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18.04.201914.04.2021 by alexxlab

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Adderall & Adderall XR Dosage Chart

When looking at Adderall dosage, there are distinctions between extended-release and immediate-release options. The Adderall dosage instructions are different for the two.

Adderall immediate-release (IR) starts working within 15 to 30 minutes and lasts for about 4 to 6 hours. Adderall extended-release (XR) can take about 30 to 60 minutes to start working, and it lasts for around 10 to 12 hours. Both IR and XR can lead to a crash as someone comes down from the effects of the drug, but XR tends to have less noticeable effects.

Article at a Glance:

Adderall immediate-release works within 15-30 minutes and lasts 4-6 hours.
Adderall extended-release works within 30-60 minutes and lasts for 10-12 hours.
The adult Adderall immediate-release dosage is 5 mg to 40 mg per day, spread throughout the day.
Adderall extended-release is taken in one daily dose, usually not to exceed 40 mg per day.
It is very dangerous (and even potentially fatal) to use high dosages of Adderall to get high.

Adderall Dosage Guide

If you’re searching for an Adderall dosage chart, the following infographic provides a general overview of what an Adderall dosage might look like.

Adderall XR dosage begins at 5 mg. Then there are 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg dosages.

The Adderall IR dosage options start at 5 mg and include 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. There is more flexibility in immediate-release dosages, allowing doctors to start patients out on a minimal dose and increase it incrementally.

Recommended Dosage for Adults

Doctors will usually start an Adderall dosage at the smallest amount that may potentially work and then gradually increase it. For ADHD, the immediate-release dosage for adults is between 5 mg to 40 mg a day. The dosage is divided throughout the day.

In regards to ADHD, doses of more than 40 mg a day are rarely more effective than lower amounts. For narcolepsy treatment, doctors may begin with 5 mg a day and then go up to 60 mg a day, with dosages given every four to six hours.

With Adderall XR, one dose is taken daily instead of in divided doses. A doctor may still recommend that the extended-release dosage not exceed 40 mg a day.

Avoiding an Adderall Dosage High

Trying to abuse Adderall to get high is very dangerous. At higher doses, it can be associated with sudden death. Determining how much Adderall would get someone high is almost impossible, as different people will have different reactions. Some people get high from Adderall by crushing and snorting it or dissolving and injecting it. These methods make the risks even greater.

It’s possible to experience a fatal dose when using Adderall to get high, so this should be avoided. People should never take Adderall without a prescription from their doctor. If they do have a prescription, it should only be used as directed.

If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall misuse, The Recovery Village is here to help. We encourage you to learn more about treatment plans and programs that can work well for your situation.

Sources
RxList. “Adderall.” May 13, 2020. Accessed June 17, 2020.
Food and Drug Administration. “Adderall (CII).” March 2007. Accessed June 17, 2020.

Medical Disclaimer: The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.

Side effects, dosage, uses, and more

You may wonder how Adderall compares to other drugs used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy.

Adderall vs. Vyvanse

Adderall and Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine) are two medications commonly used to treat ADHD. They’re both stimulants, and they work in a similar way. Despite these similarities, there are some differences between the drugs that might make you prefer one over the other.

Use

Adderall is FDA-approved for treating ADHD and narcolepsy. Vyvanse is approved for treating ADHD and binge eating disorder. Vyvanse is also used off-label to treat narcolepsy. It’s not FDA-approved for this purpose, but there is some scientific evidence that it might help.

Drug forms

Adderall comes in two forms: an immediate-release tablet (Adderall) and an extended-release capsule (Adderall XR).

The Adderall tablet is taken one to three times daily. Adderall XR is taken just once daily.

Vyvanse is available as a delayed-release capsule and a chewable tablet, both of which are taken once daily. The chewable tablet may be a good option for those who have a hard time swallowing pills.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Vyvanse are effective for improving symptoms of ADHD. In fact, they’re both considered to be among the first choices of medications for treating ADHD.

Generally, it’s not clear if one of these medications works better than the other. However, individual people may respond better to one over the other.

Adderall typically works more quickly than Vyvanse but doesn’t usually last as long:

Adderall works within 30 minutes and lasts for 5 to 7 hours.
Adderall XR also works within 30 minutes and lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
Vyvanse typically works within 2 hours and lasts for about 10 hours.

Side effects and risks

Because Adderall and Vyvanse are very similar medications, they also have similar side effects and drug interactions.

Both medications can cause psychological and physical dependence and can be misused or abused. However, Vyvanse may be less likely to be misused. This is because Adderall has a more immediate and intense effect when taken, which might be attractive to people who want to misuse it.

Vyvanse, on the other hand, must be broken down by the body before it takes effect.

Costs

The costs of brand-name versions of Adderall and Vyvanse are similar. However, Adderall is also available in a generic form, while Vyvanse is not. The FDA has determined that the patent for Vyvanse is valid until 2023. It will be at least until then before a generic for Vyvanse is available.

Generic drugs are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs. But in some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths.

Adderall vs. Ritalin

Adderall and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are both commonly used to treat ADHD. They’re both stimulant medications and work in a similar way. However, there are some differences that might make you prefer one over the other.

Use

Both Adderall and Ritalin are FDA-approved for treating ADHD and narcolepsy. Also, they’re both used off-label for treating similar conditions, such as depression and anxiety, in combination with other medications.

Drug forms

Adderall comes in two forms: an immediate-release tablet (Adderall) and an extended-release capsule (Adderall XR). The Adderall tablet is taken one to three times daily. Adderall XR is taken just once daily.

Like Adderall, Ritalin also comes in two forms: an immediate-release Ritalin tablet and an extended-release capsule (Ritalin LA). Ritalin tablet is taken two to three times daily, and Ritalin LA is taken once daily.

Generic versions of Ritalin also come in other dosage forms, including a chewable tablet and an oral liquid solution. These forms may be a good option for people who have a hard time swallowing pills.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Ritalin are effective for improving symptoms of ADHD. They’re both considered to be among the first choices of medications for treating ADHD.

Generally, it’s not clear if one of these medications works better than the other. However, individual people may respond better to one than the other.

Ritalin tablets may work slightly faster than Adderall. However, Adderall works for a slightly longer period of time than Ritalin:

Adderall typically works within 30 minutes and lasts for 5 to 7 hours.
Ritalin typically works within 20 to 30 minutes and lasts 3 to 6 hours.
Adderall XR usually works within 30 minutes and lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
Ritalin LA usually works within about 2 hours and lasts for 7 to 9 hours.

Side effects and risks

Adderall and Ritalin are very similar medications. They also have similar side effects and drug interactions. Both medications can cause psychological and physical dependence and can be misused or abused.

Costs

The cost of brand-name versions of Adderall and Ritalin are similar. The actual amount you pay will vary depending on your health insurance plan.

Adderall and Ritalin are both available in generic forms. The generic name for Ritalin is methylphenidate. Generic drugs are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs. In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths.

Adderall vs. Concerta

Adderall and Concerta (methylphenidate extended-release) are medications that are commonly used for ADHD. They are both stimulant medications and work in a similar way. There are some differences that might make you prefer one over the other.

Use

Both Adderall and Concerta are FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Adderall is also approved for narcolepsy, but Concerta is not. Concerta is used off-label to treat narcolepsy.

Drug forms

Adderall comes in two forms: an immediate-release Adderall tablet and an extended-release capsule (Adderall XR). The Adderall tablet is taken one to three times daily. Adderall XR is taken just once daily.

Concerta is only available as an extended-release tablet that’s taken once daily.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Concerta are effective for improving symptoms of ADHD. They’re both considered to be among the first choices of medications for treating ADHD.

Generally, it’s not clear if one of these medications works better than the other. However, individual people may respond better to one over the other.

One difference between the drugs is how fast they work and how long they last. Adderall may work slightly faster, but Concerta lasts longer:

Adderall typically works within 30 minutes and lasts for 5 to 7 hours.
Adderall XR usually works within 30 minutes and lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
Concerta usually works within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts for 8 to 12 hours.

Side effects and risks

Adderall and Concerta are very similar medications. They also have similar side effects and drug interactions. Both medications can cause psychological and physical dependence, and can be misused or abused.

Costs

Both Adderall and Concerta are brand-name drugs. They’re also both available in generic forms. Generic drugs are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs. The generic name of Concerta is methylphenidate extended-release.

The brand and generic versions of Concerta appear to be more expensive than Adderall or Adderall XR. The actual amount you pay will vary depending on your health insurance plan.

Adderall vs. modafinil

Adderall and modafinil, a generic drug, are both stimulant medications, but they affect the brain in slightly different ways.

Modafinil increases wakefulness and alertness. Adderall can also stimulate wakefulness and, in people with ADHD, can produce feelings of calm and focus.

Use

Adderall is FDA-approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Modafinil is approved to treat narcolepsy, shift-work sleep disorder, and sleep apnea. Modafinil is used off-label to treat ADHD. This means that it’s not FDA-approved for this purpose, but there is some scientific evidence that it might help.

Drug forms

Modafinil is available as a tablet that’s taken once daily.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and modafinil are effective treatment options for daytime sleepiness in people who have narcolepsy.

Adderall is considered a first-choice medication for treating symptoms of ADHD. Modafinil is used off-label for ADHD and isn’t considered a first-choice medication for this use. It’s not currently recommended for treating ADHD by guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Side effects and risks

Adderall and modafinil are both stimulants and have some similar side effects. However, Adderall is more likely to cause side effects than modafinil.

Both Adderall and modafinil can cause physical and psychological dependence leading to misuse or abuse. However, dependence appears to be more common with Adderall than modafinil. Due to these differences in side effect risk, modafinil is often preferred over Adderall for treating narcolepsy.

Costs

Adderall and modafinil are both available in brand-name and generic versions. The brand name of modafinil is Provigil. The generic versions of medications typically cost less. But in some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as the brand-name drug.

The generic version and the brand-name version (Provigil) of modafinil usually cost more than the brand-name and generic versions of Adderall. The actual amount you pay will vary depending on your health insurance plan.

Adderall vs. Strattera

Adderall and Strattera (atomoxetine) are both commonly used to treat ADHD, but they work differently. Adderall is a stimulant medication that increases norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain and produces calm and focus in people with ADHD.

Strattera also works in the brain but doesn’t have stimulant effects. It works as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and increases the amount of norepinephrine in parts of the brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that sends messages between cells.

Use

Adderall is FDA-approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Strattera is only approved to treat ADHD.

Drug forms

Strattera is available as a capsule that’s taken once or twice daily.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Strattera are effective for treating ADHD.

Adderall, a stimulant, is considered a first-choice treatment for ADHD. Stimulants are the best studied and most effective treatments for ADHD.

Strattera, on the other hand, is typically used for those who don’t want to take a stimulant medication or who can’t take stimulants due to side effects or other reasons.

Side effects and risks

Adderall and Strattera have some similar side effects, and some different ones.

	Both Adderall and Strattera	Adderall	Strattera
More common side effects	stomach upset loss of appetite dry mouth	headache trouble sleeping weight loss	fatigue constipation drowsiness
Serious side effects		risk of dependence potential for misuse or abuse dangerous heart effects in people with a heart condition	suicide risk in children and adolescents liver injury

Costs

Adderall and Strattera are both available in brand-name and generic versions. The generic name of Strattera is atomoxetine.

Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths.

The brand and generic versions of Strattera usually cost more than the brand and generic versions of Adderall. The actual amount you pay will vary depending on your health insurance plan.

Adderall vs. methylphenidate

Adderall and methylphenidate are both commonly used to treat ADHD. They’re both stimulant medications and work in a similar way. There are some differences that might make you prefer one over the other.

Use

Both Adderall and methylphenidate are FDA-approved for treating ADHD and narcolepsy. Both are also used off-label for treating similar conditions, such as depression and anxiety, in combination with other medications.

Drug forms

Methylphenidate comes in many different forms, including:

immediate-release tablet, taken two to three times daily
extended-release capsule, taken once daily
extended-release tablet, taken once daily
liquid solution, taken two to three times daily
chewable tablet, taken two to three times daily

The chewable and solution forms of methylphenidate may be good options for those who have trouble swallowing pills.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and methylphenidate are effective for improving symptoms of ADHD. They’re both considered to be among the first choices of medications for treating ADHD.

Generally, it’s not clear if one of these medications works better than the other. However, individual people may respond better to one over the other.

Methylphenidate tablets may work slightly faster than Adderall. However, Adderall works for a slightly longer time than methylphenidate:

Adderall typically works within 30 minutes and lasts for 5 to 7 hours.
Methylphenidate typically works within 20 to 30 minutes and lasts 3 to 6 hours.
Adderall XR usually works within 30 minutes and lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
Extended-release methylphenidate usually works within about 2 hours and lasts for 7 to 9 hours.

Side effects and risks

Adderall and methylphenidate are very similar medications. They also have similar side effects and drug interactions. Both medications can cause psychological and physical dependence and can be misused or abused.

Costs

Adderall is a brand-name medication. It’s also available as a generic. Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths.

Methylphenidate is a generic medication. It’s also available in several brand-name forms, such as Ritalin and Concerta.

Brand-name Adderall costs more than generic methylphenidate. However, generic versions of Adderall cost about the same as generic methylphenidate. The exact cost will depend on your insurance.

Making a choice

Deciding which medication to use may come down to which is covered by your insurance, the drug form that you prefer, and how your body responds to the medication.

Picking the best medication is often a matter of trial and error. If the first drug you try doesn’t work well or causes too many side effects, a different medication might work better. Your doctor will guide you through the process of finding the right medication for you.

Side effects, dosage, uses, and more

You may wonder how Adderall compares to other drugs used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy.

Adderall vs. Vyvanse

Use

Drug forms

Adderall comes in two forms: an immediate-release tablet (Adderall) and an extended-release capsule (Adderall XR).

The Adderall tablet is taken one to three times daily. Adderall XR is taken just once daily.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Vyvanse are effective for improving symptoms of ADHD. In fact, they’re both considered to be among the first choices of medications for treating ADHD.

Generally, it’s not clear if one of these medications works better than the other. However, individual people may respond better to one over the other.

Adderall typically works more quickly than Vyvanse but doesn’t usually last as long:

Adderall works within 30 minutes and lasts for 5 to 7 hours.
Adderall XR also works within 30 minutes and lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
Vyvanse typically works within 2 hours and lasts for about 10 hours.

Side effects and risks

Because Adderall and Vyvanse are very similar medications, they also have similar side effects and drug interactions.

Vyvanse, on the other hand, must be broken down by the body before it takes effect.

Costs

Generic drugs are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs. But in some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths.

Adderall vs. Ritalin

Use

Drug forms

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Ritalin are effective for improving symptoms of ADHD. They’re both considered to be among the first choices of medications for treating ADHD.

Generally, it’s not clear if one of these medications works better than the other. However, individual people may respond better to one than the other.

Ritalin tablets may work slightly faster than Adderall. However, Adderall works for a slightly longer period of time than Ritalin:

Adderall typically works within 30 minutes and lasts for 5 to 7 hours.
Ritalin typically works within 20 to 30 minutes and lasts 3 to 6 hours.
Adderall XR usually works within 30 minutes and lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
Ritalin LA usually works within about 2 hours and lasts for 7 to 9 hours.

Side effects and risks

Costs

The cost of brand-name versions of Adderall and Ritalin are similar. The actual amount you pay will vary depending on your health insurance plan.

Adderall vs. Concerta

Use

Both Adderall and Concerta are FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Adderall is also approved for narcolepsy, but Concerta is not. Concerta is used off-label to treat narcolepsy.

Drug forms

Concerta is only available as an extended-release tablet that’s taken once daily.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Concerta are effective for improving symptoms of ADHD. They’re both considered to be among the first choices of medications for treating ADHD.

Generally, it’s not clear if one of these medications works better than the other. However, individual people may respond better to one over the other.

One difference between the drugs is how fast they work and how long they last. Adderall may work slightly faster, but Concerta lasts longer:

Adderall typically works within 30 minutes and lasts for 5 to 7 hours.
Adderall XR usually works within 30 minutes and lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
Concerta usually works within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts for 8 to 12 hours.

Side effects and risks

Costs

The brand and generic versions of Concerta appear to be more expensive than Adderall or Adderall XR. The actual amount you pay will vary depending on your health insurance plan.

Adderall vs. modafinil

Adderall and modafinil, a generic drug, are both stimulant medications, but they affect the brain in slightly different ways.

Modafinil increases wakefulness and alertness. Adderall can also stimulate wakefulness and, in people with ADHD, can produce feelings of calm and focus.

Use

Drug forms

Modafinil is available as a tablet that’s taken once daily.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and modafinil are effective treatment options for daytime sleepiness in people who have narcolepsy.

Side effects and risks

Adderall and modafinil are both stimulants and have some similar side effects. However, Adderall is more likely to cause side effects than modafinil.

Costs

Adderall vs. Strattera

Use

Adderall is FDA-approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Strattera is only approved to treat ADHD.

Drug forms

Strattera is available as a capsule that’s taken once or twice daily.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Strattera are effective for treating ADHD.

Adderall, a stimulant, is considered a first-choice treatment for ADHD. Stimulants are the best studied and most effective treatments for ADHD.

Strattera, on the other hand, is typically used for those who don’t want to take a stimulant medication or who can’t take stimulants due to side effects or other reasons.

Side effects and risks

Adderall and Strattera have some similar side effects, and some different ones.

	Both Adderall and Strattera	Adderall	Strattera
More common side effects	stomach upset loss of appetite dry mouth	headache trouble sleeping weight loss	fatigue constipation drowsiness
Serious side effects		risk of dependence potential for misuse or abuse dangerous heart effects in people with a heart condition	suicide risk in children and adolescents liver injury

Costs

Adderall and Strattera are both available in brand-name and generic versions. The generic name of Strattera is atomoxetine.

Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths.

The brand and generic versions of Strattera usually cost more than the brand and generic versions of Adderall. The actual amount you pay will vary depending on your health insurance plan.

Adderall vs. methylphenidate

Use

Drug forms

Methylphenidate comes in many different forms, including:

immediate-release tablet, taken two to three times daily
extended-release capsule, taken once daily
extended-release tablet, taken once daily
liquid solution, taken two to three times daily
chewable tablet, taken two to three times daily

The chewable and solution forms of methylphenidate may be good options for those who have trouble swallowing pills.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and methylphenidate are effective for improving symptoms of ADHD. They’re both considered to be among the first choices of medications for treating ADHD.

Generally, it’s not clear if one of these medications works better than the other. However, individual people may respond better to one over the other.

Methylphenidate tablets may work slightly faster than Adderall. However, Adderall works for a slightly longer time than methylphenidate:

Adderall typically works within 30 minutes and lasts for 5 to 7 hours.
Methylphenidate typically works within 20 to 30 minutes and lasts 3 to 6 hours.
Adderall XR usually works within 30 minutes and lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
Extended-release methylphenidate usually works within about 2 hours and lasts for 7 to 9 hours.

Side effects and risks

Costs

Methylphenidate is a generic medication. It’s also available in several brand-name forms, such as Ritalin and Concerta.

Brand-name Adderall costs more than generic methylphenidate. However, generic versions of Adderall cost about the same as generic methylphenidate. The exact cost will depend on your insurance.

