What is Adderall? Effects, Benefits, Side Effects and Alternatives

Adderall is a prescription medication (at least in the US) that is the brand name of a combination of amphetamine salts including dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.

This drug functions as a central nervous system stimulant for increased attention span, concentration and focus. Adderall RX has received FDA approval and is currently one of the most popular accepted forms of treatment for both childhood and adult ADHD.

It is also often used to help treat fatigue, especially in situations such as MS or sleep disorders such as narcolepsy in adults. It is also used illicitly as a smart drug and substance which can enhance energy.

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Adderall Introduction

In many cases, Adderall is used for “off-label” purposes as a wakefulness agent and a study pill.

However, there are a number of dangerous side effects associated with Adderall as well as serious risk of addiction, tolerance and withdrawal.

While Adderall abuse is certainly a risk, even at the doctor-recommended safe dosages there are frequent occurrences of adverse events. Concern is growing about the negative effects of Adderall among ADHD suffered and parents of children with ADHD.

Many individuals are turning to nootropics as safe and legal Adderall alternatives and replacements like Adrafinil that can improve brainpower without negatively impacting neuron function in the long term.

Adderall Effects:

Once Adderall is absorbed into the bloodstream, it then enters the central nervous system and is taken up by neurons in the brain. Then, the drug targets storage areas of the brain which hold neurotransmitters like Dopamine, Norepinephrine, and Adrenaline.

These hormones are also known as the catecholamines and form part of the body’s stress response system. They are typically released at times of great stress and excitement when you need additional energy and focus.

By artificially activating the adrenergic system, Adderall increases the release of these key neurotransmitters into your CNS. The result is a range of effects characteristic of amphetamine stimulants such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, higher energy levels and enhanced concentration, alertness and attention.

Adderall Benefits:

The primary benefit while using Adderall according to user reviews is mood elevation. This can even lead to mild euphoria in some users.

As a direct result of the increase in the levels of Dopamine, Serotonin, and Adrenaline, users will likely experience a change in their general brain chemistry. This can make people feel more attentive and focused.

Higher motivation and enhanced levels of productivity also are key benefits to this drug which is why it is so commonly prescribed to individuals with ADHD.

There is even some evidence to suggest that stimulation of this nature may lead to increases in the sizes of certain areas of the brain which are generally considered to help in the control of attention, motivation, and focus. Amphetamines like Adderall are also effective appetite suppressants and are sometimes used for off-label weight loss purposes.

Adderall Dosage:

The proper dosage of Adderall will be determined by a number of factors. These include the age of the person taking the product (i.e. child or adult) and the purpose for which it is being used.

Of course, it goes without saying that a qualified medical professional should be consulted before taking Adderall and it should be used under supervision of your doctor.

The generally recommended daily dosage for adults is between 5 and 60 mg. Take this drug in divided administrations throughout the day; begin upon awakening and use 1 to 2 additional administrations in 4 to 6 hour intervals.

Adderall Side Effects:

There is a lot of discussion and disagreement about the development of tolerance with Adderall. Some doctors think that if the dosage levels are kept to a minimum and the supplement is used on an as-needed basis than tolerance is really not a major issue, although they still do not usually discount the possibility.

However, it is a growing matter of concern in the medical community that it seems to take your body several days to fully recover and renormalize after using Adderall. Researchers have indicated that it takes the body time to restore its own natural production of the neurotransmitters which Adderall affects within the brain.

This may lead to receptor down regulation, adrenal fatigue or potential neurotoxicity by flooding the brain with too high levels of these excitatory neurotransmitters.

There are a few commonly reported Adderall side effects in adults. These include dry mouth, loss of appetite, difficulty falling asleep, and anxiety. This ADHD treatment is not recommended for people who have existing heart problems, since it is possible to raise the blood pressure and heart rate.

It is also not recommended for people with overactive thyroid, glaucoma, epilepsy, severe anxiety, and agitation, or those using MAO inhibitors within the past 2 weeks. These side effects are one of the reasons why Modafinil is being looked at as a newer drug to replace Adderall XR use.

Adderall Review:

Adderall is considered to be a highly effective drug in the short-term, but there are some very real side effects risks. You must speak to a health professional before using this drug and you should only take it on an occasional or as-needed basis. If you are not comfortable with the possible dangers associated with Adderall, another alternative would be to look at using nootropics for concentration and focus.

Many former Adderall users have found success with taking Noopept and Citicoline to boost their motivation, attention and energy levels. Not only are these supplements known to increase cognitive performance, memory and attention, they are also neuroprotective and support better brain health in the long term.

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