Adderall
Adderall is a schedule II controlled substance used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder or ADHD which inhibits concentration ability and can also be associated with higher than normal energy levels or hyperactivity. Adderall is prescribed to treat individuals suffering from narcolepsy, a disorder characterized by an inability to stay awake during normal functioning or maintain normal sleep cycles. Less commonly, Adderall can be used for cases of treatment resistant depression.
Because it contains amphetamine, Adderall is classified as a Schedule II Controlled Substance by the Food and Drug Administration and is associated with a high risk for misuse or dependency. Because of these possible risks, patients taking Adderall may require ongoing monitoring by the prescribing physician.
Additionally, Adderall has been known to be abused by college students and young adults and has become quite popular particularly among girls in this age group. Coveted for its energy boost and appetite suppressant qualities, Adderall is being taken in preparation for all night study sessions and as a weight loss aid by girls feeling pressure to remain very thin. Typically obtained from friends or acquired on the black market, Adderall is being used by individuals for whom it has not been prescribed and should be considered by parents to be a possible risk. Care should be taken if a family member is being prescribed Adderall, doses should be closely monitored and medications should always be stored in a safe, secure place to prevent possible misuse.
Adderall’s dosage can be adjusted to treat children and adolescents as well as adults. However, the possible side effects associated with the medication differ according to the age of the patient. Some side effects which have been documented in children taking Adderall include decreased appetite, difficulty falling asleep, stomachache and emotional symptoms. Adolescent and adult patients have also displayed these side effects as well as headache and weight loss. Some of the less common and more severe side effects include aggression, abnormal thoughts and behaviors as well as the worsening of Tourette’s Syndrome and the associated physical and verbal tics.
Disclaimer: Cliff Schaffer does not personally endorse or support any of the comments made within the writings of this article. |