Making a choice

Deciding which medication to use may come down to which is covered by your insurance, the drug form that you prefer, and how your body responds to the medication.

Side effects, dosage, uses, and more

You may wonder how Adderall compares to other drugs used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy.

Adderall vs. Vyvanse

Use

Drug forms

Adderall comes in two forms: an immediate-release tablet (Adderall) and an extended-release capsule (Adderall XR).

The Adderall tablet is taken one to three times daily. Adderall XR is taken just once daily.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Vyvanse are effective for improving symptoms of ADHD. In fact, they’re both considered to be among the first choices of medications for treating ADHD.

Generally, it’s not clear if one of these medications works better than the other. However, individual people may respond better to one over the other.

Adderall typically works more quickly than Vyvanse but doesn’t usually last as long:

Adderall works within 30 minutes and lasts for 5 to 7 hours.
Adderall XR also works within 30 minutes and lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
Vyvanse typically works within 2 hours and lasts for about 10 hours.

Side effects and risks

Because Adderall and Vyvanse are very similar medications, they also have similar side effects and drug interactions.

Vyvanse, on the other hand, must be broken down by the body before it takes effect.

Costs

Generic drugs are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs. But in some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths.

Adderall vs. Ritalin

Use

Drug forms

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Ritalin are effective for improving symptoms of ADHD. They’re both considered to be among the first choices of medications for treating ADHD.

Generally, it’s not clear if one of these medications works better than the other. However, individual people may respond better to one than the other.

Ritalin tablets may work slightly faster than Adderall. However, Adderall works for a slightly longer period of time than Ritalin:

Adderall typically works within 30 minutes and lasts for 5 to 7 hours.
Ritalin typically works within 20 to 30 minutes and lasts 3 to 6 hours.
Adderall XR usually works within 30 minutes and lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
Ritalin LA usually works within about 2 hours and lasts for 7 to 9 hours.

Side effects and risks

Costs

The cost of brand-name versions of Adderall and Ritalin are similar. The actual amount you pay will vary depending on your health insurance plan.

Adderall vs. Concerta

Use

Both Adderall and Concerta are FDA-approved for treating ADHD. Adderall is also approved for narcolepsy, but Concerta is not. Concerta is used off-label to treat narcolepsy.

Drug forms

Concerta is only available as an extended-release tablet that’s taken once daily.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Concerta are effective for improving symptoms of ADHD. They’re both considered to be among the first choices of medications for treating ADHD.

Generally, it’s not clear if one of these medications works better than the other. However, individual people may respond better to one over the other.

One difference between the drugs is how fast they work and how long they last. Adderall may work slightly faster, but Concerta lasts longer:

Adderall typically works within 30 minutes and lasts for 5 to 7 hours.
Adderall XR usually works within 30 minutes and lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
Concerta usually works within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts for 8 to 12 hours.

Side effects and risks

Costs

The brand and generic versions of Concerta appear to be more expensive than Adderall or Adderall XR. The actual amount you pay will vary depending on your health insurance plan.

Adderall vs. modafinil

Adderall and modafinil, a generic drug, are both stimulant medications, but they affect the brain in slightly different ways.

Modafinil increases wakefulness and alertness. Adderall can also stimulate wakefulness and, in people with ADHD, can produce feelings of calm and focus.

Use

Drug forms

Modafinil is available as a tablet that’s taken once daily.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and modafinil are effective treatment options for daytime sleepiness in people who have narcolepsy.

Side effects and risks

Adderall and modafinil are both stimulants and have some similar side effects. However, Adderall is more likely to cause side effects than modafinil.

Costs

Adderall vs. Strattera

Use

Adderall is FDA-approved to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Strattera is only approved to treat ADHD.

Drug forms

Strattera is available as a capsule that’s taken once or twice daily.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Strattera are effective for treating ADHD.

Adderall, a stimulant, is considered a first-choice treatment for ADHD. Stimulants are the best studied and most effective treatments for ADHD.

Strattera, on the other hand, is typically used for those who don’t want to take a stimulant medication or who can’t take stimulants due to side effects or other reasons.

Side effects and risks

Adderall and Strattera have some similar side effects, and some different ones.

	Both Adderall and Strattera	Adderall	Strattera
More common side effects	stomach upset loss of appetite dry mouth	headache trouble sleeping weight loss	fatigue constipation drowsiness
Serious side effects		risk of dependence potential for misuse or abuse dangerous heart effects in people with a heart condition	suicide risk in children and adolescents liver injury

Costs

Adderall and Strattera are both available in brand-name and generic versions. The generic name of Strattera is atomoxetine.

Generic drugs usually cost less than the brand-name version. In some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths.

The brand and generic versions of Strattera usually cost more than the brand and generic versions of Adderall. The actual amount you pay will vary depending on your health insurance plan.

Adderall vs. methylphenidate

Use

Drug forms

Methylphenidate comes in many different forms, including:

immediate-release tablet, taken two to three times daily
extended-release capsule, taken once daily
extended-release tablet, taken once daily
liquid solution, taken two to three times daily
chewable tablet, taken two to three times daily

The chewable and solution forms of methylphenidate may be good options for those who have trouble swallowing pills.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and methylphenidate are effective for improving symptoms of ADHD. They’re both considered to be among the first choices of medications for treating ADHD.

Generally, it’s not clear if one of these medications works better than the other. However, individual people may respond better to one over the other.

Methylphenidate tablets may work slightly faster than Adderall. However, Adderall works for a slightly longer time than methylphenidate:

Adderall typically works within 30 minutes and lasts for 5 to 7 hours.
Methylphenidate typically works within 20 to 30 minutes and lasts 3 to 6 hours.
Adderall XR usually works within 30 minutes and lasts about 8 to 10 hours.
Extended-release methylphenidate usually works within about 2 hours and lasts for 7 to 9 hours.

Side effects and risks

Costs

Methylphenidate is a generic medication. It’s also available in several brand-name forms, such as Ritalin and Concerta.

Brand-name Adderall costs more than generic methylphenidate. However, generic versions of Adderall cost about the same as generic methylphenidate. The exact cost will depend on your insurance.

Making a choice

Deciding which medication to use may come down to which is covered by your insurance, the drug form that you prefer, and how your body responds to the medication.

ADHD Medication Mistakes and Dosage Myths: Adderall and More

Adderall dosing – and all ADHD medication dosing, for that matter – is opaque and variable. Is there an optimal Adderall dosage for adults? Should your stimulant dosage change over time? What are the signs of an ineffective dose? With so many questions and misconceptions – even within the medical community – it’s critical for patients to research dosing for Adderall and other ADHD medications before using them to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD).

Take Janet, a 37-year-old marketing manager, and her first experience with Adderall – “I was glued to the sofa, unable to move for two days,” she said. “I looked and felt like a zombie. It scared me off ADHD medication.”

Janet later learned, after attending a local adult ADHD support group, that it takes weeks for most people to tolerate the Adderall dosage her doctor had prescribed — and that many people were taking half that amount. “I should have educated myself first, instead of trusting the physician,” Janet says.

Janet’s experience is becoming less common, though adults with ADHD do still encounter professionals with questionable prescription practices. The bottom line? Be a smart health-care consumer, and take note of these red flag statements (and medically reviewed rebuttals) surrounding Adderall and other popular ADHD medications.

1. “My adult ADHD patients do best on Adderall (or this other stimulant medication).”

Adderall is among the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications. It’s also a stimulant – considered first-line treatment for ADHD. But these factors don’t mean that physicians can “play favorites” with it or with stimulants as a class. Those who do don’t have an empirical basis for doing so and are gambling with your chances of success.

[Read: A Patient’s Primer on the Stimulant Medications Used to Treat ADHD]

Simply put, there is no way to predict how a patient will respond to Adderall or any stimulant, whether a methylphenidate (MPH) or amphetamine (AMP), until they try it.

Physician and ADHD specialist Patricia Quinn, M.D., suggests trying both classes of stimulants (MPH and AMP) before deciding that stimulants won’t work for you and moving on to a nonstimulant medication or another ADHD treatment: “You might even try several meds within the same class before switching to another stimulant class,” she said. For example, Ritalin LA and Concerta are both long-acting methylphenidates. Due to their different delivery mechanisms, however, each brings different results — and potential side effects.

2. “This is an average dose for adults with ADHD.”

Just as a professional cannot predict which medication will work best, they also cannot predict an optimal dosage – there is no “average” or optimal dosage of Adderall — or any other ADHD medication.

The ideal dosage of Adderall or another ADHD medications is identified using a method called titration: carefully increasing the dosage over time, until noticeable benefits are achieved and side effects are kept to a minimum. The approach should always be “Start Low, Titrate Slow.” In general, stimulant medications should be administered at the dosage that is both lowest (to keep side effects at bay and avoid overdosing) and most effective to the individual patient, and should also be adjusted according to changing needs.¹

Adderall is available in several formulations and doses. Immediate-release tablets can be taken several times a day, or during specific activities, depending on patient need. Adderall XR is a one-daily, timed-release stimulant. How a patient responds to a prescribed dose depends on many factors, including:

Your history of taking stimulant medications. Those who have taken stimulants in the past might be less response-sensitive than people who have not.
Genetic differences — some people metabolize the medication more quickly than others.
Co-existing conditions — anxiety or a mood disorder, for example, and their current treatments.

3. “For an adult of your height and weight, we start with this dosage.”

ADHD medication dosing is not related to an adult’s height or weight. The Adderall dosage of another adult your age, weight, and/or height is irrelevant. Clinicians, however, typically start adults at a low dose (usually 5 mg), and then adjust as needed.

4.“You can’t take Adderall if you have hypertension.”

Adderall is linked to increased blood pressure and heart rate,¹so adults with ADHD should have a thorough physical, including screening for heart problems, before starting Adderall or any new medication.

Hypertension alone does not preclude a patient from taking ADHD medication: “I would say that it is never a contraindication,” says Margaret Weiss, M.D., Ph.D., an ADHD clinician based in Vancouver, British Columbia. “You treat the hypertension first. And, in fact, there are medications for ADHD that lower blood pressure.” These include generic guanfacine and its longer-acting brand-name formulation, Intuniv, which can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure. These medications are often used as an alternative to, or in conjunction with, stimulants.

5.“Sure, continue consuming caffeine, if you like.”

Many adults with ADHD rely heavily on coffee or caffeinated sodas. Yet caffeine may exacerbate the effect of Adderall and other stimulant medications, creating anxiety and heart palpitations. “Some people can tolerate stimulants and still have some caffeine,” Weiss says. “For others, caffeine interferes by creating or exacerbating side effects, making it impossible to increase the stimulant to therapeutic doses.”

You may not be able to determine what’s causing these side effects — the stimulant or the caffeine — unless you gradually wean yourself off caffeine before starting stimulants. (Try to break the habit in advance, though, to avoid mistaking a headache due to caffeine deprivation for a medication side effect.)

6. “You should see a huge improvement in ADHD symptoms right away.”

The potential positive effects of Adderall, other stimulants, or medical treatment for ADHD shouldn’t be oversold. Knowing that stimulants are first-line psychopharmacological treatments for ADHD doesn’t mean we can predict how any medication or dosage will affect a particular individual. “It’s true that some symptoms may improve dramatically in days, or even in hours,” Weiss says. “But it is important to wait to judge the full effect of the medication, because it can take some time for all the data to accrue.”

Judging a medication’s effectiveness requires more than a physician asking, “How are you doing?” It requires at least two steps:

Taking careful inventory of the challenges you face (writing them down, one by one), before you started medication
Regularly reviewing each challenge as treatment progresses, in order to track improvement (or not), worsening symptoms, or new side effects.

During this titration phase, experts recommend talking with your physician weekly and using an ADHD medication tracking log like this. In-office visits should take place every three to four weeks to review side effects, physical health, patient and family well-being, and other therapies when indicated.

Many experts and patients report that too few physicians closely monitor medications used in adults. “It’s critically important to do, but the utter paucity of clinicians doing it is shocking,” says Stephen Hinshaw, Ph.D., an ADHD researcher and professor of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. “You can’t notice small improvements or side effects without a monitoring sheet.”

Weiss recommends using rating scales that measure a broad range of symptoms and functioning; in other words, a metric for tracking how you’re doing in life. The Weiss Functional Impairment rating scale is a good place to start. Having a tangible method for observing change makes the target concrete and keeps it in focus.

As you face challenging situations in your life, you can gauge how your responses differ from those in the past. “It can also take time to notice the differences in how people are reacting to you, or to evaluate changes in how efficient or how much better you’ve become at your job,” Weiss says.

Weiss offers these guidelines:

Symptoms tend to improve within hours after taking stimulant medications, but it can take a few days to fully appreciate these changes.
Nonstimulants take approximately five days to go into effect after dosage changes, and it often takes six to eight weeks to realize the full benefits of medications like atomoxetine.
Functioning improves within months.
Developmental changes happen over years. For example, the individual who never had a friend can now make and keep them. An adult who could not keep a job can now hold onto one for a year.

7. “If the stimulant disrupts your sleep, we will have to switch you to a nonstimulant.”

The causes of sleep problems among adults with ADHD are multi-faceted, and may not be fully understood by the treating physician. Increasingly, research on the ADHD brain is pointing to neurophysiological differences in circadian rhythm, the inner biological clock that tells us when to go to sleep. But there are other ADHD-related obstacles to sleep, such as being unable to “put the brakes on” a busy brain.

In evaluating the adverse effects of any ADHD medication on sleep, it’s important to pay attention to timing. Perhaps sleep problems are caused by the rebound from the medication’s wearing off. In that case, you should try taking the medication earlier in the day or taking a nap midday while the full dose is in effect. A no-risk trial nap can help to demonstrate that the medication is not causing the sleep disturbance, but rather the ADHD itself, and lack of medication in the rebound period. Some people with ADHD sleep better on a stimulant; such medications stop “brain noise” and increase focus on going to sleep and staying asleep.

8. “If you think that Adderall (or another stimulant) has stopped working, we should try something else.”

Before ruling out Adderall or any other ADHD stimulant, consider that the medication may have stopped working for any of several neurobiological reasons. After that, take a step back and try to remember what life was like before you started taking the stimulant. Is it better? Worse?

Adults who are diagnosed with ADHD later in life typically develop the habit of paying attention only to the exciting or new. After a few weeks of experiencing the “novelty” of improved symptoms, it’s easy to forget how far you’ve come. This is another reason for keeping written records of baseline symptoms and of the progress you’ve made. It’s the only way to know if the med is doing its job.

[Download This Next: The Ultimate Guide to ADHD Medication]

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Sources

¹ Federal Drug Administration. “Adderall Medication Guide.” https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/011522s040lbl.pdf

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Updated on March 19, 2021

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Uses, Dosage, Interactions & Safety Information

The FDA approved Adderall in 1996, but it was originally approved in 1960 under the name Obetrol, a drug used to decrease appetite. The FDA approved the drug for use in ADHD without clinical trials testing its safety in children, according to a PLoS One review by Florence T. Bourgeois and colleagues at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.

Adderall is available in an extended-release formula, Adderall XR. It’s also available in a generic form as amphetamine/dextroamphetamine salts.

While the medication is FDA-approved for ADHD and narcolepsy, some medical providers may prescribe it for unapproved, off-label uses. These include treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar depression and to help people lose weight.

Fact

Adderall may cause dependence, and it’s a controlled substance. Selling or giving away Adderall is against the law.

Because Adderall is a stimulant, working professionals and students may use it without a prescription to get more work done, to improve focus while studying or with alcohol to get high. It’s one of the most misused ADHD drugs. But misuse of this drug can lead to serious cardiovascular events or sudden death, according to the Adderall drug label.

This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as amphetamines, drugs that are highly addictive and listed as controlled substances by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The most common Adderall side effects include stomachache, nervousness and decreased appetite.

How Does It Work?

The two active ingredients in Adderall, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, work by affecting the brain levels of specific neurotransmitters — dopamine, adrenaline (also known as epinephrine) and norepinephrine.

The immediate release formula lasts about 4 to 6 hours, and the extended release lasts about 8 to 12 hours.

Fact

Adderall’s immediate release formula lasts about 4 to 6 hours and the extended release (Adderall XR) lasts about 8 to 12 hours.

Adderall is one of the most popular medications for ADHD. People with ADHD have levels of neurotransmitters that overstimulate them. Adderall used along with therapy can help dial down the stimulation to help them function better.

Several studies have shown Adderall is effective at treating symptoms of ADHD including aggression, disruptive behavior, impulsivity, inattention and hyperactivity-impulsivity, according to a meta-analysis in the Journal of Attention Disorders.

People with narcolepsy don’t have enough of these neurotransmitters to stay focused and awake. Adderall can help them stay awake throughout the day by stimulating the brain and mimicking the effects of neurotransmitters.

How to Take Adderall

The instructions on how to take Adderall may be different depending on the condition being treated, the formulation of Adderall (regular or extended release) and a patient’s age. Medical providers may adjust the dosage over time or occasionally stop treatment to see how effective the medication is.

Patients should always take the lowest effective dose recommended by their health care provider.

Adderall comes in the following dosages: 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg.

Adderall XR comes in the following dosages: 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg. Adderall XR isn’t approved for treating narcolepsy.

Any missed doses should be taken as soon as possible, but a patient should never take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose. If it’s just a few hours until the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with the next scheduled dose.

Fact

Avoid taking Adderall XR in the afternoon or evening because it can cause problems sleeping.

Dosage Recommendation for ADHD

Starting dosages range from 5 mg to 20 mg a day, depending on a patient’s age and whether the drug is immediate release or extended release. The drug label does not recommend Adderall in children under 3 years old or Adderall XR in children under 6 years old.

Patients should take their medication exactly as prescribed, and should take it first thing in the morning to avoid insomnia. The medicine can be taken with or without food.

Adderall XR should never be crushed or chewed, but the capsule may be opened and sprinkled over applesauce. If taken with applesauce, it should be swallowed without chewing.

Adderall Immediate Release

Adderall immediate release tablets are typically taken two to three times a day.
The typical starting dose for patients ages 6 and older is 5 mg once or twice daily. Medical providers may increase the dose by 5 mg every week until the medicine starts to work. The dose rarely exceeds 40 mg per day.
In patients from 3 to 5 years of age, the starting dose is 2.5 mg. Medical providers may increase the dose by 2.5 mg every week until the medicine starts to work.
Patients take additional doses every 4 to 6 hours.

Adderall Extended Release

Children 6 to 12 years old typically start on 5 mg or 10 mg once a day. The medical provider may increase the dose by 5 to 10 mg each week until it starts to work.
Children 13 to 17 years old typically start at 10 mg once a day. After the first week, the dose may be increased to 20 mg.
Adults 18 years or older start at 20 mg once a day. The medical provider may increase the dose each week until it starts to work.

Dosage Recommendation for Narcolepsy

The medication label doesn’t recommend Adderall in children under the age of 6 for narcolepsy treatment, and Adderall XR isn’t approved for treating narcolepsy.

