from the body.
- Adrenergic blockers may counteract the effects of Adderall on the heart and blood vessels.
- Mixing tricyclic antidepressants can amplify the stimulant’s cardiovascular effects which can lead to adverse changes in blood pressure or heart rate.
Adderall Withdrawal Symptoms
Withdrawal from Adderall varies based on usage length, dosage, and misuse. The withdrawal process happens in three phases:
- The first phase is known as “the crash.” This stage occurs 1-3 days after stopping Adderall as levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin drop rapidly. Common symptoms include extreme fatigue, mood swings, increased appetite, and difficulty concentrating.
- After the initial crash, other symptoms may develop. These can include dysphoric mood, vivid and unpleasant dreams, insomnia or excessive sleep, and agitation or psychomotor retardation.
- Withdrawal may last from 5 days up to 3 weeks, depending on the level of use.
When to Seek Help for Adderall Misuse and Addiction
If you or someone you know is experiencing increased tolerance, relying on higher doses to function, or showing signs of withdrawal when not using Adderall, it may be time to seek professional help. Other warning signs include using Adderall for non-prescribed purposes, feeling unable to stop despite negative consequences, or experiencing physical and/or psychological Adderall side effects that interfere with everyday life.
Don’t wait until the situation worsens. If you suspect Adderall misuse, reach out to a healthcare professional, support group, or treatment center specializing in addiction.
The facilities at Mission Harbor are staffed with trained experts to best assist patients with their mental health issues. We are capable of dealing with any and all cases with a licensed staff, equipment, and approved techniques. Our mission is to help those who want to help themselves, and we support your decision in seeking help.
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