How Does Adderall Affect The Body? Your Questions Answered 

If you have been diagnosed with ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder), you may be considering taking Adderall to treat it. Adderall is a medication that is given to people with ADHD to help boost concentration and the ability to focus. Because it has such a stimulating effect on the central nervous system, it can also produce similar physical effects in those who do not have ADHD. 

If you are taking Adderall for any reason, it is sensible to maintain an awareness of the potential side effects it can have. Those effects can be really helpful if you take them for intended purposes, like treating ADHD. When Adderall is abused though, and used without medical supervision on those who do not need it, the effects can be incredibly risky. 

Understanding the range of different effects the stimulant Adderall has on your body is important if you do intend to take it. 

What Is Adderall? 

Adderall is a brand selling a medication that contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. The drug is available as a prescription under doctor supervision and is usually prescribed as an ADHD treatment. Adderall can also be prescribed to those struggling with narcolepsy as a stimulant to counterbalance the drive to sleep. 

Adderall is formulated to help with common symptoms of ADHD, such as: hyperactivity, attention span problems and impulsivity. It is thought to be even more effective when used at the same time as behavioral therapy.

When it is taken, Adderall will usually be taken in a tablet or time-release capsule form. It is known to be more effective when taken in the morning because Adderall can also disturb sleep at night. It is recommended to start any Adderall regimen on a low dose to gage the effects and make adjustments as needed over time. This approach can help you adjust to the effect and treat any side effects that emerge. If you cannot tolerate Adderall, you can also explore switching to another kind of stimulant or prescription. If you are able to tolerate it, your Adderall dosage can be increased until the desired effects are reached. 

How Does Adderall Work? 

Adderall works by changing natural chemicals that occur in your brain. Namely, it boosts neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. Because of its interaction with the way the brain works, your doctor will screen you before prescribing it. Your doctor will need to know about any preexisting mental or physical health issues you have, or have had, as well as any medication or supplements you take. Adderall is a fully controlled substance, so it is never something that should be taken without the supervision of a doctor. 

Adderall’s Effects On The Central Nervous System 

When you take Adderall as it is designed to be taken, it can have some very positive effects, such as helping you feel more awake, focused and relaxed throughout the day. 

Adderall is also associated with various negative side effects such as: 

• Slower speech

• A hoarse voice

• A dry mouth

• A feeling of restlessness 

• Feeling nervous 

• Issues with sleep

• Headaches

• Vision problems 

• Low sex drive or performance issues

• Clenching teeth or jaw

• Feeling shaky

• Loss of appetite

Some more serious, potential short-term side effects of Adderall include:

• Fever

• A feeling of weakness

• Numb limbs

In some instances, prolonged, serious side-effects can occur, such as:

• Seizures

• Hallucinations

• Paranoia

• Shaking

• Sudden movements (tics)

• Mental health problems like depression or anxiety getting much worse

• Suicidal thoughts

If any of these symptoms occur, you should contact a doctor immediately. 

Emergency side effects of Adderall can include swelling of the oral area, including the tongue and throat. Swelling of the face can also occur. These effects suggest an allergic reaction and require emergency medical help. 

Adderall Abuse

The abuse of Adderall - including overusing it and then suddenly stopping - can cause withdrawal symptoms such as: 

• Anxiety

• Irritability

• Panic attacks

• Fatigue

• Constant increase in appetite 

• A feeling of unease 

• Sleep problems 

• Suicidal thoughts 

• Phobia enhancement or creation

• Depression

Adderall withdrawal cannot be entirely eliminated. However, when lowering an Adderall dosage is done with medical supervision, the process can be gentle and smooth, even as the withdrawal symptoms may last up to a few weeks.

Adderall And Its Effects On Your Circulatory And Respiratory Systems

Adderall is a stimulant drug. This means that by taking it, your blood vessels will naturally constrict, your blood pressure will get higher, and your heart will beat more quickly. In some instances, Adderall may cause some issues with blood circulation, such as causing your extremities (fingers and toes) to hurt, or go numb. They may even change color in a way they would naturally respond to the cold, such as going red or blue. 

More serious side effects of Adderall on these systems can be a stroke or a heart attack. If you experience any signs of a heart attack (chest pain, trouble breathing, fainting etc), you should seek emergency help straight away. In people with pre-existing heart conditions, Adderall may even lead to sudden death, which is why it is so important you are medically supervised when taking this stimulant drug. 

Adderall and Alcohol Consumption

Taking Adderall while consuming alcohol raises your risk of having heart issues. It may also increase how alcohol affects you, by causing you to feel more drunk or raising your risk of alcohol poisoning.

Adderall And Your Digestive System

Adderall boosts the amount of glucose that is released into your body, which can lead to the following problems:

• Diarrhea 

• Constipation

• Pain in the tummy

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Appetite loss

• Weight loss

Side effects related to appetite do tend to be temporary. You should return to normal once your body adjusts to the medication. 

Adderall And Your Integumentary System

You may get some allergic reactions to Adderall including; itching, hives, rashes and blistering skin. If any severe allergic reactions occur you should seek medical advice right away. 

What To Consider If You Are Thinking About Taking Adderall

It is important to remember that Adderall is a powerful stimulant drug and should only ever be taken with a prescription and under medical supervision. 

If you don’t have your dosage monitored by a doctor, you may struggle with Adderall dependency. It is always a good idea to share with your doctor before you start a treatment plan with Adderall. 

If you encounter any side effects or discomfort while taking Adderall, you should consult your doctor. Your doctor can provide reassurance, guidance, and potential alternatives or dosage changes to help get you on track and feeling better. 

Adderall may also deplete some key nutrients in your body, so you may want to explore adding additional vitamins to your routine with stimulants.