Children 6 to 11 years old start on 5 mg once a day. The medical provider may increase the dose by 5 mg each week until the medicine works.
Children 12 to 17 years old start at 10 mg once a day. The medical provider may increase the dose by 10 mg each week until the medicine works.
Adults 18 years or older start at 10 mg once a day. The medical provider may increase the dose by 10 mg each week until the medicine works.

Drug Interactions

Adderall may interact with a number of medications and substances. This can cause side effects or cause medicines not to work as well.

This is not a complete list of all drug interactions. Before taking the drug, tell your medical provider about all medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements you or your child may be taking.

Drug labels don’t warn about interactions with alcohol, but some studies have shown dangerous effects from mixing Adderall and alcohol.

Because Adderall may make it more difficult to get drunk, people may drink more and suffer alcohol poisoning, according to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. It may also cause stress on the cardiovascular system, leading to high blood pressure and potential cardiovascular problems.

In one case study reported by Dr. Xiangyang Jiao and colleagues in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine, a 20-year-old man suffered a heart attack after combining Adderall XR and whiskey.

Adderall may interact with the following substances:

Gastrointestinal acidifying agents such as ascorbic acid, fruit juice, guanethidine, reserpine and glutamic acid HCl can lower absorption of Adderall.
Adrenergic blockers, or alpha-blockers, such as the blood pressure drugs doxazosin, prazosin and terazosin may not be as effective.
Adderall can increase the potency of tricyclic antidepressants and lead to cardiovascular side effects.
Antacids increase absorption of Adderall and should be avoided.
Acetazolamide and some thiazides increase blood levels of Adderall.
CYP2D6 inhibitors such as Benadryl, Wellbutrin, Paxil, Prozac and Cymbalta may increase levels of Adderall in the blood and may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Serotonergic drugs such as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants and St. John’s Wort may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome.
MAO inhibitors slow Adderall metabolism and let it last longer in the body. This may lead to extremely high blood pressure, extremely high body temperatures, metabolic acidosis and other neurological toxic effects. This can be fatal.
Antihistamines may lose their sedative effects.
Blood pressure medications may not work as well.
Chlorpromazine, haloperidol and lithium carbonate inhibit the stimulant effect of Adderall.
Adderall makes the pain-relieving effects of meperidine stronger.
Using phenobarbital or phenytoin with Adderall may produce an anticonvulsant effect.
Overdosing on propoxyphene while taking Adderall can cause fatal convulsions.
Proton pump inhibitors may affect the duration of Adderall’s clinical effect and medical providers should monitor people taking these drugs together.

Who Should Not Take Adderall?

People with certain health conditions should not take Adderall. Make sure to tell the prescribing medical provider about all health conditions for you or your child.

Don’t take Adderall if you or your child:

Are agitated, tense or overly anxious
Are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor or MAOI, a type of antidepressant, within the past 14 days
Have abused prescription drugs, street drugs or alcohol
Have allergies to Adderall or other stimulants
Have glaucoma, an eye problem often caused by high eye pressure which results in nerve damage
Have hardening of the arteries or any type of heart disease
Have hyperthyroidism
Have problems with high blood pressure

Adderall vs. Ritalin

The FDA approved both Adderall and Ritalin to treat ADHD and narcolepsy, but Ritalin (methylphenidate) is an older medication. They are both highly addictive controlled substances. But each drug works a little differently and causes different side effects, and there are also slight differences in how effective they are.

For example, unlike Ritalin, Adderall also increases the release of dopamine, a chemical that increases the feeling of pleasure and reward.

Adderall has a longer, sustained effect at about half the dose of Ritalin, according to some studies. But Adderall’s absorption is delayed when taken with a high-fat meal.

According to Dr. Samuele Cortese and colleagues in The Lancet, Ritalin is the preferred drug for treating ADHD in children and Adderall is better for adults.

Drug Alternatives

There are a few drug alternatives to Adderall for ADHD and narcolepsy. Stimulants such as Adderall are the first line of treatment for ADHD, but nonstimulants are also an option.

Talk to your medical provider about which one might be best for you or your child.

Stimulants for ADHD

Amphetamines including Dyanavel XR, Adzenys ER, Adzenys XR-ODT, Evekeo, Evekeo ODT
Desoxyn (methamphetamine)
Dexedrine, Zenzedi, ProCentra (dextroamphetamine)
Focalin, Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate)
Ritalin, Concerta, Methylin, Metadate CD, Quillivant, Daytrana and others (methylphenidate)
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)

Nonstimulants for ADHD

Depakote (valproic acid)
Intuniv (guanfacine)
Kapvay (clonidine)
Norpramin (desipramine)
Strattera (atomoxetine)
Tofranil (imipramine)
Wellbutrin (bupropion)

Drugs for Narcolepsy

Dexedrine, Zenzedi, ProCentra (dextroamphetamine)
Evekeo (amphetamine)
Nuvigil (armodafinil)
Provigil (modafinil)
Ritalin, Concerta, Methylin (methylphenidate)
Vyvanse (lisdexamfetamine)
Xyrem (sodium oxybate)

Adderall Dosage Guide – Drugs.com

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on April 28, 2020.

Generic name: DEXTROAMPHETAMINE SACCHARATE 1.25mg, AMPHETAMINE ASPARTATE MONOHYDRATE 1.25mg, DEXTROAMPHETAMINE SULFATE 1.25mg, AMPHETAMINE SULFATE 1.25mg
Dosage form: tablet

Regardless of indication, amphetamines should be administered at the lowest effective dosage, and dosage should be individually adjusted according to the therapeutic needs and response of the patient. Late evening doses should be avoided because of the resulting insomnia.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Not recommended for children under 3 years of age. In children from 3 to 5 years of age, start with 2.5 mg daily; daily dosage may be raised in increments of 2.5 mg at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained.

In children 6 years of age and older, start with 5 mg once or twice daily; daily dosage may be raised in increments of 5 mg at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained. Only in rare cases will it be necessary to exceed a total of 40 mg per day. Give first dose on awakening; additional doses (1 or 2) at intervals of 4 to 6 hours.

Where possible, drug administration should be interrupted occasionally to determine if there is a recurrence of behavioral symptoms sufficient to require continued therapy.

Narcolepsy

Usual dose 5 mg to 60 mg per day in divided doses, depending on the individual patient response.

Narcolepsy seldom occurs in children under 12 years of age; however, when it does, dextroamphetamine sulfate may be used. The suggested initial dose for patients aged 6 to 12 is 5 mg daily; daily dose may be raised in increments of 5 mg at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained. In patients 12 years of age and older, start with 10 mg daily; daily dosage may be raised in increments of 10 mg at weekly intervals until optimal response is obtained. If bothersome adverse reactions appear (e.g., insomnia or anorexia), dosage should be reduced. Give first dose on awakening; additional doses (1 or 2) at intervals of 4 to 6 hours.

Frequently asked questions

More about Adderall (amphetamine / dextroamphetamine)

Consumer resources

Other brands: Mydayis

Professional resources

Other Formulations

Related treatment guides

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

“Generation Adderall”

Have you ever been to Anfield? Until the age of 23, when I lived in London and finished my studies, I had not even heard of him. One afternoon, I received a notice that a package I had been waiting impatiently for was stuck in customs and was now in a FedEx warehouse in Anfield, an inconspicuous London suburb. I immediately left the apartment and an hour later I was on the train bound for Anfield and looked out the window at the cloudy sky. This package was sent from Los Angeles and contained my month’s supply of Adderall.

Adderall is the trade name for a mixture of amphetamine salts. Its circulation in the UK is much more strictly regulated than in the United States. In the United States, where a year earlier I became one of the millions of people prescribed stimulant therapy.

The trip to Anfield was far from the extreme extreme I had taken in those 10 Adderall years. Sometimes, I scoured someone else’s first-aid kit, rummaged in garbage cans, where I had previously thrown pills in an attempt to quit, wrote essays for classmates in exchange for the coveted drug.Once, when I was living in New Hampshire, I didn’t show up for work. Instead, I spent 3 hours on the one-way road to get to a clinic where my prescription had not yet expired. I have never been more resourceful than when I needed more Adderall.

Adderall is prescribed for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. It is a neurobehavioral condition that manifests itself in the form of inattention, hyperactivity, and irascibility. This disease was included in D.S.M. (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – US Nomenclature of Mental Disorders – Approx. New ) in 1987, and it was observed mainly among children. It is also called attention deficit disorder and has been diagnosed with increasing frequency over the past decades. Thus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the 1990s, approximately 3-5% of school-age children were attributed to the disease. By 2013, this figure reached 11%.It continues to grow, and with it the number of prescribed stimulants. In the 1990s, about 600,000 children adopted them. Most of it was Ritalin, which in many cases had to be taken several times a day. In 2013, 3.5 million children were on stimulants, and Ritalin was replaced by Adderall, officially launched in 1996 as a new, improved choice for ADD patients, a more potent drug that lasts longer.

The very name of Adderall reflects the hopes of its creators to expand the client base: as Alan Schwartz writes in his new book A.D.H.D Nation ”, based on the phrase“ A.D.D for all ”. When I went to college in 2000 – four years after Adderall graduated – 5 million people were discharged; in 2005, a year before my graduation, that number almost reached 9 million. Then the total proceeds from the sale of drugs for ADHD in the United States amounted to more than $ 2 billion.

By the mid-2000s, the number of adults prescribed the drug was growing the fastest. In 2012, Adderall was discharged to an estimated 16 million people between the ages of 20 and 39, according to QuintilesIMS, an information service that specializes in medical data.Now Adderall is widespread on campuses, students take it with and without a doctor’s prescription. Even if not in the majority, but in many schools a kind of “black markets” for the sale of this drug have appeared. In fact, a study published in 2012 in Brain and Behavior found that non-prescription stimulant use was the second most common form of drug abuse in college in 2004. Only marijuana has gained great popularity.

We know very little about what happens as a result of years of using Adderall during and after college, along with all the experiences that make up adolescence.There is little research to date highlighting the long-term effects on those taking this drug. So we are a kind of walking experiment. We, who were about the same age in high school, first met Adderall, at a time when this drug was literally everywhere, and then, years later, we could not get rid of addiction. The question is, will we ever be able to do this. We, both physically and mentally, are barely up to the point where we can take a potent drug that we do not need at all, and so for many, many years.Sometimes I want to call us the Adderall generation.

As it is now known, Adderall owes its appearance to chance. In the late 1920s, American chemist Gordon Alles, in search of a way to treat asthma, synthesized a substance associated with adrenaline. It definitely helped to soften the bronchi. Alles created beta-phenyl-isopropylamine, more commonly known today as amphetamine. After the test injection, the scientist noted “feeling great,” which was followed by “a rather sleepless night,” which can be found in the book by Nicholas Rassmussen “Gaining momentum: the many lives of amphetamine”.By the 1930s, the drug Benzedrine, which was only a trade name for amphetamine, was being used to lift mood, energize, and increase focus. During World War II, US Army soldiers were given Benzedrine, also called “pep pills.” After the war, slightly modified and named Dexedrine, this drug was prescribed for depression. Many people, especially women, loved this drug for its appetite suppressing side effects and took it to keep from gaining weight.There was even such a means for losing weight as Obetrol. But in the early 1970s, when about 10 million people were using amphetamine, the Food and Drug Administration came up with tough regulation and the drug was phased out of widespread use. More than 20 years later, a pharmaceutical company manager named Roger Griggs decided to “resurrect” the almost forgotten Obetrol. After refining the formula, he named the drug Adderall and launched it into production, targeting millions of children and adolescents who were diagnosed with ADHD.The current version of the drug was released several years later. Now the time it takes for the drug to enter the bloodstream has been extended, and the possibility of addiction, according to the creators, has decreased, which means that it was easier to get off it. In theory.

I first tried Adderall in my sophomore year at Brown University. I complained to my friend about my bitter fate: by the next day I had to write 5 pages about the book I had just started reading. “Would you like an Adderall pill?” She suggested. “I can’t stand him, because of him I want to stay awake all night, and instead turn the wheel in the lobby.”

Who could have thought of a more tempting description? A friend squeezed two blue pills out of foil and handed them to me.An hour later, I was in the basement of the library, in an Absolutely Quiet Room, in a state of incomparable euphoria. The world no longer existed, there was only me, in love with the book. I read, and thoughts appeared out of nowhere and turned, it seemed, into an incredible treasure. As dawn began, I sat hunched over in the unkempt living room of our dormitory, jotting down my feverish judgments, hardly realizing that the sky outside was turning pink. I was alone in my new secret world, and this very loneliness was part of the intoxication.Nobody and nothing I needed.

Over and over again I returned to this feeling over the next two years, as soon as I found Adderall on campus, which happened often, but not enough. The Adderall watch has become the most precious timepiece of my life, of course too valuable for an Absolutely Quiet Room. Now I had to sit at the farthest table in the darkest and most desolate corner of the upper level of the library, hiding as far away from the noisy campus life as possible.This life did not interest me anymore. Instead, the lonely hours that I spent pondering, for example, Immanuel Kant’s judgments about “high” acquired the greatest value.

It suited me. All of this was “high”, those days spent in concentration free from any restrictions, when I absorbed the complex thoughts set forth in the book in front of me. I understood everything, my mind was sharp as a razor, I literally absorbed books, making them a part of myself. More precisely, a part of the person for whom I took myself, that cold, not distracted person.Of course, I preferred her much more than the lazy, “inhibiting” real self, suffering from bouts of fatigue and a pernicious passion for Swedish Fish gummies.

Adderall dropped the question of willpower. Now I could study all night long, then run 10 miles, then casually flip through the weekly issue of the New Yorker, all without stopping, without a pause, when I could wonder whether I should chat with friends or go to the movies. That was incredible. I lost weight, which was also very pleasant.Although I was lashing out at my friends, suddenly showing a rage of such depth, which I could not think of before. Once my neighbor went home for the weekend, forgetting to turn off the alarm. He squeaked for two days behind her closed door, and I completely lost control of myself, calling her with abuse in New York. I couldn’t remember the last time I slept for more than five hours. What for?

In the last year in college, the workload has only increased to almost impossible limits.For the first time, I couldn’t handle her. My playful aristocratic teacher of Russian history gave me a grade for the final semester test. One Friday night in mid-December, when our ideal New England campus was emptying out for the winter break, I sat alone in the Science Library, the only one that didn’t close for the night. I squinted at my notes about the Russian intelligentsia. And outside the window was a blizzard. Inside, fluorescent lights illuminated the basement room. I felt strange and carefree.It was a particularly “chemical” week, for several days I had not slept for at least a few hours, and to compensate for this, I took more and more pills. I looked up from the notebook, and suddenly the room seemed to expand, giving the impression that I was not in it, but in some strange mirage. Panic gripped me, I did not understand what was happening. I tried to breathe, to bring myself back to reality, but nothing worked for me. With shaking legs, I reached the phone and called my friend Dave in the room.“I had some trouble in the scientific library,” I said in a voice that didn’t belong to me.

An hour later I was in the ambulance taking me through a blizzard to the nearest hospital. The volunteer paramedic was student Brown, whom I met only once or twice. All the way he held my hand. “I’m dying?” I asked him over and over again. Dave and I spent 4 hours in the waiting room until they took me behind a screen when a skeptical looking doctor came to me. I was not used to the way he looked at me, as if I was crazy, maybe even incapacitated.But then it became easier for me, I was no longer so sure of my imminent death. Lying down on the couch before the examination, I even joked: “I will recline like an ancient Roman!” His face was uninterested. I described the drug I was taking. He was diagnosed with amphetamine anxiety disorder. This was my first panic attack, an unknown and rare reaction to an Adderall overdose. At the hospital, I left a container of blue pills, which I had been diligently begging for before.I still remember him lying next to the examination table.

_{Author: Chad Vis. The original image was taken from the Getty’s Open Content Program. Portrait of Louise de Keroual, Countess of Portsmouth, by Peter Lely.}

A few days later, I corrected my academic failure and went home to New York. My father knew about the hospital incident, and I promised him that I would stop taking the drug. And I honestly tried. I spent those long winter vacations at the public library on 42nd Street, languidly flipping through essays that I had not been able to grasp while on amphetamines.What I did not know then, which I could not have known – no one knew whether Adderall improves mental abilities if it is not taken as prescribed by a doctor, whether it is really a nootropic. It took several years before studies showed that the impact on cognitive process was more than ambiguous. Martha Farah, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Pennsylvania, did a lot for this research. She studied the Adderall effect on many standardized tests that measure the level of withdrawal, memory and creativity.In general, according to the test results, they found almost no improvement as a result of the use of Adderall. Ultimately, she says, “people with problems get better, more productive ones may not have, and on the contrary, their cognitive performance may deteriorate.”

My pill-free period did not last long. I went back to my studies and got grades every day. But as the final exams approached that spring, I reverted to the familiar pattern, where moments of hard work in solitude gave way to days when I slowly “walked away.”I could do nothing for hours, eat ice cream with spoons straight from the container, satisfy my desperate need for sugar, hardly finding the strength to at least get to the shower.

After graduating from college, it took me a year to make a decision that would define the next stage in my life for years to come. It was a revelation for me. I could become independent of those ADHD children who sold their prescribed pills at exorbitant prices. I could get my own recipe! This idea came to me when I was walking among the palm trees on the campus of the University of California.By then, I was living in Los Angeles and working as a tutor for high school students, many of whom took Adderall themselves. I also took summer courses in psychology and neurology, in order to then go to graduate school. I decided that I wanted to become a psychologist, which I thought was much more real than my secret dream of becoming a writer. Infinitely more real. Like many people in their 20s, my decisions were made in a panic and haste, but they also, of course, depended on how many pills I had.

I was now surrounded – well, or surrounded myself – by people who had also fallen into Adderall’s trap. Together with two of my closest friends, we traveled all over Los Angeles with relentless, false energy, trusting each other more than ever. Adderall maintained our friendship, and if one ran out of pills, the other would make up for the deficiency. Riding in the sun-drenched Los Angeles, immersed in a trance, I easily lost count and did not know how many pills I had in a day.

As soon as it became clear to me that I could get my own prescription, I ran to the nearest computer on campus and typed in “Cognitive Behavior Psychologist, Westwood, Los Angeles, California.” Then I already knew enough about psychology to avoid psychologists who would discuss treatment with me for weeks or even months and why I was so confident in the need for drug treatment. No, I could not contact them – I needed a specialist, a doctor, who would focus on achieving the result, and all this 10 minutes from the University of California.The next day, I sat in exactly the place I needed, in a faceless room with gray walls and furniture upholstered in black leather. I told the young psychologist opposite me about how I always had to develop some kind of compensation strategies in order to keep up with my studies, what difficulties I had to focus on one thing, that I was best at coping with the jobs that meant multitasking, like working as a waitress. Of course, this was all not true, I was a focused student and a terrible waitress.I learned all this by looking on the Internet for the symptoms of ADHD and the criteria by which it is diagnosed. These were the answers needed for any psychologist to take a pencil and write “Adderall 20 mg, once a day” on a prescription sheet. So I took advantage of them.

50 minutes later, I was standing on San Vicente Boulevard in the bright California sun, the recipe in my hand. This is the only doctor’s prescription that I received in less than an hour, I took it with me wherever I went, whether it was Los Angeles, London (where I used FedEx), then New Haven, where I got it. once a month at a treatment center in Yale, then again in New York, where the doctor whom I found on insurance, without any problems prescribes this drug to me again and again, based only on my words that I had already been prescribed it before, that I’ve been taking it for years.

