adderall.netAdderall (amphetamines) Side Effects (How Does it Work?)

NEWS AND FACTS ABOUT MEDICINES YOU TAKE Home Search amphetamines Current: Adderall + Adderall XR “High doses and long-term use of amphetamines are associated with erectile disorder and other sexual dysfunctions.” ABOVE: American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as cited in Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry (2007). Adderall XR Side Effects and Warnings Adderall XR is a blend of four (4) amphetamines which includes Dexedrine and Benzedrine. Updated January 10, 2019 Brand Names: ADDERALL and ADDERALL XR Generic Name: amphetamine mixed salts Category: RESPIRATORY AND CEREBRAL STIMULANTS DEA Schedule II Substance DEA Schedule II Control Substance means this drug has a “high potential for abuse” that “may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence,” and the federal government sets limits on the amount that may be manufactured each year. FDA “Black Box” Warning The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires the following “black box” warning on all amphetamine drugs, including Adderall, which means that medical studies indicate Adderall carries a significant risk of serious, or even life-threatening, adverse effects. WARNING AMPHETAMINES HAVE A HIGH POTENTIAL FOR ABUSE. ADMINISTRATION OF AMPHETAMINES FOR PROLONGED PERIODS OF TIME MAY LEAD TO DRUG DEPENDENCE AND MUST BE AVOIDED. PARTICULAR ATTENTION SHOULD BE PAID TO THE POSSIBILITY OF SUBJECTS OBTAINING AMPHETAMINES FOR NONTHERAPEUTIC USE OR DISTRIBUTION TO OTHERS, AND THE DRUGS SHOULD BE PRESCRIBED OR DISPENSED SPARINGLY. MISUSE OF AMPHETAMINE MAY CAUSE SUDDEN DEATH AND SERIOUS CARDIOVASCULAR ADVERSE EVENTS. ABOVE: FDA black box warning label appears on the manufacturer's wholesale packaging and is the strongest alert the FDA can require. (Emphasis added.) Short-Term Effects: Enhanced mood and body movement Increased wakefulness, physical activity “Fight or flight response” (acute stress response) Increased respiration Reduced blood flow to brain and gut Euphoria Insomnia Increased heart rate Increased blood pressure Reduced appetite Dilated pupils Long-Term Effects: Damage to brain cells containing serotonin Over time, reduced level of dopamine resulting in Parkinson's-like symptoms Weight loss Confusion Tremors Convulsion Paranoia Hallucinations Damage to nerve cells, causing strokes Cardiovascular collapse Effects from Withdrawal: Irritability Anxiety Paranoia Aggressiveness Fatigue and long periods of sleep Depression Behaviors resulting from amphetamine intoxication such as withdrawal from others, experiencing hallucinations, paranoia, delirium perhaps occurring with violence and stereotyped behaviors such as repeatedly assembling and dissembling electronic equipment may resemble symptoms of schizophrenia. But a skilled clinician should be able to make the proper diagnosis. ABOVE: Psychology Today Diagnosis Dictionary: Amphetamines; last reviewed Jan. 10, 2005; captured Jan. 8, 2008. Improve Mental Performance without drugs Placebo-controlled studies show young university students experience significantly less stress from tests, stay more clear-headed and composed, and keep a more stable mood when taking Flavay Plus ® U.S. and International Patents Clinically Proven Since 1947 Learn More Description Adderall XR (and Adderall) is a blend of four (4) amphetamines, as shown below. Each ADDERALL XR Tablet Contains 5 mg 7.5 mg 10 mg 15 mg 20 mg 30 mg Amphetamine Aspartate 1.25 mg 1.875 mg 2.5 mg 3.75 mg 5.0 mg 7.5 mg Dextroamphetamine Sulfate USP 1.25 mg 1.875 mg 2.5 mg 3.75 mg 5.0 mg 7.5 mg Amphetamine Sulfate USP 1.25 mg 1.875 mg 2.5 mg 3.75 mg 5.0 mg 7.5 mg Dextroamphetamine Saccharate 1.25 mg 1.875 mg 2.5 mg 3.75 mg 5.0 mg 7.5 mg TOTAL AMPHETAMINES 3.1 mg 4.7 mg 6.3 mg 9.4 mg 12.6 mg 18.8 mg Used For Attention deficit disorder Narcolepsy Depression Obesity How Does Adderall Work? Adderall (as with all amphetamines) works by initiating the acute stress response (“fight or