Adderall For Attention Deficit

What is Adderall and Attention Deficit Disorder

Adderall is a prescription medication with the effect of a psychostimulant. It stimulates the central nervous system by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. It maintains the alertness and focus in patients who have difficulties concentrating. The drug is a combination of dextromaphetamine and racemic DL-amphetamine salts.

Adderall is available in two formulations: IR (Instant Release) and XR (eXtended Release). The IR formulation is indicated for use in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, while the XR formulation is approved only with ADHD. Manufacturers of Adderall IR are Teva and Barr Pharmaceuticals, while XR is are patented exclusively by Shire Pharmaceuticals.

Prescription and use of Adderall

Adderall is prescribed to treat ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder), ADHD (Attention Defecit-Hyperactivity Disorder) and narcolepsy. The medication may also be used in cases of epilepsy or drug-induced brain dysfunction. The drug is marketed as Adderall - an immediate-release tablet and Adderall XR - an extended-release capsule. The tablets are normally prescribed twice or three times per day. The capsules are to be taken in the mornings only since they might cause sleeping disorders and nervousness. The capsules should not be crushed, chewed or broken but swallowed whole because of the risk of overdosing.

Precautions

Adderall must not be shared with any MAO inhibitors such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam). MAO inhibitors need at least 14 days to be cleared from the body and taking adderall during that period might be life-threatening. Adderall must not be prescribed if the patient is allergic to amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, or has heart diseases (including high blood pressure), arteriosclerosis, overactive thyroid, glaucoma, severe anxiety, tension, or agitation, drug or alcochol addictions. Pregnant and breast-feeding women should consult with their doctor if they can take the medication.

Potential side effects

Like methylphenidate and other stimulants adderall carries the risk of sudden death, stroke and heart attack. Adderall might also slow down the children growth rate, cause restlessness, headaches, vomiting, involuntary quivering in parts of the body, loss of weight and appetite, libido changes. If some major side effects like Shortness of breath, increase in the pulse rate, chest pain, fever or psychosis occur, patients should immediately see a doctor.