GENERIC NAME(S): Dextroamphetamine, Amphetamine
DRUG CLASS: Stimulants
What is Adderall?
Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, belongs to a group of drugs called stimulants, are central nervous system stimulants that are believed to affect chemicals present in the brain and nerves that help to contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
It can help to boost focus on an activity, increase ability to pay attention, improve listening skills, and control behavioral problems. It is also used to treat narcolepsy to help you stay awake during the day.
Adderall Side Effects:
Common Adderall side effects include (1) (2) —
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss
- Fast heart rate
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Mood changes such as feeling nervous
Tell your doctor right away if you’ve serious side effects such as (3) —
- Coldness, numbness
- Pain
- Uncontrolled movements
- Change in sexual desire
- Skin color changes
- Unusual wounds on the fingers or toes
- Continuous chewing movements
- Outbursts of words or sounds
- Prolonged erections in men
- Mood or behavior changes such as aggression, agitation, mood swings, depression, suicidal thoughts
Get emergency medical help if you have any very serious health side effects, including (3) —
- Seizures
- Extreme tiredness
- Blurred vision
- Shortness of breath
- Fainting
- Pain in chest or in left arm
- Severe headaches
- Swelling of the ankles or feet
- Irregular heartbeat
- Weakness on one side of the body
- Trouble speaking, confusion
This medication may cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome. See your doctor right away if you develop some of the following symptoms— hallucinations, fast heartbeat, severe dizziness, loss of coordination, severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, agitation or restlessness.
Precautions:
Before taking Adderall medication, tell your doctor or health care provider if you are allergic to it or if you have a history of any other allergies.
Before using Adderall, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially of (3) —
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Seizures
- High blood pressure
- Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- A certain eye problem (glaucoma)
- Blood circulation problems such as Raynaud’s disease
- Uncontrolled muscle movements such as Tourette’s syndrome
- Certain mental or mood conditions such as psychosis or severe agitation
- Personal or family history of mental disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorder or suicidal thoughts
- Heart problems such as irregular heartbeat, heart failure, cardiomyopathy or coronary artery disease
- Personal or family history of drug abuse or addiction to alcohol
Do not use this drug if you’re pregnant or planning to get pregnant. Taking this medicine during pregnancy can cause premature birth, low weight of the baby at birth, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn baby.
This medicine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use Adderall if you are breast-feeding. Ask your doctor for more details.
Interactions:
Some drugs may interact with this drug. Tell your doctor about the medication you are currently taking. Do not stop, start or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor’s approval. Tell your doctor if you are using any other medications; such as (1) (3) —
- St. John’s wort
- Certain antidepressants
- A blood thinner such as warfarin, coumadin or jantoven
- Medication to treat seizures
- Medication to treat blood pressure
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRIs) such as paroxetine or fluoxetine, citalopram, sertraline
- Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) such as venlafaxine, duloxetine among others
- MAO inhibitors such as moclobemide, phenelzine, linezolid, methylene blue, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid or safinamide
Missed Dose:
If you missed a dose, take it as soon as possible. Do not take this drug if it is almost the time of your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.
Overdose:
Overdose symptoms may include seizures, severe restlessness, severe mental or mood changes, headaches or fast breathing. See your doctor immediately in case of overdose.