You’ve probably heard of Adderall. Maybe you even have a friend or family member who takes it to help them stay focused and on task. But do you really know what Adderall is? What does it do? How does it work?
Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions about Adderall so that you can feel more confident in discussing this medication with your doctor.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a prescription medication that helps people with ADHD (attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder) stay focused and calm. It’s made up of amphetamine salts, which are synthetic versions of the amphetamines found in street drugs like meth and cocaine. The drug has been around since 1937, when it was first used to treat narcolepsy—a sleep disorder characterized by sudden bouts of sleepiness and drowsiness during the day. It wasn’t until 1949 that doctors began using it to treat ADHD symptoms in children. Nowadays, doctors prescribe the drug to help people with ADHD control their impulsivity and hyperactivity so they can function better at home, work, or school without having to resort to risky behavior like drug abuse or self-harm.
How does it work?
Adderall works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for regulating attention, moods, and emotions. By increasing these neurotransmitters, Adderall helps you remain alert and focused for longer periods of time without feeling irritable or overwhelmed by distractions in your environment.
Adderall increases feelings of pleasure and rewards you for completing tasks you’d usually find boring or difficult. This helps improve concentration and focus so you can get more done in less time without feeling frustrated at having to do so much work just to finish something that seems easy enough on its own (like reading or writing).
What are the side effects of Adderall?
Adderall can cause side effects such as dry mouth, insomnia, headaches and nausea. These side effects are usually minor and will go away after your body gets used to taking the drug on a regular basis.
What does Adderall do?
Adderall is used to treat ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It helps people with ADHD focus better so they can learn more easily and behave more appropriately at home and in school or work environments. It also helps people stay awake longer if they have trouble falling asleep at night due to ADHD symptoms such as fidgeting or restlessness.
Does Adderall Help Me Focus?
Yes! The effects of Adderall on focus are immediate—you’ll feel more alert right away when you take it. But this doesn’t mean that the drug will make everything easier for you; in fact, when you first start taking Adderall it may be harder than usual to concentrate on tasks at hand because your body has been so used to focusing less on what’s around it than before you started taking this medication.
How do I take Adderall?
Adderall can be taken as a tablet or capsule with food or on an empty stomach at any time during the day as prescribed by your doctor. Your doctor will determine the number of capsules you need to take each day depending on your individual needs, but it’s typically taken two or three times per day with food or immediately after eating a meal—not on an empty stomach!
How long does the effect of Adderall last?
The effects of Adderall will last 4-6 hours after taking an immediate release form of the drug or 8-12 hours after taking an extended release form of the drug. In addition, if you’re taking extended release capsules you’ll want to take them at least 4 hours before bedtime because they’ll keep you awake at night if taken too late in your evening routine!
How long does Adderall take to work?
It takes about an hour for the effects of Adderall to kick in after taking it, but it may vary depending on the person and their individual response time to stimulants like this one. Some people may feel its effects immediately while others might not notice anything until they start feeling more awake or alert than usual—which could take anywhere from an hour to several hours after taking it!
Does it make you smarter?
No! It’s important to understand that Adderall does not make you smarter—it only keeps you from feeling distracted so that you can focus on the task at hand (which may be studying).
It doesn’t actually make anyone smarter—it just helps with focus and attention span so that you can put more time into studying instead of getting distracted by everything else going on around you (or in your own head).
Is Adderall addictive?
Adderall can be addictive if it’s misused or used without medical supervision. People who abuse prescription drugs like Adderall often use them for reasons other than those for which they were prescribed, such as to get high or manage stress instead of focusing on school or work. Signs of addiction may include:
- Taking larger amounts of the drug than prescribed
- Taking more doses than prescribed
- Needing more of the drug to get high
Is Adderall bad for your heart?
Yes, Adderall can cause heart problems if you take too much of it over an extended period of time. It puts stress on your cardiovascular system, which can lead to irregular heartbeat or even a heart attack. If you take Adderall as prescribed by a doctor and follow all instructions, however, there should be no risk of heart problems developing as a result of taking this medication.
Can I take Adderall if I have high blood pressure?
If you have high blood pressure or any other condition that requires you to monitor your heart rate regularly (like atrial fibrillation), then talk with your doctor before taking any new medications such as this one because there are some side effects associated with both high blood pressure and ADHD medications.
Can Adderall be used recreationally?
Yes! Adderall is often used recreationally because it increases energy and makes users feel more alert—and some people find these effects enjoyable. However, its effects are short-term and come with a number of health risks that make it unsafe for recreational use. These include heart valve problems, drug abuse potential, and psychological dependence.