Effects of Adderall on the Body
Adderall is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The effects can be positive when taken as intended but dangerous if you use it without medical supervision.
Adderall is the brand name for the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It’s a prescription stimulant approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating ADHD or narcolepsy.
The effects of the medication can be positive when Adderall is taken as intended, but for people who may use the drug without medical supervision, the effects can be dangerous.
Keep reading to learn more about the range of effects this stimulant has on your body.
Adderall is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant. This class of drugs helps boost mood, alertness, attention, and energy by raising the levels of certain chemicals in the brain.
How each CNS stimulant works varies. In this case, Adderall contains amphetamine, which raises the level of norepinephrine and dopamine and prevents these neurotransmitters from being reabsorbed. The other component, dextroamphetamine, is another version of amphetamine with slightly different molecular properties.
Dopamine helps the brain reinforce rewarding behaviors, whereas norepinephrine affects heart rate, blood vessels, blood pressure, and breathing.
Adderall is often prescribed for both ADHD and narcolepsy because these conditions are associatedTrusted Source with a dysfunction of these neurotransmitters in the brain.
That said, medications for ADHD like Adderall may be more effectiveTrusted Source when used along with behavioral therapy or a comprehensive treatment plan that may include psychological, educational, or social therapies.
When prescribed and taken as directed, Adderall’s effects on the central nervous system can be positive. You may feel more awake during the day and become more focused and calm. In people with ADHD, this calmness can also sometimes result in greater sleepiness rather than alertness.
Still, there are potential side effectsTrusted Source. These can include:
- stomach ache
- decreased appetite
- nervousness
- restlessness
- headaches
- problems getting to sleep or staying asleep
- dizziness
- dry mouth
- hoarseness
- slowed speech
- changes in vision
- irritability
- increased heart rate
- hair loss
Adderall can also slow a child’s growth.