Any book on the basics of neuroscience will explain how Adderall works on the brain and why it is so difficult to get rid of addiction. Over the years, most publications by scientists like Nora Volkov, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, have described studies on the nature of addiction that revolved around the neurotransmitter dopamine. Amphetamine stimulates the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, which spread rapidly through synapses and increase the level of nervous system arousal, concentration, general tone and targeted motivation.In fact, the release of dopamine is accompanied by any experience that gives you a particularly pleasant sensation, be it sex or eating a chocolate cake. It is for this reason that dopamine is central to modern addiction models. As soon as a person begins to abuse, the brain, which seeks to maintain homeostasis, tries to compensate for the excess of dopamine by blocking its own dopamine receptors. As the number of receptors involved becomes less, a person needs more and more active ingredient in order to achieve the desired level of euphoria.In addition, the reduction in the number of receptors can explain the withdrawal syndrome: after giving up the stimulant, a person is left to be content with the abilities of his own brain with a reinforcement system that works worse than usual. The question of whether the brain is able to recover from drug withdrawal remains open.

In 2008, three years after receiving my prescription, I ended up in a psychiatrist’s office in New Haven, where I was completing my master’s degree. Choking with sobs, I told them that my life no longer belongs to me.I spent a long time convincing myself that, using Adderall, I was completely in control of my error-prone nature, but in reality it was quite the opposite: Adderall made my life unpredictable, raising black hurricanes over my horizon completely without warning. And yet it was impossible to give up. The psychiatrist was probably a Serb, with a completely imperturbable expression on his face. He examined me calmly and prescribed Wellbutrin, a mild accelerated antidepressant that was supposed to alleviate the withdrawal syndrome by making it less painful to withdraw from Adderall.This sounded reassuring. But very soon I was just taking both drugs.

When I took Adderall, my life was a paradox. I believed that he was vital to me and at the same time I understood that he acts as a toxin, as a poison for art, love and life. In 2009, I got a contract for a book on psychoanalysis and neuroscience, and a little later I took a one-day job as a reporter for a news site. I was required to continuously feed short, catchy details: be lively and easily switch from one to the other.Addiction to Adderall was perfect for maintaining such a rhythm – and in stark contrast to what it takes to write a book slowly and thoughtfully. Week after week, slowness and thoughtfulness seemed to me more and more unattainable. It didn’t go unnoticed to me how the Internet made possible what happened in the 1990s, when Adderall swept the market, and these two events were like a blueprint for the lives of Americans.

From time to time I tried to give up the drug.Each attempt started out the same. Step one: collect all the tablets available to me, including those that are previously hidden in kitchen drawers and closets with clothes. Spend a few hours arguing with yourself about leaving one “for an emergency.” Break yourself down with a sharp effort of will and flush the pills down the toilet. Step two: For a day or two, it’s perfectly normal to feel like I’m really going to get through it. Step three: feel how time is piling on a gloomy, heavy slab, when even the simplest daily actions require tremendous efforts, and the future is drawn into an endless series of responsibilities that I have long been tired of performing.The work on the book stops. Panic comes. Then Adderall’s inner voice suddenly takes over, forcing me to jump out of the table and get a new prescription – almost every time it’s easy – or just borrow a few pills from a friend, if need be. And the circle closes again. I was ashamed of these moments and kept them secret. Few people knew to what extent the drug actually shaped my life.

Year after year, various experts in the field have told me that it is not so difficult to abandon Adderall.The rejection will be relatively quick and painless. And I often imagined that those futile attempts at rejection were my most shameful failures in life. I found some consolation when I saw my experience reflected in the multitude of individual voices coming from sites and forums dedicated to drug withdrawal. I will always remember one of these messages left by a certain mother on QuittingAdderall.com:

I started Adderall in October 2010.And my story is not very different from the rest. … First the honeymoon, then the jump from the cliff. It seems to me that I no longer remember who I was and how I felt when I spent at least one minute without Adderall. I look at pictures of who I was before I started taking the drug and I can’t understand how I could have been “happy” without it, because now I will be on the verge of a nervous breakdown if I even come close to not taking the drug all day. Sometimes I cried with shame as I put my daughter to bed, because the time she spent that afternoon with her mother was not real.

“No one starts fighting addiction by saying ‘I’m going to deal with my addiction,’” Jeanette Friedman, a drug addict social worker, told me when I met her in August at her Upper East Side office. – Not a single person is going to become addicted. However, nowadays, taking something like Adderall is a common thing – the harm from taking such drugs seems to be negligible, or the drug allows you to increase productivity. And in our culture, productivity is, one might say, the most important thing.Society puts a tremendous emphasis on not only doing your job well, but constantly striving for more. ”

Staying face to face with the patient, Friedman explains that what is at stake is his very ability to “become a full-fledged person without a hint of continuous need for anything.” Adderall exacerbates the usual dynamics of drug addiction by being closely associated with productivity, high achievement, and success. “It’s very difficult to accept the thought of giving up because it seems like you’re going to lose productive abilities,” she says. “Many survivors report that those abilities never go away.But the fear of losing them makes people continue to use. ”

I remember experiencing similar fears at school and later at work, and they can be felt in those messages from Internet forums:

I feel even worse now than when I suffered from ADHD and became addicted to this thing. Right now, I don’t feel like I can defend my PhD. I don’t feel like I can do a term paper, I have lost interest and enthusiasm for the things that I used to love. Dear readers, tell me it will pass.

Harris Stratiner, a psychologist and addiction specialist at the Caron Treatment Center in Manhattan, told me that every year he meets more and more people desperate to get off Adderall. He estimates that to date he has had 50 patients aged 24 to 40 with a similar problem. Most of them are creative people who wanted to connect their lives with art. However, many have chosen other, safer paths, abandoning their dreams, without even trying to fulfill it.

“They often gave up in favor of practicality. Then they decided that they had missed their opportunity. And after taking Adderall, they began to enjoy life again and stopped all the time to return to the idea that they were “sold out.” Many people take this drug to hide their dissatisfaction with themselves, because it narrows the circle of their thoughts to an elementary living day after day, allows them not to think about their goals in life, ”explains the doctor.

“This gives rise to both mental and physical dependence.It’s a real drug and it’s very difficult to get rid of it, ”admits Stratiner. Side effects reported by patients include nausea, chills, diarrhea, physical discomfort, pain, and even seizures. Sometimes his patients need hospitalization while getting rid of addiction.

Ultimately, I could not give up Adderall alone. I had a wonderful psychologist. I’m sure she saved my life. On the wall in her office hung only one painting – a reproduction of the work of Henri Matisse.As the course progressed, Matisse began to embody creativity. You start your journey in one place, painfully go to the unknown, to something that can surprise you. We both agreed that Adderall was a twisted version of this journey. I was 30 when I finally got rid of addiction. The realization of how much precious time I gave to this drug still scares me, even after 3 years.

In the first weeks after leaving Adderall, I was tormented by constant unbearable fatigue – it took me an effort to escape even on the smallest errands.And the gym was out of the question. I was tormented by a craving for the drug. As soon as someone just said the word “Adderall” in my presence, I began frantically to think of a way to get at least one pill. Or maybe two. I was scared, I was horrified by the thought that something irreversible had happened to my brain, and it may turn out that I would not be able to write without my special pills. I had no idea that only after giving up amphetamine my book would finally become real.

Even in those first weeks full of doubt, there was something good. Simple pleasures became available to me again. When I talked to my friends, I laughed more often and noticed that they too. I have spent many years of my life in a state of unnecessary tension. I kept thinking about whether I should be elsewhere, whether I should work harder and achieve more. It was only in a state of deep collapse that I was able to understand that this annoying desire was caused by a chemical substance, and that it was it that kept me at a distance from my friends – and from myself too.

One of those first days without my drug, I walked slowly, frightened. I had to go through nothing to get to the meeting that was scheduled in Midtown Manhattan. It was a delightful summer evening, the sun was going down. When I got to Bryant Park, I heard music and wanted to watch. A rock band was playing on the stage. I staggered somewhere at the far end of the crowd. The singer, muscular and bearded, held the microphone with both hands and put his soul into every word of his song.His voice was in the air on this summer night. Suddenly I realized that tears were rolling down my cheeks. I was embarrassed, but I couldn’t stop either. I had the feeling that during all these years I had never heard music.

By Casey Schwartz, author of In the Mind Fields: Exploring the New Science of Neuropsychoanalysis. (“In the vastness of the mind: discovering a new science of neuropsychoanalysis”).
Original: The New York Times Magazine.

Translated by Nikita Pinchuk and Natasha Ochkova.
Edited by Artyom Slobodchikov and Anna Nebolsina.

90,000 Do we need a magic pill to improve memory and attention?

Zaria Gorvett
BBC Capital

September 13, 2018

Photo Credit, Getty Images

Nootropics, drugs that supposedly improve mental performance and increase performance, are gaining in popularity. But are they really effective? And what will happen if everyone starts using them?

Honore de Balzac was an avid coffee lover who believed that coffee was the best way to stimulate the brain.Every evening he went in search of nightlife coffee shops, and then wrote until morning.

They say he drank 50 cups of his favorite drink daily. And … I literally consumed ground coffee in spoons – it worked well on an empty stomach.

The writer said that after a sip of coffee powder, “ideas in my head began to march cheerfully, like battalions of a great army that go to the battlefield to rush into battle.”

Obviously this really helped. Balzac was an incredibly prolific writer, having written nearly a hundred novels, novellas, and plays.True, he died of heart failure at the age of only 51.

Photo author, Getty Images

Pidpis to photo,

Honore de Balzac was one of the first proponents of nootropics – to stimulate creativity, he absorbed a huge amount of caffeine every day

For centuries, caffeine was the only assistant in overcoming the mountain of boring and painstaking work …

And only the last generation of workers began to experiment with substances that, in their opinion, enhance intellectual abilities and contribute to fantastic performance.

In fact, some of these “smart dragz” (“pills for the mind”) are already quite popular. A recent poll of tens of thousands of Americans showed that 30% of them took such drugs during the past year.

Perhaps soon we will begin to do all this.

But what will be the consequences? Will there be a new generation of thought giants whose brilliant inventions will usher in the space age of humankind? Will we achieve insane economic growth? Or maybe the working week will become noticeably shorter, because people will work more efficiently?

“Changes the mind”

To answer these questions, you first need to understand what exactly scientists are offering us.

The first drug of this group, piracetam, was synthesized in the early 1960s by the Romanian chemist and psychologist Corneliu George. He was looking for a substance that would induce drowsiness, and after a few months he came up with Compound 6215.

It was safe, but there was also no sedative effect. It seemed quite the opposite. In patients who took it for a month, memory improved significantly.

George immediately realized the significance of his invention and coined the term “nootropic” – a combination of the Greek words νους (“mind”) and τροπή (“turn, interfere, change”).

Today, piracetam is the favorite “magic pill” of students and young professionals who want to improve their performance. Although several decades after the invention of the drug, there is not sufficient evidence of its effectiveness.

Piracetam is only available with a prescription in the UK, although the FDA has not approved it and has not approved it as a dietary supplement.

Texas-based entrepreneur and podcast author Mansal Denton takes phenylpiracetam, a close analogue of piracetam, developed in the Soviet Union to help astronauts cope with the stresses of space life.

Photo by Getty Images

Signs up to photo,

Creatine has always been a staple of dietary supplements for bodybuilders, but now it is also used to improve mental activity

“When I use this drug, my speech skills improve, and therefore in such days I usually record a lot of podcasts, “he says.

In fact, this effect is quite typical for nootropics. Despite the abundance of their passionate admirers, the intellectual effect is almost invisible or absent altogether.

Brain gain?

Take creatine monohydrate, for example. This dietary supplement is in the form of a white powder, usually mixed with sugary drinks or milkshakes, or taken as a tablet.

The substance enters the brain, and recent studies show that creatine actually improves working memory and intelligence.

Although creatine is a relatively recent discovery by aspiring young professionals, it has been known to bodybuilders for decades.The substance is the main ingredient in many dietary supplements, and in the US, sports supplements are a multibillion dollar industry.

According to a survey conducted last year by Ipsos Public Affairs, 22% of adults said they had consumed dietary supplements in the past year.

If creatine had a serious effect on human performance, we would definitely notice it.

Of course, there are drugs with a stronger effect.

“Some of them are quite effective,” says Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford University.

There is one category of nootropics that scientists and biohackers (amateurs who are trying to change the physiology of their bodies at the molecular level) are very interested in.

These are psychostimulants.

The most common of these are amphetamines and methylphenidate, which are sold by prescription under the brand names Adderall and Ritalin.

Both drugs are approved in the United States for the treatment of people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

But now they are often abused by people whose work requires a high concentration of attention.

Photo author, Getty Images

Pidpis to photo,

The psychostimulant “Ritalin” is intended for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but it is often used simply to improve attention

Amphetamines have long established themselves as nootropic substances.

This feature was well known to the legendary Hungarian mathematician Pal Erdös, who with the help of amphetamines withstood 19-hour mathematical sessions.

They were used by the writer Graham Greene to write two books at the same time. Today, their use is quite common among journalists, creative professionals and financiers.

Those who took them swear that they really change consciousness, although not in the way you expected.

Back in 2015, a scientific review showed that the effect of amphetamines on intelligence is quite “modest”. But most people use them to improve their mental abilities, but rather to increase energy and motivation to work.

(Both drugs have serious side effects, more on that later).

One of the effects of psychostimulants like Adderall and Ritalin is to make it easier to perform psychologically grueling tasks.

One study showed that under the influence of “Ritalin” mathematical problems seemed more interesting to the researcher.

If we assume that all people start using mental stimulants, we have at least two main consequences.

First, people will stop avoiding unpleasant tasks.

Tired office workers who have spent years perfecting the art of idleness in the workplace will frantically sort documents, update spreadsheets, and enthusiastically attend boring meetings.

Secondly, the competition among employees will start to grow rapidly. This side effect of nootropics has been talked about for quite some time.

But is it so good, a debatable question.

“Many Silicon Valley and Wall Street professionals already use mental stimulants.This is starting to resemble professional sports in the field of intelligence, where the stakes and competition are increasing daily, “says Jeffrey Wu, CEO and co-founder of HVMN, which makes a line of nootropic supplements.

But there are also significant drawbacks. Amphetamines are similar in structure Methamphetamine, a powerful addictive drug that has destroyed countless lives, can also be fatal

There are many reports of both Adderall and Ritalin being addictive.And they also have a number of side effects such as nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, stomach pains, and even hair loss.

Finally, psychostimulants are unlikely to increase productivity in general.

An important question, how will a person feel the next day? You can work at the peak of your ability for 12 hours, but then you will feel a strong decline in activity for a day or two.

However, we still have a few proven options that can be bought without a prescription in every coffee shop.

This is, first of all, coffee. Unfortunately, no one has yet calculated the effect of caffeine on economic growth, but many other studies have found many of its benefits.

Photo author, Getty Images

Signs to the photo,

It seems that the best stimulant of intellectual activity is still coffee

Interestingly, caffeine was more effective than a commercial supplement based on it, which is produced by the Woo company and which now costs $ 17.95 for 60 tablets.

Well, and secondly, nicotine. Scientists are increasingly realizing that it has a powerful nootropic effect that improves a person’s memory and helps focus.

Although the risks and side effects are also well known to everyone.

“Some well-known neuroscientists chew Nicorette to improve their mental performance. But in the past, they all smoked, so this is most likely a substitute for addiction,” notes Guberman.

What happens if we all start taking brain stimulants?

It turns out that many of us already do this on a daily basis.And Balzac could tell you about it.

The purpose of the article is general information. It cannot replace specialist medical advice. The BBC is not responsible for any diagnosis made by a reader based on information from the site. The BBC is not responsible for the content of any external Internet sites to which the authors of the article link, nor does it recommend any commercial products or services mentioned by on on any site. Always consult your doctor if you have any questions related to your health.

The doctor prescribed medicine for him, which contains a certain amount of narcotic substance. Can he take it?

Praise be to Allah.

Adderall is
the trade name of the psychostimulant. It is believed to work
by increasing the secretion of dopamine in the brain. After research
found that Adderall increases alertness, concentration and reduces
feeling tired. It is also used in the treatment of ADHD (Deficiency Syndrome)
attention and hyperactivity).Some types of this drug are listed
drugs, as there were cases of abuse and addiction. FROM
additional information can be found by following the link (in ar.):

http://ar.wikipedia.org/wiki/ آديرال (link in English: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adderall).

As for
the use of drugs that contain a certain amount of narcotic or
intoxicants. The basic rule is that this is prohibited. But if
this is the only medicine and there are no permitted types of medicines, analogues
or substitutes, then in this case, this medicine can be used when
fulfillment of the following conditions:

1.The sick person is strong
needs such treatment, it must be an emergency.

2. Muslim Doctor,
which is trustworthy, testifies that this medicine really
has a positive effect on such diseases.

3. The patient must
use only as much medicine as needed to overcome the trait
urgent need.

4. The medicine itself is not
should lead to even worse or similar in severity of the disease, from which
actually the person is being treated, the consequences.

to the Standing Committee
on the issue of fatwas the question was asked:

What will your
conclusion on the use of “Pethidine” and “Morphine”? These are the names of medicinal
drugs that are used for pain relief.

Members of the Permanent
Committee replied:

If there are no permitted
means that would reduce the pain of the patient, in addition to these two, then use
them for pain relief are allowed in case of emergency. And this is
if their use does not entail even greater or equal harm:
for example, drug dependence and addiction to use (Fatahua
al-lajna ad-daim.T. 25.P. 77, 78).

Members of the Permanent
committee: sheikh
‘Abdul ’aziz
Ibn Baz, Sheikh ‘Abdurrazzak’ Afifi, Sheikh ’Abdullah ibn Gudayan, Sheikh‘ Abdullah
ibn Ku’ud.

See also the answer to question no.
176623.

Regarding your question about the use of such funds in
times of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him), we do not know
mentioning that an intoxicating or narcotic was used in the treatment at the time
substance.

We would like to advise you to contact a Muslim doctor,
trustworthy.And if he tells you that he will help you in your condition
only this remedy, that there is no substitute for this drug, then in this case in
the use of this medicine by you will not be a sin. If it pleases Allah.

If this medicine can be replaced by an approved medicine
drug, or the medicine is prescribed not out of extreme necessity, but out of
the preference for its use, as we understood from your question, then
is that there is no extreme need and need for its use, then you
it is forbidden to accept such funds.

For more information on treatment, see the answer to the question
No. 2438.

And Allah knows best.

