Facts About Adderall
Adderall via Arenamontanus (Flickr.com)
It is a stimulant that was first introduced in 1996 by Shire Pharmaceuticals. Back then, it was a fast-release tablet with multiple available doses. It was developed based on Obetrol, a drug that was intended for weight loss.
In 2006, the rights were sold to another pharmaceutical company, which sold it two years later to Teva Pharmaceuticals. The latter manufactured the fast-release drug. The drug was given its brand name, Adderall, by this pharmaceutical company.
Active Ingredients and Classification
This drug is classified as a stimulant – a substance that intensifies the normal function of the central nervous system. They are popularly known as “uppers” since they enhance brain activity, thus elevating the user’s awareness and alertness. Both the mind and the body have increased energy and activity after taking stimulants, but chronic intake of stimulants can lead to dangerous side effects and dependence.
The active ingredients are composed of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine salts. Racemic amphetamine sulphate, acemic amphetamine aspartate monohydrate, dextroamphetamine sulphate, and dextroamphetamine saccharide are the amphetamine salts that compose Adderall. These amphetamine salts are classified as Schedule II controlled substance in the United States because of their high potential for physical addiction.
Aside from the presence of high potential for abuse, Schedule II controlled substances have currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, but with severe restrictions. They are also characterized by a tendency to lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
Indications and Uses
It is a prescription drug that is used with severe restrictions for ADHD and narcolepsy, which is a sleeping disorder. This is popularly called the “study drug” because of its effects on increasing concentration, energy, and ability to stay awake. A study done in 2004 revealed that 14% of the campus at the University of Wisconsin had at some point abused any ADHD medication, especially this pill.
This contains amphetamine, and because of the effects stated above, it is commonly abused by college students who stay up very late to study or to complete their papers. However, the consequences take place the next day for the purpose of preventing sleep. The students experience uncomfortable rebound side effects such as spasms, temporary loss of vision, confusion, vomiting and long periods of unconsciousness.
The drug comes in the forms of a fast-release pill and a controlled-release pill. The standard dosages are 5, 10, 15, 20, or 30 mg. The fast-release pill is available in a 7.5 and 12.5 mg pill, while the controlled-release pill is available as a 25 mg pill.Users usually take these pills by mouth. However, some also crush it into powder form and take it by insufflation.
It is also smoked or administered intravenously by others.
The Effects
The outcome of this drug are similar to the effects of amphetamines, since it is mostly made up of salts of this substance. When used for a short period of time, it decreases appetite and hence causes loss of weight. Acute results also include hypertension, which can have consequences that should be taken seriously because they can lead to death. Chronic use can cause depression, irritability, and insomnia.
Drugs with Similar Characteristics and Effects
Cocaine or crack, speed, Vivance, crystal meth, and methamphetamines are amphetamines that are similar to Adderall. These drugs are stimulants of the central nervous system. All of them have a high potential for addiction and abuse.
Addiction to Adderall
The use of prescription medications can easily become an addiction. It affects the brain by up-regulating the release of strong neurotransmitters that cause increased brain activity. Soon enough, tolerance develops and the person needs to increase his dose of the drug to achieve the high or the desired effect. The requirements increase each time in terms of dosage and frequency because the body has been used to the drug and is therefore responding less.
Being dependent to this pill is of immense danger because it can cause cardiovascular failure, in some cases. This also causes irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia, life-threatening hyperthermia or extremely heightened body temperature. The psychological manifestations are also dangerous, including hostility as well as paranoia.
The treatment for this illness is similar to the treatment for cocaine and Metamphetamine dependency. Behavioral therapists as well as primary health care providers often collaborate in this treatment.
There are effective treatments for this illness in rehab centers, mainly with psychotherapy and with the aid of a support group. Presently, there are no specific medications for treating this disease. However, anti-depressants have been observed to alleviate the depression that occurs during the early part of withdrawal.Cessation of this pill should not be abrupt. It is slowly tapered off until the person can tolerate having none of it in his system. Assistance from a health care professional is highly recommended for this matter because of withdrawal symptoms might occur, as discussed below.
Abuse Of This Drug Is A High Price To Pay For Better Study Habits – From The Web
KELWTV.com reports the students in Washington may trade marks for drug abuse. Although it may seem to some students like a miracle study drug, the truth is actually far more dangerous than they suspect. Short term use can cause side effects like heart palpitations, sever insomnia, loss of appetite, and even seizures. Assistant Medical Director Dr. Dennis Garcia warns that long term users can face even more severe permanent side effects.
Reliance To The Drug Is Part Of A Pill Popping Epidemic – In The News
Huffingtonpost.com states that an addiction to Adderall and other pills have reached epidemic proportions. First, it was Valium that the Rolling Stones famously dubbed ”Mother’s Little Helper.”Then, the New York Times reported that sleep aids like Ambien and Lunesta were the drug of choice for women – the newspaper reported that 1 in 3 were hooked. Now, according to Fox 5, many suburban moms are taking this drug, a medication commonly used to treat ADHD — and some are getting it from their kids.
Woman Sweating (Flickr.com)
The Withdrawal
Fatal events rarely occur from withdrawal to this pill, but it can cause serious discomfort. The discomfort from withdrawal is usually what drives the person to go back to using the drug. Medical supervision and interventions to alleviate symptoms are helpful when it comes to quitting. The withdrawal symptoms from this medicine are usually fatigue, hopelessness, depression, arrhythmias, and tremor. The amount of discomfort is proportional to the length and extent of drug abuse.
Overdose Symptoms
If you observe any of these symptoms you may be abusing it. If left untreated, the overdosed person may suffer from fatal consequences, most notably cardiovascular failure. Call for help immediately.
- Seizure
- Hallucinations
- Swelling of the extremities
- Numbness, especially of the extremities
- Syncope
- Dizziness
- Excessive sweating
- Tremor
- Muscle spasms or twitches
- Cramps of the lower abdomen
- Tachypnea
Help for a Loved One with This Kind Of Addiction
It is best to talk to a health care professional to help a loved one when it comes to prescription drug abuse, like Adderall, according to WebMD. They can give you referrals to a reliable drug rehab. Many prescription drug rehab programs involve outpatient medications and behavioral therapy.
WebMD also says that the most important step to take is to talk to your loved one so that the person becomes aware that you know about the problem. Anticipate a lot of resistance and denial.
Addiction to adderall has become rampant because it can lure students into what they hope can be better for their performance at school. However, remember that the short-term benefits are usually outweighed by the discomforts of the long-term effects. If you suffer from Adderall addiction contact Hawaii Island Recovery at 866-515-5032.
