With the increased awareness of and reduced stigma about attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), more people are being diagnosed with this condition. Consequently, more Americans are taking medications like Adderall®, as doctors prescribe them to manage difficulties with attention and focus. While these prescription drugs are effective at improving concentration and reducing impulsivity, Adderall® side effects can be harmful—and its stimulating effects can also make it ripe for abuse.
If you or a loved one is experiencing adverse effects from Adderall® abuse but is having difficulty discontinuing it safely, you may need the guidance of Promises Brazos Valley’s prescription drug rehab.
Adderall Side Effects You Should Know About
Adderall® is a stimulant medication prescribed to treat the symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. It helps promote focus and wakefulness so that people with these conditions can enjoy greater productivity and a better quality of life. But like any pharmaceutical drug, Adderall® also has some undesirable side effects.
A few of the most common side effects people experience when taking Adderall® include:
- Elevated heart rate – Palpitations or rapid heartbeat
- Insomnia – Trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- Decreased appetite – Loss of Interest in food with coinciding weight loss
- Anxiety or restlessness – Feeling nervous or agitated
- Headaches – Chronic or intense headaches
These symptoms can range in intensity—some people have minimal to no adverse effects when taking their prescribed dose of Adderall®, while others experience severe complications. If you experience significant disruption to your daily life, you should reach out to your provider for guidance. They may need to adjust your dose or try a different medication to manage your symptoms.
Is Someone You Know Abusing Adderall?
The stimulant effects of Adderall® sometimes tempt people to misuse the drug. For example, college students may take Adderall® to help them stay up later to study or party. The energizing properties also make this drug a potential substitute for cocaine, a well-known party drug that allows people to pull all-nighters.
But what does it mean to misuse Adderall®? First of all, taking the medication without a prescription counts as Adderall® abuse. And even with a valid prescription, a person is considered to be misusing Adderall® if:
- They take higher doses than prescribed – A doctor prescribes a specific dose of Adderall® based on various factors, so it is unsafe to take more pills than advised.
- They try to get a refill earlier than expected – If someone takes Adderall® more frequently or in larger doses than prescribed, they will run out of their medication before the designated time.
- They try to get Adderall® prescriptions from more than one doctor – Making appointments with multiple doctors to obtain additional prescriptions for the same drug is a practice known as doctor shopping. Some people use this as a way to get around the limited quantities of potentially addictive drugs that a doctor can prescribe for an individual.
- Their behavior is noticeably different – Drug misuse can affect a person’s mood, energy levels, and social interactions. They may start to withdraw from social circles, complain of fatigue, and seem short-tempered or irritable.
Chronic Adderall® abuse can be dangerous, Increasing the risk of tachycardia, seizures, stroke, and hallucinations, so it is essential to encourage your loved one to talk to a medical provider.
Connect with Promises Brazos Valley and Enroll in Prescription Drug Rehab
Adderall® can be life-changing if you are dealing with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or narcolepsy. But if you are misusing the drug, it can have detrimental effects on your life. If you or a loved one is misusing Adderall, it is safest to quit the drug under the supervision of addiction treatment professionals. Get the nonjudgmental help you need to quit Adderall® abuse by contacting Promises Brazos Valley at 979.426.0086 or by completing our online form.