90,000 discussion and comments in Tinkoff Pulse

💊🔬💉Health / Biotechnology
❓How to evaluate companies from this sector and select them for your portfolio

The HealthCare sector accounts for about 20% of the US economy. Companies are in demand and show growth dynamics above the market average. In this sector are large pharmacists $ PFE, biotechs – recent startups or already serious players $ MRNA, medical device manufacturers $ MDT, diagnostics and research $ TMO, medical insurance $ UNH and other various medical institutions

🗂To evaluate the segment, the traditional set of multipliers is used, which were considered in previous posts – P / E, P / B, P / S, EPS and other ratios, if we are talking about the valuation of large companies in the Large / Mega category with MarketCap from $ 10 billion

🕵 Today I want to analyze a narrower part of the sector – this is biotech.Mostly this is a layer of Mid / Small Caps companies with market capitalization from $ 300 million to $ 10 billion

🔬In contrast to pharmacists, biotechs are mainly engaged in research and development of new drugs. It is clear that biotechnological discoveries and development processes take a long time, are difficult and require more funds than similar stages for companies that create purely chemical products. Therefore, the cost of research and development for biotechs is usually very high. In many cases, during a certain period, such manufacturers operate at a loss, the research costs are many times higher than the revenues that usually come from partnerships with larger biotech companies, universities and pharmacists.

🚀But… if the resulting substance successfully passes the final stage of testing, then biotech can increase its sales in order to prepare for commercial launch after receiving approval from the FDA – US Food and Drug Administration. And this is where the fun begins for the investor.

💼 Oftentimes, the inclusion of such assets in your portfolio resembles venture capital investments and carries a high risk. Working with them is not suitable for classic value investing, but, nevertheless, it attracts a lot of attention, because it is from such companies that rockets fly quite often.Therefore, it is quite interesting to allocate up to 3-5% for such promotions.

📊Key metric – a portfolio of drugs in the process of development and testing (pipeline). If the company is unprofitable, which, as mentioned above, is typical for young biotechs investing in new projects, then the P / S or EV / Sales indicator will be more adequate. The business is characterized by high research costs, test failures and lawsuits are possible. Therefore, it is important to track the indicators of debt burden.These include debt / equity ratio, debt / EBITDA ratio. It is important to keep track of cache reserves, their quarterly use, if the cache is going for development

📑 I have accumulated a sample of companies that have recently attracted attention in the information field. Now I will set a filter for the selection of an asset for a more detailed study and possible inclusion in the list of potential purchases

Ticker M.Cap P / S P / B D / E Tgt% Cash
$ APLT 531 5.16 0.03 110 116m
$ SUPN 1567 3.34 2.21 0.58 22.3 352m
$ CORT 3219 9.59 6.57 0 45.2 428m
$ ESPR 776 3.78 86.6 19.8 143 215m
$ BLUE 1860 6.66 1.22 0 80 1.2b
$ FOLD 3164 12.7 9.88 1.37 53 509m
$ ZYXI 625 9.05 11.52 0.09 31 41m
average
by sector 2.77 3.91

🍀P / S – price / sales, how much the investor pays for each $ 1 of sales
🍀P / B – price / net assets, how much the investor is willing to pay for the company’s property per share
🍀D / E – debt / equity
🍀Tgt% – growth potential to the average target of investment houses

🙅‍♂️ $ ESPR $ FOLD – too overloaded with debts, I don’t want to buy their liabilities
🤷‍♂️ $ ZYXI – multipliers in 3.5x above average and low cache
🙋‍♂️The rest of the companies will be considered more carefully

🔅 detailed information in profile

“Faster, higher, stronger”. How mankind has been looking for stimulants for centuries in order to work and learn better

Taking various drugs and substances to increase concentration and work capacity is not a new trend. Nicotine, coca leaves, amphetamine – humanity has long been looking for ways to cheer up. However, most of these stories did not end very well, doctors became convinced of the negative effect of drugs on the body and prohibited their use.Especially for Tsekh, Yegor Sennikov recalled the history of stimulants – from caffeine to harmless and useless glycine, as well as the boom of smart pills in the United States.

“- Cocaine,” he replied. – Seven percent. Want to try it?

– Thank you humbly! – I snapped. Holmes smiled at my indignation …

… “My brain,” he said, leaning his elbows on the arms of the chair and joining the tips of his outstretched fingers in front of him, “rebelled against idleness.Give me a job! Give me the most difficult problem, an insoluble problem, the most confusing case – and I will forget about artificial stimulants. ”

Sherlock Holmes, suffering from idleness and trying to get the brain to work more actively with the help of cocaine and morphine, was not alone in his attempts. For centuries, humanity has tried to find ways to increase productivity and focus through the use of various substances, drugs and tools.Once it was a search and experiment, but over time, stimulants have turned into a whole industry. Now that the world lives at high speeds and thousands of things are fighting for our attention, stimulants are recommended by doctors and teachers, psychologists and parents. But how did it happen?

Emmett kelly 1953 / wikimedia commons

Natural first thing

Probably one of the first stimulants that humanity met was caffeine.It is believed that the ancestors of the Ethiopian Oromo people were the first to notice the invigorating effect of coffee beans; There is even a beautiful legend about a simple Ethiopian shepherd, Kaldim, who discovered the joy of drinking caffeine in the 9th century AD. I must say that caffeine itself does not invigorate – but it blocks adenosine receptors in the body (the appearance of adenosine in the body is a sign of serious fatigue and fatigue). So coffee does not carry with it a charge of energy – it only allows us not to get tired longer.

By the beginning of the 17th century, a fashion for coffee shops began in Europe, it came to the continent from Asia. They brought together merchants and students, politicians and intellectuals – they drank coffee, argued, created new ideas and even taught; coffee houses will be one of the centers of intellectual life for many years. Not everyone, however, approved of the use of coffee: for example, the American doctor Thomas Crothers wrote that coffee is addictive, and the drink itself is as dangerous as alcohol or morphine.However, this did not prevent the spread of coffee houses in the New World.

Another popular stimulant, nicotine, came to the world from America. The first European who got acquainted with tobacco was Christopher Columbus: in his diary he wrote that the natives brought him fruit, wooden spears and some kind of dried leaves that gave off a distinct aroma. Columbus did not become a smoker, unlike millions of people who became addicted to smoking after him: nicotine speeds up the heartbeat and increases blood pressure, and, in addition, activates the pleasure center in the brain and causes addiction.

Coca Leaves

Another popular stimulant of the past was cocaine. Even the Indians knew about the invigorating effect of coca leaves, which was noted by the first Europeans who came to the continent. But the real revolution took place at the end of the 19th century: in 1884, the Viennese ophthalmologist Karl Koller discovered that a solution of cocaine, when injected into the eye, weakens the sensitivity of nerves to pain. Cocaine immediately began to be extolled – first as an excellent agent for local anesthesia (chloroform, widely used for pain relief during surgery, was too dangerous – a slight excess of the dosage led to the death of the patient), and then completely as a unique remedy that invigorates the body, relieves headache and enhancing brain activity.

Cocaine was described in the newspapers as a “God-given” remedy for pain and fatigue. Sigmund Freud said that the drug causes “delight and prolonged euphoria, which is no different from the normal euphoria of a healthy person … And the effect of the drug allows you to perform long and intense physical work without any fatigue.” Many used cocaine to get more work done and not get tired.

And in London’s Harrods department store in 1916, even a special set was on sale – it was called a “Welcome Gift for Friends at the Front”, and it included cocaine, morphine, syringes and needles

Over time, the opinion about cocaine changed, and the enthusiasm subsided. Doctors began to notice that the drug is addictive and increases the risk of heart attacks and heart attacks, and its use began to be perceived as a vice.Coca-Cola removed it from its composition, and public opinion began to perceive the drug as a drug popular among bohemians, prostitutes, criminals, porters, porters and pimps.

Chemical breakthrough

Caffeine, nicotine, cocaine – mankind has been familiar with all these substances for a long time and had many opportunities to be convinced of their stimulating effect – as well as the fact that stimulants carry with them no less harm than benefits.But scientists did not give up hope that sooner or later they will find a drug that has all the properties of stimulants, but devoid of side effects.

In 1887, the Romanian chemist Lazar Edelyanu working in Germany, while studying the possibilities of creating a drug for asthma, synthesized amphetamine. However, Edelyanu did not conduct further research. The psychoactive effect of amphetamine became known only in the late 1920s, when the American chemist Gordon Alles returned to researching amphetamine on the respiratory system.The drug really turned out to be a bronchodilator, but the patients began to inform the doctor that not only was it easier for them to breathe, they felt a surge of strength and vigor.

Pharmaceutical companies decided that the stimulant properties were just a minor side effect and marketed the amphetamine under the name Benzedrine as a remedy for colds and asthma. People, however, soon realized that benzedrine not only gives you the ability to breathe, but also energizes.The drug quickly received the diminutive nickname bennies and began to be used as widely as possible.

Journalist Joshua Foer wrote that scientists and mathematicians, poets and writers in the middle of the 20th century used benzedrine as a stimulant, making it possible to work longer and more efficiently. The great Hungarian mathematician Pal Erdos constantly consumed benzedrine and coffee, despite the fact that this greatly affected his health. Once a friend suggested that he bet that if Erdos lived without amphetamine for a month, he would win $ 500; the mathematician passed the test, but his productivity fell in the most severe way.

prescriptiondrugs.procon.org

Mathematician Norbert Wiener admitted the same relationship. The poet Whisten Auden began with Benzedrine every morning. During World War II, American and German soldiers (in Germany the most popular amphetamine was pervitin) regularly received amphetamines from their commanders so that they could fight longer.

The drug was used by students – to increase productivity; it was received by truckers and housewives.He was regularly prescribed by doctors to their patients. In short, amphetamines (and methamphetamines synthesized a little later) were a fairly widely used drug.

The popularity of benzedrine and other similar drugs began to decline in the 1950s: firstly, it was recognized as a drug and withdrawn from the free over-the-counter sale, and secondly, the consequences of amphetamine abuse became obvious to many. The distribution of amphetamine was finally banned in the United States in 1970.

Lovely Rita

In 1944, another drug that gained popularity as a stimulant appeared in the United States – methylphenidate, better known to the world as Ritalin (the chemist who synthesized the drug named it after his wife Rita, who used the drug as a means of combating low pressure). The drug was developed as a remedy for narcolepsy and drowsiness, but its side effects have been noticed over time.

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Ritalin activates a part of the brain that helps focus thinking and calm behavior. Doctors have a theory that the drug can be given to children with ADHD – attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; for several hours it makes them focused and relieves drowsiness and laziness.

Starting in the 1950s, Ritalin began to be prescribed for children more and more often, and the drug began to be treated as a universal “smart” pill that relieves all problems with children

Ritalin gradually gained popularity in America in the 1970s and 1980s years.But growth began especially dramatically in the early 1990s (immediately by about 17%), shortly after amendments to education legislation were passed, which began to treat students with ADHD as children with special needs. aroused in parents a keen interest in ways to overcome the syndrome.

The popularity of Ritalin continues to grow. Between 1996 and 2008, the proportion of children aged 6 to 12 using this drug increased from 4.2% to 5.1%, and among children aged 13 to 18, the increase was more significant – from 2.3% to 4.9%.Overall, in the United States alone, about 2.8 million children have taken Ritalin. In addition, many analogues appeared in Ritalin in the 2000s – for example, Adderall, Focalin or Vivance. Controversy around all such drugs continues: some countries prohibit their sale (for example, in Russia), in others they encourage the use of the drug by children with ADHD, pointing to studies that show a significant improvement in the performance of children on drugs.However, every year more and more studies appear, the authors of which indicate that the drug causes very serious consequences – for example, heart disease.

Safe and effective?

Methamphetamines, caffeine, methylphenidate – all of these drugs do have psychostimulant effects that can improve performance; however, these drugs also have negative effects that make many people think that taking them is not so safe.And what about drugs, whose psychoactive effect is not fully proven, but many believe that it exists?

For example, glycine. The simplest amino acid was discovered back in 1820, but it is present in many things that people constantly encounter in life (glycine, for example, is present in many proteins that people eat). Only decades later, scientists were able to clarify the function of glycine in the body.

“It is best known as a neurotransmitter that limits the activity of motor neurons.As you know, each of our muscles is controlled by impulses from nerve cells. The mediator of these nerve cells is acetylcholine (these are motor neurons). Motor neurons have a system of so-called rebound inhibition, ”explains physiologist Vyacheslav Dubynin.

Thus, glycine can indeed cause a slight inhibition of the functions of the nervous system – however, for this to occur, the dose must be large enough, since people already receive glycine with food every day.

In Russia, scientists believe that glycine can be used as a remedy for the treatment of certain mental disorders, as well as perform the function of a nootropic. However, these conclusions are not supported by Western doctors, who believe that all the possible effects of glycine are nothing more than a placebo

Despite this, glycine remains a rather popular drug in Russia: it is prescribed to both children and adults, it is called a “vitamin for the brain.” and generally extol its qualities.But in general, researchers believe that its effectiveness as a nootropic is close to zero, and glycine itself is only good as a dietary supplement.

A similar story is with another drug – piracetam (aka nootropil), developed in Belgium in the early 1960s. Its nootropic qualities are either too frivolous or are absent altogether, which did not prevent it from gaining great popularity among Russian consumers.

Another such drug was invented in Russia at all – this is, of course, phenotropil.It was created in the USSR, at the Institute of Biomedical Problems – it was planned to use it as a stimulant for astronauts. However, the drug quickly gained popularity among the general population, who were attracted by “space technologies” and the effect that the drug allegedly had on productivity. It has proven tremendously popular with office workers and students, journalists and scientists – however, as with glycine or piracetam, it is impossible to say what effect it has on the brain – nootropic effect has not been proven.

The smart pill boom

In recent decades, nootropics and stimulants have been increasingly used by students trying to cope with the increasing pressure and stress during their studies. Quite quickly, Adderall became the most popular drug – it is quite cheap, its effect lasts longer than that of Ritalin (about 10 hours) and is believed to have fewer side effects.

But new competitors also appear.Today, the most “fashionable” stimulant among Western students is modafinil. Another drug created for the treatment of sleep disorders and narcolepsy, which has gained popularity among those who dream of increasing their productivity. Modafinil is sold freely in the United States, but it is banned in Russia.

His fans say that he has no side effects, and with an overdose of discomfort no more than drinking coffee.American students write essays under modafinil, solve complex problems and quickly cope with what they usually spend days and weeks on. The pilots who used the drug were able to work without sleep or rest for 40 hours. However, not everyone notes the positive effect – it becomes more difficult for some to live, as insomnia increases, the skin deteriorates, the face and body constantly swells.

But many experts and doctors believe that the popularity of such drugs poses a serious threat to the education system.Not all students think about the fact that seeking to improve efficiency, in pursuit of grades, they seriously risk their health – to become dependent on such drugs, the long-term side effects of which have not yet been studied well enough, because these drugs have appeared not so long ago.

News → “Areas of darkness” – who will refuse “smart drugs”?

On March 17, the film Fields of Darkness is released.The audience will be faced with a very modern question: what can you go to to become rich and powerful.

Leslie Dixon (screenwriter) : “The idea of the film is still more like science fiction, but I think that such developments are not a matter of the distant future. Moreover, I am sure that already today in laboratories developing “smart drugs” designed to improve memory, cognitive abilities and reflexes of a person, says Leslie. – I think that most people, including myself, would dare to take such a drug.After all, today people already drink drugs like Adderaall to stimulate the brain. It’s a wicked irony that many people take stimulants not for fun, but to unleash their potential.

Eddie can easily master foreign languages. He easily learns music. Women fall for him, as soon as he utters a couple of phrases. Such achievements are the fruit of our dreams, so it will be easy for the viewer to identify with the hero. And when the hunt for Eddie begins, the sight becomes even more exciting. “

Read everything about the film and its creators:

Synopsis

Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro star in a paranoid action-thriller about a failed writer whose life has changed dramatically after taking the “smart medicine” that allows him to use his brain to its fullest and become the perfect version of himself. Incredible success, big money and … rapid disappointment. New incredible opportunities create only trouble for Eddie in this story, full of suspense and provocation…

Famous writer Eddie (Bradley Cooper) is experiencing a creative crisis. But his life changes dramatically after an old friend invites him to try the NZT pill, a revolutionary new drug that helps to maximize the potential of the brain. Now Eddie can remember everything he has ever read, felt or heard, learn one foreign language a day, solve complex problems, and also fascinate anyone he meets along the way. All this can only continue if Eddie is constantly on the drug.

Soon Eddie storms Wall Street extremely successfully and is noticed by the powerful financier Carl Van Loon (De Niro). He invites Eddie to participate in the largest deal in the company’s history. But without hiding the reasons for his success, Eddie attracts the attention of people who want to get to NZT. Now Eddie must save his life while trying to cope with the horrific side effects of the drug …

Making a Movie

Scenario

One day, quite by accident, in a bookstore, screenwriter Leslie Dixon (who wrote films such as Mrs. Doubtfire, Hairspray and Freaky Friday) came across Alan Glynn’s book Areas of Darkness, which instantly intrigued her.The novel made Leslie ask many questions. What if there was a drug that could make you a perfect person? A drug that allows you to use all the potential hidden in your mind? Would you dare to take such a drug?

After reading half of the story, Dixon said she realized that the book could be the basis of an exciting Hollywood movie. Leslie decided to write a script from the book.

The plot of the novel echoes the problems of our age of information technology.Every day, our brains must cope with an endlessly updated stream of information.

“The idea of the film is still more like science fiction, but I think that such developments are not a matter of the distant future. Moreover, I am sure that today laboratories are developing “smart drugs” designed to improve memory, cognitive abilities and reflexes of a person, says Leslie. – I think that most people, including myself, would dare to take such a drug. After all, today people already drink drugs like Adderaall to stimulate the brain.It’s a wicked irony that many people take stimulants not for fun, but to unleash their potential.

Dixon gave her script to the producer Scott Krupf, with whom she collaborated on her first project, Outrageous Fortune.

The idea of a “smart medicine” captured Scott: “I haven’t yet met a person who wouldn’t want to use his brain 100 percent. You begin to perceive the world in a brighter light, become more focused, learn faster and remember things that you seem to have forgotten long ago. All this becomes completely accessible to you. But it is obvious that you have to pay a certain price for unthinkable benefits. It’s no secret that all brain drugs are potentially dangerous, ”says Scott.

Leslie and Scott have decided to work together on a project that has been directed by Neil Berger. He impressed the writer and producer with his innovative vision for the film.

Idea

“It was important for me that the film became absolutely believable and real. Of course, I wanted to get into Eddie’s head, see the world through the eyes of a person who took NZT. I had a lot of ideas on how to show Eddie’s world in a purely technical way, ”says Neil Berger.

“Areas of Darkness” – a film about the perception of reality. According to the producer, he chose Berger because it was Neil who knew exactly how to visually translate the exciting idea of the film.

For Berger, the film is both a thriller and an adventurous journey of the hero. “Before our eyes, Eddie goes from an ordinary guy to the ruler of the world and back. This is a film about modernity, about New York, but at the same time it is a completely universal story. The parable of a guy who is thirsty for success and whose thirst cannot be satisfied.The question is, what is he willing to go to to achieve his dream. I wanted the viewer to be with our hero at the moment of making important decisions. I think Eddie is a winning character, the viewer will want to experience all his ups and downs, ”says Neil Berger.

