Adderall is a medication that is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD. The drug uses a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine in order to control symptoms of ADHD. Like most medications, Adderall has an array of side effects ranging from mild to severe. Discuss Adderall side effects, both temporary and long term with your doctor before taking this medication.
Between 3 and 7 percent of school-aged children have attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Symptoms include having trouble concentrating, inability to complete simple or complex tasks, losing or misplacing important items, forgetfulness, becoming easily distracted, hyperactivity, restlessness, impulsivity, inability to get along well with others and frequent insubordination. A trained psychologist and medical doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis based on past behavior and medical testing.
Adderall drug treatment generally involves taking 20 mg at a time, once or twice a day. Your medical doctor will likely start you off on a small dose and slowly increase the medication until it reaches the desired effects. The reason for the tapered dosage is because the side effects of this medicine can cause troubling side effects initially. Some Adderall side effects include dizziness, nervousness, headache and weight loss. A gradual increase in Adderall may help reduce the effect of certain symptoms. Taking too much Adderall medicine initially, could make attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms worse.
Treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder depends on the severity of your disease as well as what type of support system is in place. Specialized treatment outside of the classroom that focuses on one-on-one evaluations and a tailored curriculum-based education plan will allow for the student to get caught up and familiarized with his work environment. An IEP or individualized education plan that involves pertinent school personnel including general education teachers, special education teachers, school psychologists, school mentors, school principal and parents will allow for proper documentation and evaluation throughout the school year. This information is also an essential part of a student’s overall treatment plan through his medical doctor to track the effectiveness of the Adderall side effects as part of the students ADHD treatment plan.
Side Effects Symptoms
Before you decide to take an attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder treatment drug, such as Adderall, consider its common side effects including:
• Lack of appetite
• Headache
• Inability to fall asleep and stay asleep
• Dry Mouth
• Abdominal Pain and Discomfort
• Weight Loss
• Restlessness
If you already suffer from gastrointestinal problems, congenital heart defects or thyroid problems, Adderall prescription medication could interfere with your treatment plan for an underlying illness. Not all patients react the same to Adderall, so your doctor will follow you closely with frequent check-ups and routine medical exams.
Hazardous Side Effects
While most patients can tolerate low dosages of Adderall prescription medicine with minimal problems, there are some dangerous or hazardous side effects you should discuss with your doctor before starting a treatment plan. Some hazardous side effects include:
• Dangerous increase in blood pressure
• Tachycardia or a high pulse rate
• Irregular heart rate
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Allergic reaction that includes swelling and redness in the eyes or throat
• Migraine headaches
• Syncope or losing consciousness
• Blurry or double vision
• Seizure activity and excessive and uncontrollable shaking
• Extreme nervousness and paranoid delusions
• Mood swings that include hostility and severe aggression
• Depression
High doses of Adderall can specifically target the heart and respiratory system, causing temporary or long-term damage. In some cases, Adderall can cause sudden death or stroke in patients, in particular those who have a heart defect or heart problem. Adderall may also interfere with other medication for an underlying illness or medical condition. Adderall taken for long periods of time throughout childhood and adolescence may stunt growth or weight gain and lead to long term complications related to development.
Adderall acts a central-nervous stimulant. Adderall should be used as a temporary medication to help control symptoms and help regulate brain activity. Long-term use of Adderall as a prescription medication treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder may make symptoms worse and make withdrawal symptoms unbearable. Signs of withdrawal include severe depression or dysphoria, irritability, rage, trouble sleeping and an intense craving for the medication. Symptoms of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder may be more severe during the withdrawal phase. Close supervision from a school psychologist or school personal is recommended until symptoms are under control with cognitive or behavioral therapy.