We all rely on the potency of our medications when we feel unwell. However, we need to take note that these medications are intended to make everyone feel better and recover from illness. Despite the aid it brings to our health, it also has negative effects when taken incorrectly.
When the body ingests medicines, it does it all at once. That is the reason why there are specific timings on when medications should be taken. The time of the day and the state of the body upon taking the medication greatly affects its potency. To get the maximum effect of the prescription drugs.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a combination drug containing four salts of amphetamine. The mixture is composed of equal parts racemic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which produces a ratio between dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine, the two enantiomers of amphetamine.
For people diagnosed with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Adderall is prescribed to help improve concentration and focus. As a central nervous system stimulant, it can also have the very same effects on people without ADHD.
The symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be categorized into 2 types of behavioral problems: inattentiveness, and hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
Most people with ADHD have problems that fall into both these categories, but this is not always the case. For example, some people with the condition may have problems with inattentiveness, but not with hyperactivity or impulsiveness. This form of ADHD is also known as attention deficit disorder (ADD). ADD can sometimes go unnoticed because the symptoms may be less obvious.
If you take Adderall for ADHD, or for other purposes, it’s important to be aware of the side effects. Effects can be positive when Adderall is taken as intended, but for people without ADHD who use the drug without medical supervision, the effects can be dangerous. Learn more about the range of effects this stimulant has on your body.
How Long Does It Take For Adderall To Work?
Although you may experience beneficial effects from stimulants within a few days of starting the medication, it often takes several weeks to get the full effect of the medication. Your healthcare provider may also need to gradually adjust the dose to find the dose that works best for you.
How Should I Take Adderall?
Stimulants are usually taken 1 to 2 times per day with or without food.
- Tablets (Adderall®): Swallow the tablets whole. Chewing the tablets gives an unpleasant taste and can irritate the mouth and throat.
- Sprinkle capsules (Adderall XR®): Swallow whole or sprinkle onto food, such as applesauce or pudding and eat immediately. Do not chew sprinkle capsules or contents.
The dose of stimulant medication is variable. Only your healthcare provider can determine the correct dose for you.
What Happens If I Miss A Dose Of Adderall?
If you miss a dose of stimulant, take it as soon as you remember if it is still early in the day. Do not take a missed dose after 5:00 PM, as this may interfere with sleep. Do not take a missed dose of extended-release capsules after 2:00 PM, as this may interfere with sleep. Discuss missed doses with your healthcare provider. Do not double your next dose or take more than what is prescribed.
What Happens If I Overdose With Adderall?
If an overdose occurs call your doctor or 911. You may need urgent medical care. You may also contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. A specific treatment to reverse the effects of stimulants does not exist.
How To Make Adderall More Effective
Medication errors happen all too often in the United States, even when drugs are given by professionals. The Food and Drug Administration receives more than 100,000 reports of medication errors annually through its MedWatch program. Here is how to make Adderall more effective;
Always stick to the prescribed dose: In order for Adderall to be effective, it has to be taken at the right dose and at the right time. It’s important to take only the dosage described in the prescription label or other instructions. Dosage is carefully determined by your doctor and can be affected by your age, weight, kidney and liver health, and other health conditions.
Know the drugs that interact and make Adderall Work less effectively: A drug interaction is a reaction between two (or more) drugs or between a drug and a food, beverage, or supplement. Taking a drug while having certain medical conditions can also cause a drug interaction. Knowing the medications, food and beverages that can interact with Adderall and avoiding them will make the drug work more effectively.
When visiting the physician, inform him/her about the other medications that you are taking other than what is prescribed. Other drugs interact differently with other drugs when taken all together, not unless if it’s intended as a combination. Supplements and vitamins can alter the effects of the drug on the body. It is really crucial that you always let the physician know when they are prescribing new medications.
Avoid Alcohol: If you want Adderall to work effectively, then you must avoid alcohol. A major risk associated with drinking alcohol while taking Adderall is alcohol poisoning. A person who drinks more alcohol than their liver can process may experience alcohol poisoning. This is where alcohol blood levels are so high they become life-threatening.
Always Take Adderall with Water: Water helps in the fast absorption of all oral medications, so when taking one, always go for water and nothing else. Water is the universal solvent. It can dissolve almost anything inside the body. Taking Adderall with soft drinks or juices can alter the drug effect.
Know Adderall Side and Adverse Effects: Physicians always discuss the usual side effects of the drug and the worse case scenario. Take note of the side effects so you would know when to contact your doctor. If there are effects that are unexpected and unusual, don’t hesitate to ask your doctor. Medicines are generally good for the body. Negative effects of medications are sometimes brought about by combining them without doctor’s orders.
The possible side effects of Adderall include:
Common side effects
- Upset stomach, loss of appetite, insomnia, and mild anxiety
Rare side Effects
Contact your healthcare provider if any of the following occur while taking stimulants:
- Significant increases in blood pressure or heart rate, shortness of breath, fatigue
- Severe anxiety, panic attacks, mania, hallucinations, paranoia or delusions
- Severe muscle pain, weakness, signs of dehydration, or dark urine
- Prolonged or painful erection
- Changes of feeling or color in your fingers or toes.
Serious side effects
Misuse of amphetamine medications may cause sudden death and serious cardiovascular adverse events. Amphetamine medications should be avoided in individuals who have a heart defect (structural abnormality), uncontrolled high blood pressure, or other disorder of the heart.
Are There Any Risks For Taking Adderall?
Stimulants are Schedule II controlled substances. There is a risk of physical and/or emotional dependence (addiction) when they are taken for long periods of time.
Although treatment with stimulant medications can slow growth, many studies have shown that these changes are small. Children may catch up with growth over time; therefore, it should not be a concern for most children. Height, weight, and eating habits should be discussed before treatment starts and regularly during treatment. If you are concerned about your child’s growth, discuss other possible treatments with your child’s doctor.
Summary Of FDA Black Box Warnings
Sudden Cardiac Death: Misuse of amphetamines may cause sudden death or serious cardiovascular adverse events.
Dependence: Amphetamines have a high potential for abuse. Prolonged use of amphetamines may lead to drug dependence. Particular attention should be paid to the possibility of subjects obtaining amphetamines for non-therapeutic use or distribution to others. They should be prescribed or dispensed sparingly.