According to Neal, the film asks a key question: What if the pill makes you rich and powerful? Will you try this pill? ”

“It seems to me,” the director continues, “every person wants to do something special, to influence the fate of the world.Fields of Darkness is a story about a guy who finds an extraordinary way to change himself and the world, and this is not a fantasy. Our Eddie is not a superhero, but a perfect version of himself. Moreover, drugs like NZT already exist today – Provigil, Adderall and others. NZT is one of these drugs, only hundreds of times more powerful.

The question arises: if your brain works like a computer, where does a person’s personal responsibility begin and where does it end? Where are the boundaries of our moral identity? ”

In Regions of Darkness, suspense, action and humor are intertwined with a unique visual style and unpredictable plot twists.According to producer Scott Krumpf, the film will capture the viewer also because everyone will ask themselves after watching it: “Hey, what if I were in Eddie’s shoes? Would I dare to try such a pill? It would be funny, but at the same time very scary. ”

Casting

Bradley

The role of Eddie required an actor who would hold the viewer’s attention every second of screen time. He had to be extremely convincing in the role of a person who went from an apathetic loser to the ruler of the world.

“We thought about Bradley from the beginning,” says Berger. – Cooper is a great actor, everyone knows that the studio is first of all interested in one question: is it worth funding a picture based on the name of the actor? Fortunately, by this time the comedy “The Hangover in Vegas” had already been released, after which Bradley became super popular, so we did not have to worry about the “name”. I met the actor in New York. We talked with him all evening about the film, about life, about everything in the world. He turned out to be an extremely interesting person, so I knew right away that he was an excellent choice for the role of our main character.Eddie is a creative person, he is great at communicating with people. I knew that Bradley was smart and great as an orator, ”shares his impressions of the actor Neil.

At the same time, Bradley had to be convincing as a loser at the beginning of the film. “Our own experience helped us in this,” says the director. – For some time we were both unemployed, huddled in shabby apartments, we wanted to give up on everything. Bradley is familiar with this state of affairs firsthand. Therefore, Bradley was extremely convincing in various guises of Eddie. “

“This role places a lot of demands on the actor. He should be charming, funny, smart and charismatic. Bradley Cooper is a rising star who fits our needs exactly. He’s the same age as Eddie. He is equally good as a loser who dropped his hands, and as a brilliant guy using his brain 100 percent. Bradley got the opportunity to use his abilities as a comedian, and also to show everything that he is capable of as an artist. ”

In Cooper, the filmmakers found a hero that the viewer is ready to empathize with: “Everyone wants to make friends with such a person.Guys like him, and girls like him are just delighted. This is the type of people with whom it is good to have a drink in the evening, as well as embark on some kind of dangerous adventure, ”says producer Krumpf.

“Every actor’s dream is to be in Eddie’s shoes. At the beginning of the film, we see the hero going through a black streak of life. It’s great to live this way when you’re 25, but when you’re 35, it’s stressful. All of Eddie’s problems are solved by themselves when he takes NZT. He writes his novel with ease.The question is, what is he going to do next with his abilities. What will you do when you become the perfect version of yourself? The first question that arises is: is it still you or not quite you anymore? What price are you willing to pay for your newly acquired abilities? Here is a question out of questions. ”

Robert

Eddie’s extraordinary success in the financial world attracts the attention of the powerful banker Carl Van Loon, played by Oscar winner Robert De Niro.“Wang Lung is one of the smartest people in the world of finance. Robert De Niro played this role fantastic because he is a smart and strong man. It seems that Van Loon is taking Eddie under his wing, but, as in his best roles, De Niro plays a man who turns out to be completely different from what he seemed at first glance, ”says Bradley.

Berger met De Niro shortly after the release of The Illusionist, and even then they agreed to work together. But in the beginning, De Niro’s role of Van Loon seemed less interesting.In the beginning, Wang Lung was an important but still a minor character. And then screenwriter Leslie, at the director’s request, again sat down at the computer and completely reworked the role of Van Lung.

And after the amendments were made, De Niro agreed to play this role.

“De Niro’s preparation for filming is phenomenal. Robert and Bradley work in a similar way. They are incredibly inventive, says producer Krumpf. “They stick to the lyrics, but they always come up with something that makes your partner keep the bar high.”

“De Niro is one of my favorite actors,” the director admits. – He’s just an incredible partner. When I worked with him on the set, I always remembered his legendary roles in Taxi Driver and Raging Bull. I kept thinking: how am I going to tell Robert De Niro himself, how to move and what to tell him. But then I threw all these thoughts out of my head, I tried to think not about the image in my head, but about the real actor standing in front of me. ”

For Cooper, working with De Niro was a dream come true.“It was thanks to Bob that I became an actor. It is much easier for you to work when your partner is an actor of this class. ”

Abby

Eddie’s girlfriend, Lindy, was played by Australian rising star Abbie Cornish. “This is a story in which the viewer can completely dissolve,” says the actress, “because something similar can happen in the life of any person. This story is absolutely real and modern. ”

Lindy returns to Eddie after the changes that have occurred in him, in this story she remains the voice of reason.“Neil has always considered my character to be extremely important in the whole story, although she is, of course, a minor character. She is the only person close to Eddie, she also tried the pills and understands all the horrific consequences of taking the drug. A person becomes perfect, but mistakes are one of the foundations of human essence, there are no perfect people ”.

Andrew

When Eddie decides to gamble, he very recklessly borrows money from a gangster named Gennady, played by Andrew Howard.Problems begin when Gennady finds out about NZT. Several interesting points are connected with this circumstance.

“Gennady is, in general, a completely ordinary killer without brains, but when he tries NZT, he gets smarter. He becomes, of course, not as smart as Eddie, but “improved brains” make Gennady an even more perfect criminal, ”says the screenwriter ……

The results of Gennady’s NZT intake are both funny and terrifying at the same time. “My character is becoming more erudite, his speech is improving.He even starts dressing differently, ”laughs Howard. – Of course, its appearance is far from perfect. He looks more like a frequenter of European thrash nightclubs. He can be called a life-burner, but a bit extravagant in appearance. ”

Andrew Howard considers the film to be the perfect combination of action, storytelling and great acting. “Regions of Darkness” is an airy thriller with its own specifics. It is played by amazing actors – Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro. Neil is an incredible filmmaker who knows how to make a great movie.He always has a zest at the ready that makes any story more exciting and vivid. ”

Eddie’s Two Worlds. Before and after NZT

Directing

At the first meeting with the producers, Neil Berger outlined his vision of the film: “The starting point for me is always the actors. In my opinion, it is very important what emotions a person evokes in us, with whom we are destined to live several hours of the film. Working with actors is one of the main pleasures of directing. I am obliged to achieve masterful and outstanding performance from the performers ”.

“In the film“ The Fields of Darkness ”, – continues the director, – Bradley Cooper had to create an image of the difficult path that his hero goes through, but this image had to be reinforced with unusual visual moves. Throughout the story, Eddie commits controversial actions, but the viewer still has to stay on his side. Bradley is an incredibly charming person, you will immediately fall in love with his character, which means that we have already won the battle by half. ”

For each phase of the story, Berger created his own visual style and acting “language” so that the viewer can literally get into Eddie’s head.“The world of the ordinary Eddie is strikingly different from the world of Eddie, who started taking NZT. Each state of the hero has its own color palette, camera movement, design concept and artistic style. I wanted the viewer to feel what Eddie feels, to be in his “skin”.

Special effects

Visual effects became another style-forming element. With the help of special effects, the director and artists tried to convey how Eddie perceives and processes information when he on NZT, as a person with supernormal abilities, copes with the amount of information that modern life provides us.“How to show the work of a superbrain on the screen? To create this look, I used techniques that I hadn’t used before. I wanted the viewer to feel that our film is “handmade”, not “digital” cinema. For this I studied a fractal image. To show that our hero is able to perceive the world from any perspective, is able to remember everything he has ever seen and felt, I came up with the idea of a 360-degree view. It seems to have worked out. There is a lot of black humor in the film, which also finds its own original visual solution, ”says the director.

“We first meet Eddie during a dark period. He lives in New York, he has no money, he drags out a miserable existence. Even this way of life of our hero, I wanted to show in a special way, to find even here my own beauty, to show all the intensity of the guy’s feelings. Visual solutions, camera movements, mise-en-scenes – everything was supposed to support the work of the actors, to show the different states of Eddie’s consciousness. When our hero lives without NZT, his world is dull and bleak, when Eddie takes the drug, his world is painted in more rainbow colors. “

Chamber

The film’s cinematographer Joe Willems, together with the director, developed the “visual vocabulary” of the film: “We filmed an ordinary Eddie with a hand-held camera using elongated lenses, the lighting turned out to be kind of“ dirty ”. Eddie wasn’t supposed to look too good at first. When he takes a pill, he gains control over the world, which immediately changes the manner of camera work. Here we used wider lenses and softened the lighting.

In order to show how the “new” Eddie perceives information with lightning speed, the director and cameraman created the illusion of a 360-degree view of the space.

Color

Production designer Patricia Van Brandenstein was responsible for the reality surrounding Eddie. “The film Fields of Darkness is full of contrasts, it reflects different emotional states of the hero. We witness Eddie’s journey from the very bottom to the top of the world. We ask ourselves what moves it up, what can make it possible to stay at this top.In the end, we develop a liking for Eddie. The moral decisions he has to make are extremely interesting from the perspective of the modern world, ”says Patricia.

The color palette of the film depends on the vision of the world of the hero of the film.

“When our hero changes, the color scheme of the film also changes. We see what kind of unprincipled person he becomes, and what immoral acts he can commit. The frame is dominated by washed out blues and pale greens, as well as a large amount of gray.In New York architecture, buildings made of glass and steel stand out in bluish gray colors, which are cool colors, ”says Patricia.

Location

The film was shot in New York and Philadelphia. Native New Yorker, Neil Berger, pondered how this city could become a backdrop for the unfolding events of the film and came to one important conclusion: “You can try to control everything on the set, and that’s great, but then you will kill the energy of the environment. place you.We just let Bradley into the streets of the city to blend in with the crowd, with a small mobile film crew following him. ”

Thanks to this, according to producer Krumpf, the viewer gets the feeling that he is watching a “secret filming”, and not a “line-up” Hollywood movie.

Berger, who knows New York like the back of his hand, strove to show the canonical views of his hometown and convey the unique pulse of Manhattan. Filming took place in Chinatown, in the unique Lynx building on Eighth Avenue, Tribeca, Chelsea, Midtown, and the film also features a grand action scene with Abby Cornish in Central Park.

“New York is the one and only city. This story could only happen here. Only in this city can you overcome the path from miserable rooms to 12 million apartments in just six weeks, ”says Leslie.

Filled with energy, emotion and incessant action, the film remains true to the spirit of the New York that Berger knows: “New York is a real place of power, and Manhattan is his big brain. I wanted to do as many filming as possible on the streets of the city.Very often New York turns into a Hollywood set, and we wanted to shoot it “alive”. Areas of Darkness is a crazy story that sometimes goes off the rails, but we still wanted this one to look as real as possible, ”says the director.

Movie Crew

Neil Berger

Berger is best known for writing and directing The Illusionist, the acclaimed 2006 film starring Edward Norton, Paul Giamatti and Jessica Biel.The film was based on the short story “The Illusionist Eisenheim” by Pulitzer Prize winner Stephen Millhauser.

In 2002, Berger released Interview with a Killer, the film won Best Picture at the Woodstock and Avignon Film Festivals. This tape was also nominated for the Independent Spirit Award in the categories “Best Debut” and “Best Debut Screenplay”.

Berger directed commercials for the likes of MasterCard, IBM and ESPN before becoming a full-length director.Berger is the author of the Books: Feed Your Head campaign for MTV. This campaign was created to draw attention to the English language and literature.

Bradley Cooper

Before becoming one of the brightest stars of his generation, Bradley Cooper has amassed a vast experience in film, television and theater.

A real breakthrough for Bradley was the 2009 comedy “Hangover in Vegas” about the adventures of three unlucky friends who managed to lose their fourth friend after a crazy bachelor party in Las Vegas.For a long time, this comedy held the first place in the box office, became one of the brightest comedies of the year and made Bradley a real star.

Last summer, Cooper was featured in Joe Carnahan’s action movie Team A, an adaptation of the beloved ’80s television series starring Liam Neeson and Jessica Biel alongside Bradley.

Prior to that, Bradley starred in the almanac “New York, I Love You”, the comedy “Promise is not Marry” with Jennifer Connelly and Scarlett Johansson.

The actor’s filmography includes such films as Always Say Yes with Jim Carrey, All About Steve with Sandra Bullock, Party Crashers with Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson.

In 2001, the actor starred in the iconic tragicomedy Hot American Summer.

In 2006, the actor made his Broadway debut in Three Days of Rain, directed by Joe Montello with Julia Robertson and Paul Rudd.

In July 2008, Bradley joined the cast of Teresa Rebeck’s The Understudy. The performance was highly praised by critics. Its premiere, for which all tickets were immediately sold out, took place at the Williamstone Theater Festival.In 201st, the play was successfully premiered on Broadway.

Bradley also starred in the cult TV series Body Parts, which ran for six seasons. In 2005, Bradley starred in the television comedy Kitchen Secrets, based on the scandalous story of world renowned chef Anthony Bourdin. Bradley has starred in the Golden Globe-nominated TV series The Spy, as well as popular TV shows such as Jack and Bobby, Law & Order, and Trial by Jury.

Robert De Niro

Robert De Niro was born into a family of well-known artists in the art world, Robert De Niro Sr. and Virginia Edmiral. It would seem that fate itself was destined for him to follow in the footsteps of his parents. But the stubborn Bobby Jr. in his youth preferred to spend his free time on the streets of New York, becoming a member of one of the youth gangs. The father caught himself in time and sent his son to the acting courses of Stella Adler and Lee Strasberg. Thus began a new stage in the life of young De Niro.Acting became a way for him to do what you dare not do in reality. For obvious reasons, the images of hooligans, bandits and mafiosi were given to young De Niro easily. Perhaps this first accidental experience of “experiencing” led to the fact that today De Niro is one of the few actors in Hollywood who practice the Stanislavsky method. For the role of a taxi driver in the film of the same name by Martin Scorsese, he traveled around the city for hours, and in order to play a heavyweight boxer in Raging Bull, he put on thirty kilograms and trained for more than one month in the ring, where he received many abrasions.Despite this dedication, the Film Academy did not twice award him the well-deserved award (“Taxi Driver”, “Once Upon a Time in America”). But in the words of De Niro himself: “To feel mediocrity just because you, for some reason, were not given an Oscar, is stupid. Healthy self-confidence and a sober assessment of one’s strength already means success. ” In 1974, justice was done, and Robert De Niro received his first gold statuette for his role as the young Vitto Corleone in Francis F. Coppola’s legendary saga The Godfather II.The success and fame was followed by numerous offers of new roles. De Niro has become one of the most sought-after and most versatile actors in Hollywood.

Today, De Niro can afford anything on the screen – be it a parody or even a self-parody (“Analyze This”, “Meet the Parents”, where he subtly ironic about his own dramatic images of “mafiosi” and “CIA agents” ). He also treats failure with humor. And one more thing – on his desk in his office there has long been a copper plate with the famous words of Napoleon: “Failure is the mother of genius.”

This year, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association announced its decision to award Robert De Niro a Golden Globe Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Motion Picture. And in May 2011, De Niro will head the jury at the 64th Cannes Film Festival. Despite his considerable age (67 years old), the actor continues to act a lot and actively. His schedule is scheduled until 2013. Now nine projects with his participation are in the works.

Abbie Cornish

The young Australian actress has already made a name for herself in Hollywood.She became famous for her role in independent Australian films: Candy, starring Heath Ledger and 16 Years. Love. Reboot ”with Sam Worthington. Both works brought the actress awards from the Australian Film Critics Association, as well as Hollywood recognition. For her role in the film “16 Years. Love. Reboot Abby won an Australian Film Institute (AFI) Award. In the spring of 2011, the actress will begin filming the indie drama “The Girl” by David Riker.

In the spring of 2009, Cornish starred in the historical drama Jane Campion “Bright Star”, where she played the beloved of the poet John Keats.For this role, Abby was nominated for the British Independent Film Award for Best Actress and received critical acclaim in the United States, Great Britain and her native Australia. The premiere of “Bright Star” took place at the Cannes Film Festival in 2009, where the picture was included in the main competition program.

In addition, Cornish starred in Zach Snyder’s upcoming 3D action “Sucker Punch”, due out on March 25 this year.

Cornish recently completed filming for Madonna W.E., which took place in London. The film is about the love of King Edward VIII and American Wallis Simpson.

Cornish made her film debut at the age of 15 on the Australian television series Children’s Hospital. Shortly thereafter, the actress starred in the ABC TV series Wildside, for which she received an AFI award in 1999. In 2003, Abby received a second AFI nomination for her role in the miniseries Marking Time.

The actress’s filmography also includes roles in The Good Year with Russell Crowe, The Golden Age, Stop Loss and many others.

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ADDERALL: SIDE EFFECTS, DOSAGE, USE AND MUCH MORE – MEDICAL

ContentsOUniversalSide effectsEffects on the eyesDosageWithdrawalHow to takeUsesAlternativesAdderall versus other drugsAdderall and alcoholInteractionsOverdoseOverdoseP

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a prescription drug that contains two drugs: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.It belongs to a class of drugs called stimulants. It is most commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used to treat narcolepsy.

Adderall is considered the first choice treatment option for ADHD. Research shows that it improves focus and concentration, and reduces impulsive behavior. Between 75% and 80% of children with ADHD will see improvement in symptoms when using stimulants such as Adderall.

Adderall is also effective for increasing daytime wakefulness in people with narcolepsy, although there is little research on this topic.

Adderall comes in two flavors:

Adderall Oral Tablet
Adderall XR Extended Release Oral Capsule

Is Adderall a Controlled Substance?

Yes, Adderall is a controlled substance. This means that it can cause psychological or physical dependence and can lead to abuse and abuse.

The government has created specific regulations that govern how controlled substances are prescribed and distributed.These rules also require that you get a new prescription from your doctor for each refill.

Generic Adderall

Adderall oral tablet and Adderall XR extended release oral capsule are available in universal forms. The common name for the tablet and capsule medicine is amphetamine / dextroamphetamine salts.

Generics generally cost less than proprietary ones. In some cases, the brand name drug and the generic drug may be available in different forms and doses.

Adderall Ingredients

Adderall contains a mixture of various forms of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. In particular, these forms include amphetamine aspartate, amphetamine sulfate, dextroamphetamine saccharate, and dextroamphetamine sulfate.

Side Effects of Adderall

Adderall may cause mild to serious side effects. The following list lists some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Adderall. This list does not include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Adderall, or tips on how to deal with this worrying side effect, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

More common side effects

More common side effects of Adderall may include:

loss of appetite
dry mouth
sleep problems
Headache
abdominal pain
constipation
weight loss
anxiety
dizziness

These side effects may disappear within a few days or a couple of weeks.If they are more serious or persist, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects. Call 911 if symptoms appear to be life-threatening or if you think you need urgent medical attention.

Serious side effects and their symptoms may include the following:

heart problems, including high blood pressure, increased heart rate, heart attack and stroke
depression
hallucinations
disturbed or delusional thinking
agitated or agitated behavior
irritability
blurred vision
severe allergic reaction
muscle breakdown called rhabdomyolysis

Long term effects

Adderall is safe for long term use when taken at the dosages recommended by your doctor.For many people, common side effects, such as loss of appetite, dry mouth, or insomnia, decrease with continued use of the drug. For others, these side effects may continue.

