Adderall is a combination of stimulants that are believed to restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain. It is primarily used as part of a total treatment program to control symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall is believed to increase the ability to stay focused, pay attention, and control behavioral problems. When prescribed Adderall, it is very important that you follow the doctor's instructions for your specific condition. Following is a general outline of how to take Adderall, as well as precautions and side effects to be aware of and watch for while on this medication.

Adderall is also used to treat sleeping disorders such as narcolepsy. It should not be used in individuals who have not been diagnosed with a sleep disorder.http://www.healthcentral.com/adhd/drug-information-24251-25.html It may also be prescribed for other conditions that are not listed on the label. http://www.drugs.com/adderall.html Some of these off-label uses include: treating depression and helping with weight loss. It should not be given to children under the age of 3. The benefits and risks of this drug should be discussed with your healthcare provider prior to beginning to take Adderall.http://adhd.emedtv.com/adderall/adderall-uses-p2.html

Misuse or abuse of amphetamines may result in serious (and possibly fatal) heart and blood pressure problems. Amphetamine-type medications can be habit-forming. Use only as directed. With prolonged use, drug dependence may occur, and withdrawal symptoms may occur after stopping the drug. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63163-Adderall+Oral.aspx?drugid=63163&drugname=Adderall+Oral

Drug Interactions

Your doctor may already be monitoring any other drugs you are using. Do not start, stop or change any of your medications without checking with them first.

Very serious interaction (including death) could occur if you are taking any of the following MAO inhibitors: furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine. These drugs should not be taken in the two-week period before or after taking Adderall, and definitely not during treatment.

Before using Adderall tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

o Herbal products
o Antidepressants (tricyclic antidepressants like nortriptyline and imipramine)
o SSRIs such as fluoxetine and paroxetine
o SSRNIs such as venlafaxine
o Alpha blockers such as prazosin
o Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine
o Beta blockers such as atenolol and metoprolol
o High blood pressure medications such as clonidine, guanabenz, methyldopa
o Mental or mood drugs such as chlorpromazine/haloperidol, lithium
o Pain medications such as meperidine, propoxyphene
o Anti-seizure drugs such as ethosuximide, phenytoin, phenobarbital
o Stimulants such as norepinephrine, phenylephrine
o Veratrum alkaloids such as cevadine and veratridine

Certain foods and drugs affect the amount of acid in the stomach and intestines which affect how the body absorbs this medication. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

o Ammonium chloride
o Antacids
o Anti-ulcer medications such as famotidine and ranitidine
o Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole and lansoprazole
o Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C)
o Aspirin
o Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide
o Fruit juices
o Glutamic acid
o Guanethidine
o Methenamine
o Reserpine
o Sodium acid phosphate
o Sodium bicarbonate
o Water pills which include some thiazides

Also report drugs which may increase the risk of seizures when combined with Adderall:

o Bupropion
o Isoniazid (NH)
o Phenothiazines such as thioridazine
o Theophylline
o Tramadol
o Tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline

Other Precautions

1. Check labels on all medicines to make sure they don’t increase your heart rate, such as cough and cold products.
2. Avoid large amount of caffeine or large amounts of chocolate which can increase the side effects of Adderall.
3. Adderall may have an effect on the results of certain lab tests such as blood and urine steroid levels.
4. Be sure to discuss the use of Adderall with your doctor or pharmacist and give them a list of all medications you take.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63163-Adderall+Oral.aspx?drugid=63163&drugname=Adderall+Oral
5. Do not use this medication without consulting your doctor if you have tics, epilepsy, history of mental illness, arteriosclerosis, heart disease, moderate to severe high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, glaucoma, severe anxiety or agitation, a history of drug or alcohol addiction, or if you are breast feeding.
6. Some stimulants have caused sudden death in children and adolescents with serious heart problems or congenital heart defects. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any type of heart condition.
7. Long-term use of medication can slow the growth of a child. Let your doctor know if the child is not gaining weight or growing properly.
8. Adderall may be habit-forming. Using this medication improperly can cause death or serious side effects on the heart. http://www.drugs.com/adderall.html
9. Do not share this medication, it is against the law.
10. If an overdose is suspected call the local poison control center or emergency room. The U.S. National Poison Hotline is 1-800-222-1222.
    
    

Overdose symptoms include: seizures, severe or persistent headache , severe mental/mood changes, severe restlessness, and fast breathing.http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63163-Adderall+Oral.aspx?drugid=63163&drugname=Adderall+Oral

Taking Adderall for ADHD

Children often don’t pay attention, sit still, or control their behavior. ADHD may be diagnosed when the child has problems paying attention, sitting still, or controlling their behavior if it is worse than what would occur in a typical child of their same age. These symptoms must be present before the age of seven and must affect work, school, or social life negatively. At least six of the following symptoms must be present for six months to be diagnosed with ADHD: fidgeting/squirming; leaving seat; inappropriate running/climbing; difficulty with quiet activities; "on the go;" excessive talking; blurting answers; can't wait turn; intrusive. The diagnosis must be based upon a complete history and evaluation of the child and not solely on the presence of the required number of DSM-IV® characteristics.

