What is Adderall?
what does adderall do is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine are central nervous system stimulants that affect chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Adderall may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Before taking this medicine
Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.
You may not be able to use Adderall if you are allergic to any stimulant medicine. You may not be able to use Adderall if you have:
- glaucoma;
- overactive thyroid;
- severe anxiety or agitation (stimulant medicine can make these symptoms worse);
- high blood pressure;
- heart disease or coronary artery disease;
- vascular disease or hardening of the arteries; or
- a history of drug or alcohol addiction.
Some medicines can interact with amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Tell your doctor about any other medications you are using. Be sure your doctor knows if you also take opioid medicine, herbal products, or medicine for depression, mental illness, Parkinson’s disease, migraine headaches, serious infections, or prevention of nausea and vomiting. Ask your doctor before making any changes in how or when you take your medications. Symptom of serotonin syndrome may include agitation, hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that are not real), coma, fast heart rate, dizziness, sweating, feeling hot, muscle rigidity or shakiness, seizures, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Stop Adderall immediately if you experience these symptoms.ritalin vs adderall
How should I take Adderall?what does adderall do
Take Adderall exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Adderall may be habit-forming. Never share this medicine with another person, especially someone with a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a place where others cannot get to it. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
Read all patient information, medication guides, and instruction sheets provided to you. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Abuse, misuse, and addiction
Adderall has a high chance of abuse and misuse and may lead to substance use problems, including addiction. Misuse and abuse of Adderall, other amphetamine-containing medicines, and methylphenidate-containing medicines can lead to overdose and death. The risk of overdose and death is increased with higher doses or when the medicine is used in ways that are not approved, such as snorting or injection.
Adderall may lead to physical dependence after prolonged use, even if taken as directed. Your healthcare provider should check you or your child for the risk of abuse, misuse, and addiction before starting treatment and will monitor you or your child during treatment. Tell your healthcare provider if you or your child has ever abused or been dependent on alcohol, prescription medicines, or street drugs.
Heart-related risks/what does adderall do
Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect. Your healthcare provider should check you or your child carefully for heart problems before starting Adderall and should check blood pressure and heart rate regularly during treatment.
Call your healthcare provider right away or go to the nearest hospital emergency room if you or your child have any signs of heart problems, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting during treatment.
Mental (psychiatric) problems
Adderall may cause new or worse behavior and thought problems, new or worse bipolar illness, or new psychotic symptoms (such as hearing voices, or seeing or believing things that are not real) or new manic symptoms. This is more likely if you have a history of depression, mental illness, or bipolar disorder. Tell your healthcare provider about any mental problems you or your child have, or about a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression.
Adderall side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Adderall: hives, difficult breathing, or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Serious side effects
Adderall may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:
- signs of heart problems, such as chest pain, trouble breathing, or feeling like you might pass out
- signs of psychosis, such as hallucinations, new behavior problems, aggression, hostility, or paranoia
- signs of circulation problems, such as numbness, pain, a cold feeling, unexplained wounds, or skin color changes (pale, red, or blue appearance) in your fingers or toes
- a seizure
- muscle twitches (tics)
- changes in your vision.what does adderall do
See warnings above.
Before taking this medicine
Do not take Adderall if you or your child:
- are allergic to amphetamine products or any of the ingredients in Adderall (see ingredients below)
- are taking, or have taken within the past 14 days, an MAO inhibitor, including the antibiotic linezolid or the intravenous medicine methylene blue.
- have a rare adrenal gland tumor called pheochromocytoma.
Before taking Adderall, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions including if you or anyone in your family has ever had:
- heart problems, heart disease, heart defects, or high blood pressure, or a family history of sudden death or heart problems
- mental problems including psychosis, mania, bipolar illness, or depression, or a family history of suicide, bipolar illness, or depression
- kidney or liver problems
- seizures or an abnormal brain wave test (EEG)
- circulation problems in the fingers or toes
- repeated movements or sounds (tics) or Tourette’s syndrome, or a family history of tics or Tourette’s syndrome.what does adderall do
