Adderall Abuse Symptoms

Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is a drug used to stimulate the central nervous system. This medication is commonly prescribed to patients with a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Other conditions that are treated with this medication include narcolepsy, depression and obesity.

Components

• Adderall is given in dosages ranging from 5 milligrams to 30 milligrams. Each dose is composed of four types of amphetamines: amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate USP, amphetamine sulfate USP and dextroamphetamine saccharate. According to the dosage administered, the amount of these four components varies. According to a report released by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in 2005 on the abuse of amphetamines and other drugs, all amphetamines, including methamphetamine, basically have the same chemical properties.

Side Effects

• According to drugs.com, as with any medication, an allergic reaction is possible when taking Adderall. If the patient experiences difficulty breathing, hives, rash or edema of the throat, tongue, lips or face, seek immediate medical attention. A racing heartbeat, syncope, increase in blood pressure and restlessness are all considered serious side effects. The patient should stop using the drug and contact his doctor immediately for further instructions. More common side effects include headache, dizziness, insomnia, dry mouth, irritable bowels, weight loss and a decreased sex drive.

Abuse

• Adderall and Adderall XR have a high incidence of addiction and abuse along with many psychological and physiological effects. A friend or family member with concerns should look for changes taking place in the body and mind, which includes hallucinations, aggression, changes in personality, symptoms of depression, delusions, sweating, vomiting, dehydration, muscle twitching or spasms, lower abdominal pain and kidney damage. Patients who have seriously abused this drug may suffer from psychosis.

Withdrawal

• Those suffering from withdrawl may experience panic attacks, crankiness, extreme hunger, fatigue, depression and nightmares.

Warning

• The FDA issues a "black box" warning on all amphetamines. This means that results from medical studies have indicated that serious and sometimes life threatening adverse reactions have been present. Misuse of Adderall or any other amphetamine can lead to sudden death. This drug is a controlled substance, and addiction is highly probable with prolonged use. It only should should be used by the patient for whom it was prescribed. After extended use, the patient may develop a dependence or tolerance to this drug. This drug appears to be effective when proper protocol is followed, but it can be deadly if abused.