The Long Term Effects of Adderall
February 24th, 2021
In this day and age, it feels as though an
adderall prescription has become nearly as common as a daily vitamin. The
purpose of adderall is to aid in increased focus and attention spans in those
individuals who suffer from Attention Deficit Hyper Disorder (ADHD). The Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
reported that as of July 2015, almost 10 percent, or close to 6 million,
American children between the ages of 4 and 17 had been diagnosed with ADHD at
some point in their lifetimes.
Given how many
individuals across the country are utilizing adderall prescriptions, often
beginning at a young age, it is incredibly easy to develop an
addiction/dependence to the medication. With how easy it is to obtain a
prescription for adderall, it is also incredibly easy to gain access to and
abuse the drug for other purposes – such as adderall’s increasing popularity on
college campuses. Many college students believe that adderall will help them
focus and relieves the pressures of studying, even if not suffering from ADHD.
The unfortunate truth is
that adderall does have negative long and short term effects when it is not
being used properly. We’ll dive into some of those effects below.
1. Sleep
Adderall increases energy levels and
decreases the need for sleep. Thus leaving you sleep deprived and likely
causing you to reach for more pills in order to stay awake, beginning a vicious
cycle.
2. Weight loss
Another side effect of taking
adderall is a loss in appetite. Many people even abuse adderall as a means to
lose weight, however it can be a dangerous side effect for many.
3. Heart issues
Adderall is a stimulant, meaning it
can result in increased heart rate and blood pressure. With repeated use or
abuse, adderall can create a range of medical issues from a stroke to a seizure
to a heart attack. The damage that is done to the heart is something that
professionals believe cannot be undone over time.
4. Mental health
There are some more minor and also
very serious mental effects of long-term use of adderall. Everything from
depression and anxiety to more rare and intense side effects like psychosis and
schizophrenia-like symptoms.
5. Dependence
Dependence itself is a huge concern
and potential long term side effect of long term adderall use. If you are using
adderall in large doses over a long period of time, your brain can develop a
dependence on the drug. This dependence can lead to many issues, including mood
changes, irritability, and lethargy
Adderall is something
that is known to be helpful for many people with ADHD. It can help reduce
impulsiveness and promote increased focus, concentration, and memory. However,
along with these beneficial effects, you could also be at risk for these
unwanted side effects. Even if you
are someone who has a prescription, you should ensure you are only taking it as
directed in order to avoid developing any of these long or short term side
effects. If you are experiencing these, there are steps you can take to get
help and hopefully put an end to these issues. If you stop taking adderall, these side effects usually
begin clearing up within a few days, but it may take several days for the drug
to completely leave your system.
Ultimately, no one
should be using adderall without having a prescription. If you are someone who
has unfortunately developed a dependence to the drug, you will likely
experience withdrawal symptoms if you attempt to stop taking them. You will
want to reach out to a medical professional in order to receive assistance
safely getting any remaining adderall out of your system while also relieving
any withdrawal symptoms.
If you or a loved one
are struggling with addiction of any kind, reach out to our team at Windmill
Wellness Ranch today. Our admissions team treats every call in a confidential
and compassionate manner.