Adderall (Amphetamine Aspartate) For Patients with ADHD
Adderall or Aderall is a stimulant for central nervous system used to calm the affect of active chemicals in the brain and nerve that produces hyperactive impulses in the brain. Generic forms of Adderall are Dextroamphetamine Saccharate, Amphetamine Aspartate, and Amphetamine Sulfate, and are used to treat patients with ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and those with Narcolepsy. Since this drug contains amphetamine which is considered addictive Adderall should be taken with proper care and administration.
Dosage:
This medicine is supplied in pill-form. It is categorized into different colors; white, blue and orange which also signifies the dosage of the tablet. At any rate, this type of medicine is given at the lowest effective dosage and according to the response of patients and therapeutic needs. This is done to avoid drug dependency and untoward withdrawal symptoms. Dosages are usually given during daytime, since late night dosage may result to insomnia.
Side Effects:
Some of the pinpointed and clinically established side effects of taking Adderall include the following:
- Mild to severe cardiovascular
- Central nervous system
- Gastrointestinal problems
- Allergic reactions
- Endocrinal reactions.
Cardiovascular patients taking dextroamphetamine saccharate might experience the following:
- Palpitations
- High blood pressure
- Myocardial infarction which when neglected might cause sudden death
- Restlessness
- Dizziness
- Depression
- Tremor
- Euphoria
- Insomnia
- Seizures
Patients might also feel gastrointestinal side effects like diarrhea, weight loss brought about by anorexia, dryness of mouth and constipation. Changes in libido are also some of the noted side effects of this high potent, Schedule II controlled medicine.
Withdrawals:
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Depression
- Fatigue
- Sleeping disorders
- Irritability
- Personality changes
- Hyperactivity
Severe cases that might need more extensive clinical attention include psychosis or a state that resembles that of schizophrenia.
Warnings:
Patients with history of congenital heart defect, heart rhythm disorder, or those suffering from depression should not use this medication without talking to their doctors first. There are several other conditions that might prevent a patient from taking this drug, so make sure that your doctor is aware of all other condition that you might have.
Adderall is FDA pregnancy category C rated. It is not know whether this medicine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Some studies have shown that it could cause pregnant mothers to have low weight babies, or birth their babies prematurely. There are also some indications that this drug can pass into breast milk and could potentially harm your baby. Pregnant or nursing mothers must speak with their doctors before using this medication.
Aderall should be used as prescribed. Also, because it contains several active ingredients patients should discuss with their doctor all other medical conditions that they have and prescriptions that they are currently taking. Commonly, this medicine interferes with other drugs such as antihistamines, antihypertensives, Chlorpromazine, antidepressants, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin and of course with other drugs containing amphetamine. It is best to seek medical advice when symptoms, side effects and other abnormal bodily changes occur.