THE “STUDY” DRUG

ADDERALL

WHAT IS ADDERALL?

• Adderall is a brand name for an amphetamine drug prescribed for people with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

• ADHD causes children and adults to have difficulty focusing, controlling their actions and remaining still or quiet.

• central nervous system stimulants

• dextroamphetamine and amphetamine.

ADDERALL Adderall is perscribed to control symptoms of ADHD

• Improves attention span• Decrease distractibility• Reduce hyperactivity and restlessness• Decrease impulsivity

• It is also used for Narcolepsy

• a neurological disorder that affects the control of sleep and wakefulness.

ADDERALL • Schedule II Drug

• strong potential for abuse or addiction but also has a legitimate medical use

• Selling or distributing the drug is a federal crime

• Other similar medication brand names:

• Ritalin, Ritalina, Rilatine, Attenta, Methylin, Penid, Rubifen, Concerta, Metadate CD, Methylin ER, Ritalin LA, Ritalin-SR and Focalin

HOW DO THESE DRUGS WORK?

They alleviate symptoms of ADHA by…

• increasing the amount of chemicals in the brain

• dopamine and norepinephrine

• Affecting the impulse control nerves that contribute to hyperactivity

HOW ADDERALL WORKS

• It comes in four main strengths:• 5, 10, 20, and 30 milligrams

• Adderall is available in two forms: • IR (Instant Release)

• immediate release is used for ADHD and narcolepsy• XR (Extended Release)

• ADHD only • first dose dissolves immediately, releasing half of the

medication• second type dissolves slowly, releasing the remaining

medication four hours later

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS

• nervousness• restlessness• difficulty falling

asleep/ staying asleep• uncontrollable shaking

of a part of the body• headache• changes in sex drive

or ability

• dry mouth• stomach pain• nausea• vomiting• diarrhea• constipation• loss of appetite• weight loss

***If you are taking this medication you should tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away.

DANGEROUS SIDE EFFECTS

• fast or pounding heartbeat• shortness of breath• chest pain• excessive tiredness• slow or difficult speech• dizziness or faintness• weakness or numbness of an

arm or leg• seizures• motor tics or verbal tics• believing things that are not true• feeling unusually suspicious of

others• hallucinating (seeing things or

hearing voices that do not exist)

• mania (frenzied or abnormally excited mood)

• aggressive or hostile behavior• changes in vision or blurred

vision• fever• blistering or peeling skin• rash• hives• itching• swelling of the eyes, face,

tongue, or throat• difficulty breathing or

swallowing• hoarseness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should call your doctor immediately.

THE RISKS

• Sudden death

• Especially if you have heart defects or serious heart problems.

• May slow children’s growth or weight gain

• Adderall has a relatively high potential for abuse and addiction, especially if the drug is misused.

WHY DO PEOPLE CHOOSE TO ABUSE ADDERALL?

• improving attention• reducing hyperactivity• partying/to have a good time• the common misconception that

prescription drugs are a “safe high”

WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO ABUSE?

• Adolescents• College Students