Uses of Adderall
- Take Adderall exactly as it was prescribed. Do not alter, skip or miss a dose of your Adderall. If you forget to take your Adderall, take it as soon as you remember. If you are within four hours of your next scheduled dose of Adderall, skip the dose and only take the regularly scheduled Adderall dose. Do not double up on Adderall dosage, as this may cause an overdose to occur. Symptoms of Adderall overdose include tremors, feeling restless, flu-like symptoms, muscle pain or twitches, feeling tired or depressed, diarrhea or vomiting, unsteady or rapid heartbeat and difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical care if you feel you are experiencing an Adderall overdose.
- The most common use of Adderall is for the treatment of ADHD, a disorder associated with an inability to focus or pay attention and impulsive, hyperactive behavior. ADHD can cause a series of complications, leading to inability to sustain employment, poor academic record and can seriously impair social relationships. ADHD is diagnosed in 8 to 10 percent of children, making it one of the most recognizable disorders facing children. ADHD, if untreated, may persist into adulthood.
- Adderall is also prescribed for the treatment of narcolepsy, a disorder which causes the sleep cycle to be activated suddenly. Narcoleptic behavior is exhibited through suddenly falling asleep while performing normal daily activities. Narcolepsy can be dangerous because it can come on suddenly, even when driving a car or operating heavy machinery. The main symptom of narcolepsy is EDS (excessive daytime sleepiness). Other symptoms of narcolepsy include inability to talk, hallucination or lack of muscle tone.
- Some side effects of Adderall are considered severe and require immediate medical attention. If you experience an uneven heartbeat or feel your heart racing or pounding, get help right away. Also seek emergency care if you feel lightheaded, faint or have an elevated blood pressure or experience blurry or double vision. Adderall may cause you to feel anxious or have difficulty concentrating. It is important that you seek medical attention if you experience depression after taking Adderall.
- Occasionally, Adderall is associated with mild to moderate side effects, which include feeling dizzy, difficulty sleeping, dry mouth, weight fluctuations (gain or loss) and loss of appetite. Adderall is also associated with sexual side effects, impotence or difficulty achieving orgasm. Vomiting, nausea and headache are considered mild to moderate side effects of Adderall as well. If you experience any of these side effects, it is important that you let your doctor know. He may need to adjust your dosage of Adderall.
- Some medical conditions may interfere with the effectiveness of Adderall, or the use of Adderall may worsen certain medical conditions. It is important that you share with your doctor your full medical history before taking Adderall, and do not take Adderall if you have a history of heart disease, hypertension (high blood pressure), or if you are suffering from an overactive thyroid without first talking with your physician. Taking Adderall may also worsen glaucoma, or worsen the condition of anxiety or depression. Do not take Adderall if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or intend to become pregnant without first discussing it with your doctor.
- Do not consume fruit juice or any fruits which contain Vitamin C at the same time that you take your dose of Adderall. Vitamin C can cause less of the medication to be absorbed into your system. Wait at least one hour before you consume Vitamin C after taking Adderall. It is important that you take Adderall earlier in the day, as a later administration of this medication may cause you to have difficulty sleeping. Be careful operating machinery or driving a vehicle while taking Adderall, as this medication can impair your judgment.