Long-term use of Adderall or other stimulants can cause some changes in the brain, for example, a decrease in the amount of the chemical messenger dopamine. This appears to be more common in people who abuse high doses of Adderall.

If Adderall is misused or misused, prolonged use can lead to physical and psychological dependence.Misuse can lead to many serious side effects, including:

severe insomnia (sleep problems)
fatigue
depression
skin conditions
moodiness or irritability
psychosis symptoms such as

hallucinations

Heart Damage
Anorexia and Unwanted Weight Loss

Adderall High

When taken in usual doses for conditions such as ADHD, Adderall does not usually produce feelings of intoxication.

Some people who take Adderall may feel energized, focused, excited, or confident. Sometimes there is a feeling of euphoria. These effects are more likely to occur if the medication is misused or abused.

Headache

Headache is one of the most common side effects of Adderall. According to some studies, headaches occurred in 26 percent of people taking Adderall XR. This side effect may decrease as you continue to take the drug.

Nausea

Nausea is a common side effect of Adderall. In some studies, nausea occurred in 5-8% of people taking Adderall XR. This side effect may decrease as you continue to take the drug.

Erectile dysfunction

Most men who take Adderall do not experience erectile dysfunction, but some report that they are less interested in sex. If you experience this side effect and it persists, talk to your doctor.

Men who abuse amphetamines such as Adderall can experience erectile dysfunction and increase or decrease sex drive.

Constipation

Constipation is a common side effect of Adderall. In some studies, constipation occurred in 2–4 percent of people taking Adderall XR. This side effect may decrease as you continue to take the drug.

Hair loss

Some people taking Adderall have reported hair loss.However, it is unclear how often this occurs and whether Adderall was responsible for this effect.

Psychosis

Symptoms of psychosis, including hallucinations, agitation or thought disorder, are a rare side effect of Adderall. In some cases, these symptoms have been observed in people taking the typical recommended doses of Adderall.

Symptoms of psychosis are more common in people who had a history of psychosis before taking Adderall. They are also more common in people who abuse or abuse Adderall.

If you have this side effect while taking Adderall, contact your doctor immediately. You may need to stop taking Adderall.

Dry mouth

Adderall XR typically causes dry mouth in 35% of people who take it. This side effect may decrease as you continue to take the drug.

Sweating

Some people taking Adderall report increased sweating. This appears to occur in about 2-4% of people taking Adderall XR.This side effect may decrease as you continue to take the drug.

Insomnia

Insomnia or sleep problems is one of the most common side effects of Adderall. 27 percent of people taking Adderall XR may have insomnia. This side effect may decrease as you continue to take the drug.

Chest pain

People with a healthy heart generally do not experience chest pain when taking Adderall. If so, it could mean that you have heart disease.

If you experience chest pain after taking Adderall, see your doctor immediately.

Fatigue

Fatigue may occur in 2–4% of people taking Adderall XR at the usual doses. This side effect may decrease as you continue to take the drug.

Fatigue may be more common in people who abuse or abuse Adderall, especially at higher doses. In addition, people who have become addicted to Adderall may experience extreme fatigue if they stop taking the drug.

Side effects in children

Some children may slow down a little in height and weight when taking Adderall. This is usually temporary and growth usually occurs over time. Your doctor will monitor your child’s growth during treatment with Adderall.

In some cases, if the child’s growth slows down too much, the doctor may stop treatment with Adderall.

Adderall and your eyes

Adderall may have certain effects on your eyes.

Blurred vision

Although on rare occasions some people taking Adderall may have blurry vision or focus problems.

If you experience blurred vision that persists with continued use of Adderall, consult your doctor.

Effect on pupils

In some cases, Adderall may temporarily cause dilation (enlargement) of your pupils – the black centers of your eyes. For most people, this is not a problem.However, for people with glaucoma, this effect can worsen their condition. People with glaucoma should not take Adderall.

If you experience any changes in your vision that persist with continued use of Adderall, consult your doctor.

Dosage of Adderall

The dosage of Adderall that your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

the type and severity of the condition for which you are using Adderall.
your age
the form of Adderall you are taking
other medical conditions you may have

Usually your doctor starts with a low dosage and adjusts it over time to achieve the dosage you want. Ultimately, they will prescribe the lowest dosage that produces the desired effect.

The following information describes commonly used or recommended dosages. However, be sure to take the dose your doctor has prescribed for you. Your doctor will determine the optimal dosage for your needs.

Forms and strengths

Immediate release tablet : 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg and 30 mg.
Sustained-release capsule : 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg and 30 mg.

Dosage for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Adderall Tablet

Adults (18 years and older)

Typical starting dosage: once or twice every 5 mg.
Dosage increases: The dosage may be increased by 5 mg every week until the desired effect is achieved.
Note: The first dose of the medicine should be taken on first awakening. Any additional doses should be taken every four to six hours.

Children (ages 6-17)

Typical starting dosage: 5 mg once or twice daily.
Dosage increases: The dosage may be increased by 5 mg every week until the desired effect is achieved.
Note: The first dose of this medicine should be taken when your child first wakes up. Any additional doses should be taken every four to six hours.

Children (ages 3-5)

Typical starting dosage: 2.5 mg once or twice daily.
Dosage increases: The dosage may be increased by 2.5 mg every week until the desired effect is achieved.
Note: The first dose of this medicine should be taken when your child first wakes up.Any additional doses should be taken every four to six hours.

Children (0–2 years of age)

Adderall tablets are not recommended for the treatment of ADHD in children under 3 years of age.

Adderall XR Extended Release Capsule

Adults (18+ years old)

Typical starting dosage: 20 mg once daily.
Dosage increases: The dosage can be increased or decreased every week until the desired effect is achieved.
Note: The medicine should be taken on first awakening.

Children (ages 13-17)

Typical starting dosage: 10 mg once daily.
Dosage increases: If necessary, this dose can be increased to 20 mg once a day after the first week.
Note: The medicine should be taken when the child first wakes up.

Children (6-12 years old)

Typical starting dosage: 5 mg or 10 mg once daily.
Dosage increases: This dosage may be increased by 5 or 10 mg every week until the desired effect is achieved.
Note: The medicine should be taken when the child first wakes up.

Children (0–5 years of age)

Adderall XR is not recommended for the treatment of ADHD in children under 6 years of age.

Dosage for narcolepsy

Adderall tablet

Adults (18 years and older)

Typical starting dosage: 10 mg once daily.
Dosage increases: The dosage may be increased by 10 mg every week until the desired effect is achieved.
Note: The first dose of the medicine should be taken on first awakening. Any additional doses should be taken every four to six hours.

Children (12-17 years old)

Typical starting dosage: 10 mg once daily.
Dosage increases: The dosage may be increased by 10 mg every week until the desired effect is achieved.
Note: The first dose of this medicine should be taken when your child first wakes up. Any additional doses should be taken every four to six hours.

Children (6-11 years)

Typical starting dosage: 5 mg once daily.
Dosage increases: The dose can be increased by 5 mg every week until the desired effect is achieved.
Note: The first dose of this medicine should be taken when your child first wakes up.Any additional doses should be taken every four to six hours.

Children (0–5 years of age)

Adderall tablets are not recommended for the treatment of narcolepsy in children under 6 years of age.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss an appointment in the morning, take it as soon as possible. However, if there are only a few hours left until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one on schedule. If possible, avoid using cosmetics in the afternoon or evening because it can cause trouble falling asleep before bed.

Never try to catch up by taking two doses at a time. This can cause dangerous side effects.

Do I need to use this drug for a long time?

You may need to take this drug for a long time. From time to time during treatment, your doctor may check to see if you need to continue taking. They will do this by reducing the dose of the medication to see if the symptoms return. If symptoms do return, you may need to continue taking the medication.

Conclusion Adderall

Talk to your doctor before stopping this medication. If you stop taking it, your symptoms may return. You may also develop withdrawal symptoms.

Withdrawal symptoms

If you have taken high doses of this medicine and stop taking it, you may experience withdrawal symptoms. These may include:

fatigue
fatigue
depression

How to take Adderall

How you take Adderall depends on the form you are using.

Time

For Adderall tablets:

The tablets are usually taken one to three times a day. The first dose should be taken in the morning after first waking up. Any additional doses should be distributed and taken every four to six hours.
Try not to take Adderall tablets in the evening. This can cause trouble falling asleep before bed.

For capsules with extended release Adderall XR:

Capsules are taken once a day.They should be taken in the morning after first waking up.
Adderall XR should not be taken during the day. This can cause trouble falling asleep before bed.

Fasting Adderall

Adderall tablets and extended-release capsules Adderall XR can be taken on an empty stomach.
Both forms can also be taken with meals. Some people choose to take them with meals to prevent stomach upset.

Handling

Adderall tablets can be split or crushed.
Adderall XR Extended Release Capsules must not be crushed, crushed or chewed. If you have trouble swallowing, you can open the capsule and sprinkle the contents of a spoonful of applesauce. Be sure to eat applesauce right away.

Adderall uses

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves drugs for the treatment of certain conditions. Adderall has been approved for the treatment of two conditions. However, Adderall is sometimes used for purposes not approved by the FDA.

Approved Uses of Adderall

Adderall has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy.

ADHD / ADD

Both Adderall tablets – Adderall tablet and Adderall XR extended-release capsule – are FDA approved for adults and children for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Adderall may help reduce hyperactivity and inattention in people with ADHD.

Narcolepsy

Adderall tablet is also approved for the treatment of narcolepsy.It can help reduce daytime sleepiness in people with the condition.

Misuse of Adderall

Although this use is not FDA approved, doctors may prescribe Adderall to treat conditions other than ADHD and narcolepsy. This is called inappropriate use. This means that a drug approved for one medical condition is prescribed by a doctor to treat another medical condition that is not approved.

Depression

Adderall is not an antidepressant, but it is sometimes used off-label to treat depression that cannot be treated with other drugs.It can also be used to treat depression in people with both ADHD and depression.

Some people who take Adderall or similar stimulant medications with antidepressants improve their symptoms of depression.

However, taking stimulants with antidepressants may increase the risk of side effects. Talk to your doctor before combining Adderall and any antidepressant medication.

Anxiety

Adderall or similar stimulant medications are sometimes misused for people with anxiety, especially those with both ADHD and anxiety.Some research suggests that combining stimulant medications with antidepressants can improve symptoms of ADHD and anxiety.

Bipolar Disorder

Adderall and other stimulants are sometimes off-label to treat symptoms of depression in people with bipolar disorder. When used for this purpose, stimulants are usually not used on their own, but are combined with other medications for bipolar disorder.

Talk to your doctor before combining Adderall with medicines used for bipolar disorder.

Other uses not approved

Sometimes people can abuse Adderall without the advice or prescription of a doctor. In some cases, such misuse of Adderall can lead to drug abuse. You should never use Adderall unless your doctor has prescribed it for you.

Weight loss

Adderall may cause loss of appetite. Because of this side effect, some people abuse Adderall as a weight loss aid.

Study

People without ADHD often misuse Adderall to improve focus, concentration and endurance while studying. This happens especially often with college students.

However, recent research shows that Adderall does not improve thinking in people without ADHD. In addition, it could impair memory.

Use in Children

Adderall Tablets are approved for the treatment of ADHD in children 3 years of age and older. Adderall tablets are also approved for the treatment of narcolepsy in children 6 years of age and older.

Adderall XR Capsules are approved for the treatment of ADHD in children aged 6 years and older.

Alternatives to Adderall

There are other medicines available to treat your condition. Some may suit you better than others. Talk with your doctor to find out more about other medications that may help you.

Alternatives to ADHD

Adderall belongs to a class of medications called stimulants. Drugs in this class are generally considered first line drugs for treating ADHD.Other stimulants that are treatment options for ADHD include:

amphetamine (Adzenys ER, Adzenys XR-ODT, Dyanavel XR, Evekeo)
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, ProCentra, Zenzedi)
Dexmethyl 9064 XR lisdexamphetamine (Vyvanse)
methamphetamine (deoxin)
methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Methylin, Metadate CD, Quillivant XR, Ritalin, others)

Some non-stimulant medications are also suitable for ADHD.These include:

atomoxetine (Strattera)
bupropion (Wellbutrin)
desipramine (Norpramine)
clonidine (Capwai)
guanfacine (Intuniv)
some tofraniloic acid 9,000 also use herbs and nutritional supplements to treat ADHD. For most of these supplements, there is very little research showing that they work, or research results are conflicting. Examples of these supplements include:
iron
magnesium
melatonin
omega-3 fatty acids such as fish oil
theanine
zinc
Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying any herbs dietary supplements for ADHD.
Alternatives to Narcolepsy
There are several other treatment options for narcolepsy. These include:
amphetamine (Evekeo)
armodafinil (Nuvigil)
dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, ProCentra, Zenzedi)
lizdexamphetamine (Vyvanse)
49 methylphenidylate3
Sodium Oxybate (Xyrem)

Adderall vs. Other Drugs

You may be wondering how Adderall compares to other drugs used to treat ADHD or narcolepsy.

Adderall vs. Vivans

Adderall and Vivans (lisdexamphetamine) are two drugs commonly used to treat ADHD. They are both stimulants and act in the same way. Despite these similarities, there are some differences between the drugs that may make you prefer one over the other.

Use

Adderall is FDA approved for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. Vyvanse is approved for the treatment of ADHD and binge eating disorder. Vivans is also used off-label to treat narcolepsy.It is not FDA approved for this purpose, but there is some scientific evidence that it can help.

Drug Forms

Adderall is available in two forms: an immediate release tablet (Adderall) and an extended release capsule (Adderall XR).

Adderall tablet is taken one to three times a day. Adderall XR is only taken once a day.

Vyvanse is available as a delayed-release capsule and chewable tablet taken once daily.A chewable tablet may be a good option for those who find it difficult to swallow tablets.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Vivans are effective in relieving ADHD symptoms. In fact, both of them are considered to be among the first to choose medications for ADHD.

It is generally unclear whether one of these drugs works better than the other. However, individuals may respond better to each other.

Adderall usually runs faster than Vyvanse, but usually not that long:

Adderall runs for 30 minutes and lasts 5 to 7 hours.
Adderall XR also works for 30 minutes and lasts 8 to 10 hours.
Vyvanse usually runs for 2 hours and lasts for about 10 hours.

Side effects and risks

Because Adderall and Vyvanse are very similar to each other, they also have similar side effects and drug interactions.

Both drugs can cause psychological and physical dependence and can be abused. However, the likelihood of misuse of Vivanse is less.This is because Adderall has a more immediate and intense effect when taken, which may be attractive to people looking to abuse it.

Vivance, on the other hand, must be destroyed by the body before it can take effect.

Costs

The cost of the branded versions of Adderall and Vyvanse is the same. However, Adderall is also available in a generic form, while Vyvanse is not. The FDA has determined that the Vyvanse patent is valid until 2023.At least until a generic version for Vyvanse becomes available.

Generics are generally less expensive than proprietary ones. But in some cases, the brand name drug and the generic drug may be available in different forms and doses.

Adderall versus Ritalin

Adderall and Ritalin (methylphenidate) are commonly used to treat ADHD. They are both stimulants and act in the same way. However, there are some differences due to which you may prefer one over the other.

Use

Both Adderal and Ritalin are FDA approved for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy.In addition, they are both used off-label to treat similar conditions such as depression and anxiety in combination with other medications.

Drug Forms

Adderall is available in two forms: an immediate release tablet (Adderall) and an extended release capsule (Adderall XR). An Adderall tablet is taken one to three times a day. Adderall XR is only taken once a day.

Like Adderall, Ritalin is also available in two forms: an immediate-release Ritalin tablet and an extended-release capsule (Ritalin LA).Ritalin tablet is taken two to three times a day, and Ritalin LA is taken once a day.

The generic versions of Ritalin are also available in other dosage forms, including a chewable tablet and oral liquid solution. These forms can be a good option for people who find it difficult to swallow pills.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Ritalin are effective in relieving ADHD symptoms. They are both considered to be among the earliest medications for treating ADHD.

It is generally unclear whether one of these drugs works better than the other. However, individuals may respond better to one than to the other.

Ritalin tablets may work slightly faster than Adderall. However, Adderall works slightly longer than Ritalin:

Adderall usually works within 30 minutes and lasts 5 to 7 hours.
Ritalin usually lasts 20-30 minutes and lasts 3 to 6 hours.
Adderall XR usually works for 30 minutes and lasts for 8 to 10 hours.
Ritalin LA usually works for about 2 hours and lasts for 7 to 9 hours.

Side effects and risks

Adderall and Ritalin are very similar medicines. They also have similar side effects and drug interactions. Both drugs can cause psychological and physical dependence and can be abused.

Expenses

The cost of the branded versions of Adderall and Ritalin is the same. The actual amount you pay will depend on your health plan.

Adderall and Ritalin are available in universal forms. The common name for Ritalin is methylphenidate. Generic drugs are usually less expensive than brand-name drugs. In some cases, the brand name drug and the generic drug may be available in different forms and doses.

Adderall vs. Concert

Adderall and Concert (extended release methylphenidate) are medications commonly used for ADHD. They are both stimulant drugs and work in the same way. There are some differences due to which you may prefer one over the other.

Use

Both Adderall and Concerta are FDA approved for ADHD. Adderall is also approved for the treatment of narcolepsy, but Concerta is not. The gig is used off-label to treat narcolepsy.

Drug Forms

Adderall is available in two forms: Adderall immediate release tablet and extended release capsule (Adderall XR). An Adderall tablet is taken one to three times a day. Adderall XR is taken once a day.

Concerta is only available as extended release tablets to be taken once daily.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and Concerta are effective in improving ADHD symptoms. They are both considered to be among the earliest medications for treating ADHD.

It is generally unclear whether one of these drugs works better than the other. However, individuals may respond better to each other.

One difference between drugs is how quickly they work and how long they last.Adderall may run a little faster, but Concerta lasts longer:

Adderall usually runs for 30 minutes and lasts 5 to 7 hours.
Adderall XR usually works for 30 minutes and lasts for 8 to 10 hours.
Concerta usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes and lasts 8 to 12 hours.

Side effects and risks

Adderall and Concerta are very similar medicines. They also have similar side effects and drug interactions.Both drugs can cause psychological and physical dependence and can be abused.

Expenses

Both Adderall and Concerta are branded drugs. They are also available in generic forms. Generic drugs are usually less expensive than brand-name drugs. The generic name for Concerta is extended release methylphenidate.

Branded and versatile versions of Concerta seem more expensive than Adderall or Adderall XR. The actual amount you pay will depend on your health plan.

Adderall versus modafinil

Adderall and modafinil, a generic drug, are stimulant drugs, but affect the brain in slightly different ways.

Modafinil increases wakefulness and alertness. Adderall can also stimulate wakefulness and induce a sense of calm and focus in people with ADHD.

Use

Adderall is FDA approved for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. Modafinil is approved for the treatment of narcolepsy, shift work sleep disorders, and sleep apnea.Modafinil is used off-label to treat ADHD. This means it is not FDA approved for this purpose, but there is some scientific evidence that it can help.

