Adderall – An Overview Of The Drug

What is Adderall?

If your child suffers from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a condition in which attention span becomes short and the child becomes easily distracted, overly emotional, excessively active and highly impulsive; Adderall is the drug which will help your child.

Adderall is also given to adults for the same kinds of disorders. However, it should be used as part of a broader treatment plan that includes psychological, educational and social measures. An extended-release form of the drug, called Adderall XR, is available for once-daily treatment of ADHD.

Why is Adderall Prescribed?

Adderall is an amphetamine stimulant which is used in treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD and narcolepsy.  Adderall also acts as a central nervous system stimulant and appetite suppressant.

Adderall contains stimulants such as amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. They stimulate the central nervous system of nerves and brain, by increasing the amount of certain chemicals in the body. The regular form of Adderall is also prescribed for narcolepsy which is the uncontrollable attacks of sleep.

Adderall Is The Recommended Drug Which Helps To

• Improve a patient's attention span
  
• increase his ability to follow directions
  
• Decrease distractibility among children ages three and older
  
• Decrease impulsivity, stubbornness and aggression
  
• Treat narcolepsy and attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity

What Precautions and Warning Should Be Kept In Mind While Using Adderall?

Adderall has a high potential for abuse. Administration of amphetamines for prolonged periods may lead to drug dependence. There is a danger of obtaining amphetamines for non-therapeutic use or distribution to others.

Clinical experience suggests that in psychotic children, Adderall may exacerbate symptoms of behavior disturbance and thought disorder. Chronic administration of Adderall may be associated with growth inhibition. Therefore, growth should be monitored during treatment.

The least required amount should be administered at one time, in order to minimize the possibility of over dosage.

Adderall may impair the ability of the patient to engage in potentially hazardous activities, such as operating machinery or vehicles.

Adderall is excreted in human milk, thus mothers taking this medicine should avoid nursing infant children.

When Should Adderall Not Be Taken?

Adderall should NOT be used by people who have:

• Advanced arteriosclerosis
  
• Symptomatic cardiovascular disease
  
• Moderate to severe hypertension, hyperthyroidism, or are hypersensitive to nervous stimulation
  
• A history of drug abuse or agitated states

What Adverse Reactions Can Result From The Use Of Adderall?

Adderall cause the following adverse reactions:

• Heart palpitations, tachycardia (racing heart) and elevation of blood pressure
  
• Psychotic episodes at recommended doses (rare), over stimulation, restlessness, dizziness, insomnia, euphoria, depression, dyskinesia (loss of motor control), tremor, headache and exacerbation of motor and speech problems, including Tourette's syndrome
  
• Dryness of the mouth, unpleasant taste, diarrhea, constipation and other gastrointestinal disturbances
  
• Anorexia and weight loss may occur
  
• Hives
  
• Impotence and changes in libido
  There have been isolated reports of heart diseases associated with chronic Adderall use.