Teenagers and adults may also have ADHD, but the diagnosis is different than in children.

To help with changing behaviors it takes a well-balanced plan of treatment. This includes social, educational, and mental therapy. If lifestyle changes do not change ADHD behavior effectively, medications, such as Adderall may be incorporated.

Although Adderall is a stimulant, it has an opposite effect on individuals and children with ADHD. While caffeine and other stimulants can cause hyperactivity, it has a calming effect on individuals with ADHD. Adderall affects the chemicals in the brain.http://adhd.emedtv.com/adderall/adderall-uses.html

The normal dosage for children with ADHD is: 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. Evaluations should be done when the drug is used long-term. It should not be taken late in the evening or it could cause sleep problems. http://adhd.emedtv.com/adderall/adderall-uses.html

Taking Adderall for Narcolepsy

Adderall is also used in the treatment of narcolepsy. Symptoms of narcolepsy include falling asleep uncontrollably at any time, no matter where they are or with the situation is. They often appear paralyzed when they are sleeping and may have hallucinations when they are falling asleep. They often fall asleep several times a day.

Since Adderall is a stimulant it helps individuals with narcolepsy stay awake. It generally requires higher dosages than it does for ADHD.http://adhd.emedtv.com/adderall/adderall-uses.html

The usual dosage for narcolepsy is 5 mg. to 60 mg per day divided up into doses depending on how the individual responds. Children from ages 6-12 usually start with a dosage of 5 mg per day and are raised in increments of 5 mg as necessary. Adolescents 12 years and older start with 10 mg per day and is raised in increments of 10 mg as necessary until optimal response is achieved. If adverse reactions (insomnia or anorexia) occur, dosage should be reduced. The first dose should be taken when the individual wakes up and additional doses should be given 4 to 6 hours apart.http://adhd.emedtv.com/adderall/adderall-uses.html

1. Be sure to read the pamphlet that comes with your prescription when you pick it up at the pharmacy. If there is not one, ask for one.
2. Take this medication orally when you first wake up in the morning (or as directed by your doctor) and take additional doses 4-6 hours apart. If you take this medication within the six hours before bedtime, you may have trouble sleeping. Be sure to take it exactly as prescribed.
3. Your doctor may adjust your dosage to find the one that is best for you. Follow the doctor’s instructions.
4. Use it regularly and exactly as prescribed, and take it at the same time every day.
5. If you are stopping this medication it may cause withdrawal symptoms, especially if you have used it for a long time. To prevent withdrawal symptoms such as extreme tiredness, depression, and sleep problems, your doctor may reduce your dosage gradually. Report any withdrawal symptoms to your doctor.http://www.healthcentral.com/adhd/drug-information-24251-25.html
6. Because this drug is habit forming and addictive, do not take more than you are supposed to, or take it more frequently than prescribed, or use it for a longer period than prescribed. Stop the medication when your doctor tells you to which can help prevent you from becoming addicted.
7. Use of this medication over a long period of time may require a different dosage. If it stops working for you, let your doctor know.
8. Sometimes doctors will recommend you stop the medication for a short period of time to see if you have changes in behavior.
9. Be sure to let your doctor know if you do not improve or you get worse.http://www.healthcentral.com/adhd/drug-information-24251-25_2.html
10. Do not chew, crush or break open an extended release capsule, swallow it whole. If it is broken it could release the medicine in a greater quantity than prescribed.
11. Do not miss your doctor’s appointments so he/she can check your progress.
12. Store the medication at room temperature and keep it away from heat, light and moisture.
13. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Skip it if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take extra to make up for the missed dose.
14. Use caution driving because the drug could cause changes in your thinking and reactions.
15. If you have taken an overdose and experience any of the following symptoms, call your local poison control or go to the emergency room. Symptoms could include: restlessness, tremor, muscle twitches, rapid breathing, confusion, hallucinations, panic, aggressiveness, unexplained muscle pain or tenderness, muscle weakness, fever or flu symptoms, and dark colored urine. These symptoms may be followed by depression and tiredness. Other overdose symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, uneven heartbeats, feeling light-headed, fainting, seizures (convulsions), or coma.http://www.drugs.com/adderall.html

The content on this page is for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Speak with a qualified heath care professional to ensure that you have the most accurate information regarding any mental health diagnosis.