Drug Forms

Adderall is available in two forms: Adderall immediate release tablet and extended release capsule (Adderall XR). An Adderall tablet is taken one to three times a day. Adderall XR is only taken once a day.

Modafinil is available as a tablet to be taken once a day.

Potency

Both Adderall and Modafinil are effective treatment options for daytime sleepiness in people with narcolepsy.

Adderall is considered the first choice for treating ADHD symptoms. Modafinil is used off-label for ADHD and is not considered a first choice drug for this use. It is currently not recommended for the treatment of ADHD as recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Side effects and risks

Adderall and modafinil are stimulants and have similar side effects.However, Adderall is more likely to cause side effects than Modafinil.

Both Adderall and Modafinil can cause physical and psychological dependence leading to abuse or abuse. However, dependence appears to be more common with Adderall than modafinil. Because of these differences in the risk of side effects, Modafinil is often preferred over Adderall for the treatment of narcolepsy.

Expenses

Adderall and Modafinil are available in branded and generic versions.Modafinil’s trademark is Provigil. Generic drugs are usually cheaper. However, in some cases, they may not be available in all dosages or forms as a brand name drug.

Generic and branded versions of Modafinil (Provigil) tend to cost more than branded and generic versions of Adderall. The actual amount you pay will depend on your health plan.

Adderall versus Strattera

Adderall and Strattera (atomoxetine) are commonly used to treat ADHD but work in different ways.Adderall is a stimulant medicine that increases the levels of norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain and provides calm and focus in people with ADHD.

Strattera also acts on the brain, but does not have a stimulating effect. It works as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and increases the amount of norepinephrine in parts of the brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that carries messages between cells.

Use

Adderall is FDA approved for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy.Strattera is approved only for the treatment of ADHD.

Drug Forms

Strattera is available in capsule form to be taken once or twice daily.

Efficacy

Both Adderall and Strattera are effective in treating ADHD.

Adderall, a stimulant, is considered the first choice for ADHD. Stimulants are the most studied and most effective treatments for ADHD.

Strattera, on the other hand, is commonly used for those who do not want to take stimulant medications or cannot take stimulants due to side effects or other reasons.

Side effects and risks

Adderall and Strattera have both similar and different side effects.

Both Adderall and Strattera

Adderall

Strattera

More common side effects 916 9064

3106

Headache
sleep problems
weight loss

fatigue
constipation
drowsiness

6916

448916 risk use or abuse
dangerous heart effects in people with heart disease

suicide risk in children and adolescents
liver damage

Costs

9000 2 Adderall and Strattera are available in branded and generic versions.The common name for Strattera is atomoxetine.

Generics generally cost less than proprietary ones. In some cases, the brand name drug and the generic drug may be available in different forms and doses.

Branded and generic versions of Strattera typically cost more than branded and generic versions of Adderall. The actual amount you pay will depend on your health plan.

Adderall versus methylphenidate

Adderall and methylphenidate are commonly used to treat ADHD.They are both stimulants and act in the same way. There are some differences due to which you may prefer one over the other.

Use

Both Adderall and methylphenidate are FDA approved for the treatment of ADHD and narcolepsy. Both drugs are also used off-label to treat similar conditions such as depression and anxiety in combination with other medications.

Drug Forms

Adderall is available in two forms: an immediate release tablet (Adderall) and an extended release capsule (Adderall XR).An Adderall tablet is taken one to three times a day. Adderall XR is only taken once a day.

Methylphenidate comes in many forms, including:

immediate-release tablet, taken two to three times a day
extended-release capsule, taken once a day
extended-release tablet, taken once a day
liquid solution taken two to three times a day
chewable tablet taken two to three times a day

Chewable and methylphenidate solution may be good options for those who have trouble swallowing tablets.

Effectiveness

Both Adderall and methylphenidate are effective in relieving ADHD symptoms. They are both considered to be among the earliest medications for treating ADHD.

It is generally unclear whether one of these drugs works better than the other. However, individuals may respond better to each other.

Methylphenidate tablets may work slightly faster than Adderall. However, Adderall works slightly longer than methylphenidate:

Adderall usually works within 30 minutes and lasts 5 to 7 hours.
Methylphenidate usually works in 20-30 minutes and works for 3 to 6 hours.
Adderall XR usually works for 30 minutes and lasts for 8 to 10 hours.
Extended release methylphenidate usually works for about 2 hours and works for 7 to 9 hours.

Side effects and risks

Adderall and methylphenidate are very similar drugs. They also have similar side effects and drug interactions.Both drugs can cause psychological and physical dependence and can be abused.

Costs

Adderall is a brand name medicine. It is also available as a versatile one. Generics usually cost less than proprietary ones. In some cases, the brand name drug and the generic drug may be available in different forms and doses.

Methylphenidate is a universal drug. It is also available in several branded forms such as Ritalin and Concerta.

The Adderall brand is worth more than the generic methylphenidate. However, the cost of generic Adderall is about the same as that of generic methylphenidate. The exact cost will depend on your insurance coverage.

Making choices

The decision about which drug to use may depend on which drug is covered by your insurance, which dosage form you prefer, and how your body responds to the drug.

Choosing the best medicine is often a matter of trial and error.If the first drug you try doesn’t work or has too many side effects, another might be better. Your doctor will guide you through the process of finding the right medication.

Adderall and alcohol

Drinking alcohol with Adderall can be a dangerous combination for some, especially those who drink too much. The safest option is to avoid drinking alcohol if you are taking Adderall.

Drinking alcohol while taking Adderall can make you less drunk than you actually are.This can cause you to drink too much. Among other effects, excessive alcohol consumption can worsen ADHD symptoms.

Drinking alcohol with Adderall may also increase the risk of cardiac side effects such as:

high blood pressure
fast heartbeat
arrhythmia

Adderall interactions

Adderall may interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain additives and certain foods.

Different interactions can cause different effects. For example, some of them can interfere with the effectiveness of the drug, while others can cause increased side effects.

Adderall and other medicines

Below is a list of medicines that can interact with Adderall. This list does not contain all medicines that can interact with Adderall.

Before taking Adderall, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter and other medicines you are taking.Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Acid-lowering drugs

Drugs that reduce stomach acid can increase the amount of Adderall your body can absorb. This can increase the risk of side effects.Examples of acid-lowering drugs include:

antacids containing calcium carbonate, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, or sodium bicarbonate (e.g. Gaviscon, Maalox, and Tams)
H2 receptor blockers, such as:
Cimetidine (Tagamet)
Famotidine (pecid)
nizatidine (Axid)
proton pump inhibitors, such as:
esomeprazole (nexium)
lansoprazole (Prevacid)
omeprazole (rabolosec) )

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Taking Adderall with an MAOI may increase the risk of dangerous side effects such as very high blood pressure, chest pain, severe headache, and fever.Adderall should not be taken for 14 days after using an MAOI.

Examples of MAOIs include:

Isocarboxazid (Marplan)
Linezolid (Zyvox)
Phenelzine (Nardil)
Selegiline (Emsam, Eldepril, Zelapar)
Parnat 623104 9000 Taking Adderall with medications that increase serotonin levels in the body may increase your risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a drug reaction that can be dangerous.If you are taking any of these medicines, you may need to start with a lower dosage of Adderall.
Examples of medications that increase serotonin levels include:
antidepressants, including:
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Pekseva, and Sertralindell () )
serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), such as duloxetine (Cimbalta), venlafaxine (Effexor), and desvenlafaxine (Hedezla, Pristik)
tricyclic antidepressants, such as aminitramine, Nepramine Tofranil) and doxepin (Selinor).
monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine (nardil) and selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl, Zelapar)
some opioids such as fentanyl (Fentora, Abstral, others) and tramadol 9064 (Ultram, 903 90) for anxiety buspirone (Buspar)
lithium
Tricyclic antidepressants
Taking Adderall with a tricyclic antidepressant may increase the effect of Adderall on your body and increase the risk of heart and other side effects.Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include:
amitriptyline (Elavil)
desipramine (Norpramine)
imipramine (tofranil)
nortriptyline (pamelor)
protriptyline
Adavil 9000 medications that block the breakdown of Adderall in the body can lead to an increased risk of serious side effects, including serotonin syndrome.If you are taking these medicines, you may need to start with a lower dosage of Adderall. Examples of these drugs:
fluoxetine (Prozac)
paroxetine (Paxil, Pekseva, Brisdell)
quinidine (Quinora)
ritonavir (Norvir)
Adderall1 and Xanax2 is sometimes given together with Adderall and Xanax2 especially for those with both ADHD and anxiety. Adderall helps improve concentration and focus, while Xanax is soothing and may help relieve anxiety symptoms.
These medicines can be safely used together if taken as directed by your doctor.
Adderall and Prozac
Adderall and Prozac (fluoxetine) are sometimes prescribed together, especially for people with ADHD and other medical conditions. These conditions include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Adderall helps improve concentration and attention in people with ADHD. Prozac is a selective antidepressant, serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), that can improve symptoms of depression.It is also used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and other conditions.
These medicines should only be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. The combination of Adderall and Prozac may increase the risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a drug reaction that can be dangerous.
To prevent this reaction, your doctor may need to reduce the dosage of Adderall or Prozac.
Adderall and Zoloft
Adderall and Zoloft (sertraline) are sometimes prescribed together, especially in people with both ADHD and other conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Adderall helps improve concentration and attention in people with ADHD. Zoloft is a selective antidepressant serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that can improve symptoms of depression.It is also used to treat anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and other conditions.
These medicines should only be taken together if prescribed by a doctor. The combination of Adderall and Zoloft may increase your risk of developing serotonin syndrome, a drug reaction that can be dangerous.
To prevent this reaction, your doctor may need to reduce the dosage of Adderall or Zoloft.
Adderall, Herbs and Supplements
Adderall may interact with some vitamins, supplements, or herbs that you may be taking.
Vitamin C
Taking vitamin C supplements can make your stomach more acidic and may reduce the amount of Adderall your body absorbs. This can make Adderall less effective. Do not take Adderall within an hour of taking vitamin C.
Supplements that affect serotonin
Supplements that affect serotonin may increase your risk of developing serotonin syndrome.Examples of these supplements include:
5-HTP
Garcinia
L-Tryptophan
St. John’s Wort
Marijuana
Taking Adderall with marijuana may increase the risk of heart side effects. These include rapid heartbeat, arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat), and heart attack.
Adderall and Foods
Adderall may interact with some foods you may eat.
Fruit juices
Fruit juices are often acidic and can reduce the amount of Adderall your body can absorb.This can make Adderall less effective. Do not take this medication within an hour after consuming fruit juices such as orange or grapefruit juice.
Adderall and coffee
Caffeine in foods and beverages such as coffee can enhance the stimulant effect of Adderall. This can increase the risk of side effects associated with stimulants, such as anxiety, nervousness, trouble sleeping, and others.
While taking Adderall, you should avoid consuming large amounts of coffee or other caffeinated beverages.
Overdose
Taking too much Adderall may increase the risk of serious side effects.
Overdose symptoms
Overdose symptoms may include:
confusion
nausea
vomiting
diarrhea
shortness of breath
high blood pressure
high blood pressure 9064
fast heart disease 9064 9064
fast heart disease 9064
In some cases, taking too much Adderall can be fatal.
What to do in case of overdose
If you think you or your child has taken too much of this drug, call your doctor or seek advice from the American Association of Poison Control Centers at 800-222-1222 or online. tool. But if you have severe symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Treatment of an overdose
Treatment of an overdose will depend in part on the symptoms you have.In many cases, people who have had an overdose will be agitated. Medical staff can give an injection to calm the person down.
In some cases, fluids can be given intravenously. In addition, tests may be done to check for heart problems, breathing problems, and oxygen levels. And if you have heart problems or seizures, medications may be needed.
Abuse of Adderall
Drug dependence may occur in people taking Adderall.Long-term use can cause both psychological and physical dependence. This can make it difficult to stop taking the medication. In some cases, this can lead to drug abuse and misuse, leading to serious side effects.
Abuse and Abuse of Adderall is a growing epidemic, especially on campuses. In 2016, an estimated 1.7 million people over the age of 12 abused stimulants, according to the Office of Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services.
Many college students use Adderall to help them learn. But some research suggests that Adderall does not improve thinking and may even impair memory.
Adderall half-life
The half-life of a drug is the time it takes for half of the drug to be inactivated or removed from the body. Half-life is used as a measure of how long a drug will act or stay in the body.
The half-life of Adderall depends on the person’s age, liver and kidney function, and other factors.The half-life of Adderall is usually 9 to 14 hours.
How does Adderall work?
Each Adderall tablet or capsule contains two stimulant drugs: amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Both drugs cause the body to release increased amounts of norepinephrine and other neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that send messages or signals between cells.
Increasing the number of these messengers in the brain can lead to greater concentration and attention.In people with ADHD, it can also have a calming effect. In people with narcolepsy, it may help reduce daytime sleepiness.
How long does it take to work?
Adderall usually begins to act within one to two hours after taking it.
Adderall and pregnancy
Not enough human studies have been done to be sure how Adderall might affect the fetus if taken by the mother. Some animal studies have shown negative effects on the fetus when the mother takes this drug.However, animal studies don’t always predict how humans will react.
Some babies born to drug addicted mothers like Adderall have shown negative effects during pregnancy. These include an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight, or drug withdrawal symptoms.
Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit justifies the potential risk.
Adderall and breastfeeding
You should not breastfeed while taking this medicine. Adderall can pass through breast milk and cause side effects in a breastfed baby.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You may need to decide whether to stop breastfeeding or stop taking this medication.
Expiry date Adderall
When Adderall is dispensed at the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add the expiration date to the vial label.This date is usually one year from the date the medication was dispensed.
The purpose of these expiration dates is to ensure that the drug is effective at this time.
The current position of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid the use of expired drugs. However, FDA research has shown that many drugs can still be valid even after the expiration date printed on the package.
How long a medicine remains effective can depend on many factors, including how and where it is stored.Adderall should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed and lightfast container.
If you have an unused medicine that has expired, talk to your pharmacist about whether you can use it.
Adderall XR duration
Adderall XR usually works from 8 to 10 hours. As a result, most people only take it once a day.
Adderall Effects on the Brain
Adderall is a stimulant that works in the brain to treat the symptoms of ADHD and narcolepsy.
The exact treatment for ADHD is not entirely clear. What we do know is that Adderall affects chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine.
Targeting these neurotransmitters is believed to help control certain impulses and have a calming effect in people with ADHD. They also generate increased attention and attention.
In people without ADHD, such as those with narcolepsy, Adderall can induce wakefulness.It can also induce feelings of physical and mental energy and a sense of confidence.
One review of studies found that in people with ADHD, stimulant drugs such as Adderall made the structure and function of their brains more closely match those of people without ADHD.
Adderall Tolerance
Tolerance occurs when your body gets used to the drug and no longer responds in the same way. In some cases, an increase in the dosage of the medication may be required to obtain the same effect.
Tolerance to Adderall more often occurs with improper use or abuse.
However, when Adderall is used at usual therapeutic doses, tolerance to its therapeutic effects is usually not observed. Once the effective dosage has been determined, it can often be continued for extended periods of time without loss of effectiveness.
Tolerance can also be associated with side effects. People who take Adderall for ADHD or narcolepsy sometimes experience side effects when they first start taking the medication.In many cases, the body develops a tolerance for these side effects and they go away.
Drug Tests and Adderall
Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. For people taking Adderall, drug screening tests will test positive for amphetamine.
The time that Adderall stays in your system varies from person to person, but is usually two to four days.
If you are taking Adderall for a medical condition, consider disclosing this information before undergoing a work or sports drug screening.
If you are an athlete, it is important to know that stimulants, including Adderall, are often prohibited. For example, the NCAA lists stimulants like Adderall as prohibited during sports. If you are taking Adderall for a medical condition such as ADHD, be sure to discuss this with your coach.
Warnings Adderall
Adderall generates multiple warnings.
Boxed warning: Risk of misuse or abuse
There is a boxed warning for this drug.This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients to the harmful effects of drugs.
Adderall and similar medicines may not be used correctly. Taking these medications for a long time can cause psychological and physical dependence. This could lead to illegal obtaining of Adderall and its use for non-medical purposes. Misuse and abuse of Adderall can cause serious side effects including heart problems and death.
Other Warnings
Before taking Adderall, talk with your doctor about your health history. Adderall may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These include:
Circulatory problems . Adderall can reduce blood flow to the fingers and toes.
Heart disease . Adderall may increase blood pressure and heart rate. If you have serious heart disease, Adderall may increase your risk of sudden death, heart attack, and stroke.It can also make high blood pressure or an irregular heartbeat worse. If you have heart disease, your doctor may want to evaluate your heart function before prescribing this medication.
History of drug abuse or dependence . Adderall can be highly addictive and often abused.
Glaucoma . Adderall may worsen your vision if you have glaucoma.
Mental health disorder .Adderall can worsen symptoms of certain mental health disorders, including anxiety, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders.
Convulsions . If you have a seizure disorder, Adderall may increase your risk of seizures.
Thyroid problems . Adderall can aggravate symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland, such as an irregular heartbeat.
Tics or Tourette’s syndrome . Adderall may worsen movement or verbal tics.
Adderall in dogs and cats
Adderall may be toxic to pets, including dogs and cats. Hazardous effects may include:
excitement
high blood pressure
high body temperature
panting
seizures
Be sure to store your medications in a safe place out of the reach of pets. If you think your pet has taken this medication, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Professional Information for Adderall
The following information is intended for physicians and other healthcare professionals.
Clinical Pharmacology
Adderall contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Amphetamines are sympathomimetic amines that stimulate the central nervous system (CNS). Amphetamines stimulate the release of norepinephrine and dopamine in the central nervous system, increasing their levels in the external space.
Amphetamines reduce fatigue, increase alertness and cause mild euphoria.Outside the central nervous system, amphetamines raise blood pressure and stimulate heart rate and respiration.
Pharmacokinetics and metabolism
After oral administration of Adderall, peak plasma concentrations are reached after about three hours. For Adderall XR, the maximum concentration is reached after about seven hours.
Amphetamines are excreted in the urine. Typically, 30 to 40 percent of an administered dose is excreted in the urine as amphetamine and 50 percent as the inactive metabolite of alpha-hydroxyamphetamine.
The half-life of Adderall and Adderall XR depends on age:
Children 6-11 years old : From 9 to 11 hours
Children 12-18 years old : From 11 to 14 hours
Adults : 10 to 13 hours
Contraindications
Adderall is contraindicated in the following conditions:
advanced arteriosclerosis
symptomatic cardiovascular disease
moderate to severe hypertension
hyperthyroidism or hyperthyroidism9
agitated states
history of drug abuse
during or within 14 days after taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors due to risk of hypertensive crisis
Abuse and dependence
The amphetamines contained in Adderall are widely used.People taking amphetamines can develop extreme psychological dependence and tolerance. In some cases of amphetamine abuse, people have used doses several times the recommended dose.
Those who are addicted to amphetamines can experience severe withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped abruptly.