The Long Term Effects of Adderall

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.