flight” response). The central nervous system prepares the body for physical action by creating physiological changes as if it were stressed or under threat. These changes include: The release of adrenaline, raises cortisol levels and other stress hormones Increased heart rate and blood pressure Redirected blood flow into the muscles and away from the brain In small doses Adderall can banish tiredness and make the user feel alert and refreshed. However, the burst of energy comes at a price. A “speed crash” always follows the high and may leave the person feeling nauseous, irritable, depressed and extremely exhausted. Do Not Use Adderall If You have not tried other psychotherapy, have high blood pressure or any form of heart disease, are very nervous or have severe insomnia, have a history of addiction to drugs or alcohol, or have Tourette syndrome. Do not combine with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Common Side Effects of Adderall Dry Mouth Loss of appetite Headache Difficulty falling asleep (insomnia) Nervousness including agitation, anxiety and irritability Addiction Less Common Side Effects High blood pressure Rapid pulse rate Tolerance (constant need to raise the dose) Feelings of suspicion and paranoia Visual hallucinations (seeing things that are not there) Depression Cocaine craving Dermatoses (infected or diseased skin) Urinary tract infection Infection or viral infection Elevated ALT enzyme levels in the blood (signaling liver damage) Overdose Side Effects Adderall has been extensively abused. Extreme psychological dependence and severe social disability have resulted. Abuse of Adderall may cause a sudden heart attack even in those with no signs of heart disease. Symptoms of overdose that require immediate medical assistance include: Restlessness Tremor Aggression Hallucinations Panic states Hyperreflexia (overactive reflexes, which can include twitching or spasms) Personality changes Symptoms of depression Seizures or abnormal EEGs High blood pressure Rapid heart beat Swelling of hands/feet/ankles (for example, numbing of the fingertips) Delusions Sweating Vomiting Dehydration Unexplained muscle pain Lower abdominal pain Rhabdomyolysis and kidney damage Chronic abuse can manifest itself as psychosis, often indistinguishable from schizophrenia Adderall produces gross reductions in blood flow to the brain. Decreased blood flow to the brain plays a major role in cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's. ABOVE: Breggin, PR. Abreu BE, et al. Influence of amphetamine sulfate on cerebral metabolism and blood flow in man. J Pharm Sci , 1949;38:186–188. Lombard J, et al. Mazza M, et al. Primary cerebral blood flow deficiency and Alzheimer's disease: shadows and lights. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease 2011;23(3):375-89. Adderall- Induced Anxiety Disorder The onset of amphetamine-induced anxiety disorder can occur during amphetamine use or withdrawal, according to the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as cited in the best-selling psychiatry text, Kaplan and Sadock's Synopsis of Psychiatry . “Amphetamine, as with cocaine, can induce symptoms similar to those seen in obsessive disorder, panic disorder, and phobic disorders,” states Synopsis of Psychiatry . Adderall- Induced Psychosis Induction of schizophrenic-like states in children on prescribed doses of stimulant medications, including Adderall, have been observed, though not as well documented as with amphetamine abusers, according to The Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine in an article entitled, “Adderall-Induced Psychosis in an Adolescent.” Adderall- Induced Sexual Dysfunction The American Psychiatric Association’s Manual of Mental Disorders , Synopsis of Psychiatry states: “High doses and long-term use of amphetamines are associated with erectile disorder and other sexual dysfunctions.” FDA: Links Between ADHD Drugs and Priapism and Sexual Dysfunction In a 2013 drug-safety announcement, the FDA ann...