Adderall is a medication commonly used in treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is classified as a stimulant and works to focus attention and control impulsive behaviors. Adderall’s other common use is in treating narcolepsy, which is a sleep disorder. Unfortunately, Adderall has become a commonly abused prescription drug, particularly among college-age students for social or academic reasons.
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Most Common Side Effects of Adderall
Adderall is often effective when used as prescribed for sleep disorders or ADHD. When used properly, it rarely involves anything worse than some light side effects such as loss of appetite, constipation, or upset stomach. However, when the drug is misused or abused, the side effects of Adderall can become serious or even dangerous. Some of the worse potential side effects of Adderall include:
- Fever
- Numbness in the arms or legs
- Tremors, tics, or seizures
- Hallucinations or paranoia
- Depression and anxiety
Moreover, in cases of prescription drug abuse, suddenly stopping Adderall usage is liable to result in withdrawal symptoms like insomnia, irritability, fatigue, panic attacks, or even suicidal ideation. No approved treatments for Adderall withdrawal currently exist. That means prescription drug abuse treatment for Adderall withdrawal involves waiting out withdrawal symptoms under medical supervision before official rehab treatment begins.
How Adderall Effects Different Bodily Systems
The side effects of Adderall are widespread and impact the body’s central nervous system, circulatory system, and respiratory system. Particularly in cases of prescription drug abuse, the impact Adderall usage can have on each bodily system can be severe or even life-threatening. Learn more about how the side effects of Adderall look regarding each distinct bodily system:
Central Nervous System
Adderall targets the central nervous system. Its prescription use focuses attention, procures wakefulness, and calms the body. Nonetheless, potential side effects range from nervousness to restlessness to dizziness.
Circulatory System
As a stimulant, Adderall raises blood pressure and increases the heart rate. Some people experience limb numbness when using Adderall, particularly in the fingers and toes. This sometimes progresses to the point of pain in the digits and the presence of a red or blue tint in the affected area. More serious side effects stemming from improper use or overdose include heart attack and stroke.
Respiratory System
Prescription use of Adderall is unlikely to impact the respiratory system. However, prescription drug abuse leaves people open to dangerous side effects related to proper respiratory function. This is particularly true in cases of overdose or high usage in a short period of time. Experiencing shortness of breath, chest pain, or breathing issues when taking Adderall warrants seeking immediate professional help.
Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment
Adderall withdrawal isn’t aided by specific medication for alcohol detox or other addictions. Therefore, we recommend that people seek professional care to detox from Adderall. Remember that Adderall is a stimulant, so going off of it usually involves a crash. Trying to navigate detox without medical care is unlikely to set a proper foundation for recovery.
Following detox, people in prescription drug abuse treatment for Adderall addiction engage in a process of education, services, and therapy to aid a holistic recovery. Therapy may occur in individual and group settings, depending on what is best for someone’s journey to sobriety. One of the most common therapies used to treat Adderall addiction is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Many times, a prescription drug addiction is rooted in self-medication or coping with life’s challenges in unhealthy ways. CBT supports people in replacing those negative coping strategies with positive ones that support sobriety.
Learn more about how to handle prescription drug abuse and what options are available to those seeking recovery. Call Georgia Addiction Treatment Center today at [Direct]
