How Adderall Helps You Treat ADHD ?

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Written By Steve Brandon

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September 13, 2024

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Adderall

Table of Contents

Adderall is a highly effective medication for individuals with ADHD, offering life-changing benefits by helping them manage their symptoms and improve focus, organization, and overall well-being. As one of the most commonly prescribed stimulants for ADHD. Understanding how it works and its intended purpose is essential for achieving the best results and ensuring safe, responsible use.

What is ADHD?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a common condition that affects many children. It includes:

Inattention: Trouble focusing or staying on task.
Hyperactivity: Excessive movement that’s not suitable for the situation.
Impulsivity: Acting quickly without thinking things through.

ADHD is a long-term issue that can impact various parts of life, such as school performance, relationships, and daily activities. If not treated, it can lead to problems with self-esteem and social interactions. For adults, ADHD might result in low self-worth and sensitivity to criticism.

About 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD. It’s usually noticed in school-aged kids, especially when it causes classroom disruptions or issues with schoolwork. Boys are more frequently diagnosed because they often show more hyperactive symptoms, while girls may show more subtle signs.

boy with ADHD playing with a fidget spinner, illustrating a coping mechanism for managing restlessness and improving focus

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What Is Adderall and How Does It Work?

Adderall is the brand name for a drug made from four amphetamine salts, creating a mix of dextroamphetamine and levoamphetamine. Both are stimulants with slightly different effects. Adderall is commonly prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy but is sometimes can be taken to boost focus or performance.

At prescribed doses, Adderall improves wakefulness, focus, and mood while reducing fatigue. However, higher doses can lead to harmful effects like impaired thinking, muscle breakdown, panic attacks, or even psychosis. Common side effects include insomnia, dry mouth, and loss of appetite. While addiction risk is low with proper use, higher doses increase the risk of dependency.

Adderall works by raising levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, helping to relieve ADHD symptoms. Dextroamphetamine affects the central nervous system more strongly, while levoamphetamine impacts the heart. This combination can be more effective for some patients than using dextroamphetamine alone.

In 2022, Adderall was the 14th most prescribed drug in the U.S., with over 34 million prescriptions. However, misuse can lead to serious physical and emotional side effects, even in those taking it as prescribed.

THE PROCESS

infographic showing how adderall works on the brain by releasing dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine; dopamine increases focus in the prefrontal cortex, serotonin reduces distractions in the basal ganglia, and norepinephrine enhances alertness by increasing blood flow through the sympathetic nervous system, helping relieve ADHD symptoms

How does Adderall help ADHD?

Adderall can help people with ADHD feel more in control and manage their daily tasks. It allows the brain to slow down and process information more clearly, making it easier to focus on specific tasks. Instead of feeling scattered or overwhelmed, people with ADHD may feel a sense of calm, mental clarity, and improved organization. They can concentrate for longer periods, complete tasks more efficiently, and feel more engaged in activities.

Unlike people who don’t have ADHD, those with the condition don’t usually experience a “high” from Adderall. Instead, they tend to feel more balanced and capable of managing their thoughts and actions.

How does Adderall affect someone with ADHD vs. without ADHD?

For individuals with ADHD, Adderall helps balance brain chemicals, improving focus, attention, and self-control. It allows them to stay on task, organize their thoughts, and reduce impulsive behaviours. This can lead to better performance in daily activities, work, or school, as well as improved relationships and overall well-being.

In contrast, for those without ADHD, Adderall can overstimulate the brain, leading to feelings of heightened energy, anxiety, and restlessness. Instead of bringing calm and focus, it may cause jitteriness, irritability, and even insomnia. Because it enhances focus in an unnatural way for people without ADHD, there’s also a higher risk of misuse or addiction when used without a prescription.

man lying awake in bed, unable to sleep, depicting insomnia as a side effect of taking adderall

What Are the Side Effects of Taking Adderall Without ADHD?

Adderall is made to help people with ADHD. So, what happens if someone without ADHD takes it? Misusing Adderall can cause side effects like:

Headaches
Loss of appetite
High blood pressure
Faster heartbeat
Trouble sleeping
Feeling irritable
Feeling tired
Anger and aggression
Anxiety and paranoia
Mood swings and sadness

How Can My MMJ Doctor Help You Get Adderall?

If you’re having trouble accessing Adderall on your own, My MMJ Doctor can assist you in the process. Our platform connects you with healthcare providers who can help you obtain the medication you need.

Here’s how it works:

Complete Our Medical Intake Form: Start by filling out a simple form to share your health information with us.
Book an Online Consultation: Through My MMJ Doctor, you can schedule a virtual appointment with a healthcare provider. During this appointment, the provider will review your health and, if suitable, prescribe Adderall.
Receive Your Prescription: Once you have your prescription from our doctor, you can take it to a licensed pharmacy to get your medication.

Currently, we are offering our services in California and Oklahoma.

lady doctor carefully observing a patient during a full medical examination before prescribing Adderall, ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment

Conclusion

Adderall can be a powerful tool for managing ADHD, helping individuals focus, stay organized, and complete tasks more effectively. It works by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, improving attention and reducing hyperactivity. However, it’s essential to use Adderall as prescribed, as misuse can lead to serious health issues and side effects.

For those struggling to access Adderall, My MMJ Doctor offers a streamlined process to connect with healthcare providers, obtain a prescription, and get the medication you need. By understanding how Adderall works and following medical guidance, you can effectively manage ADHD symptoms and improve your daily life.

FAQs

Are there any dietary or lifestyle changes that can improve how Adderall works?
Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, managing stress, and sticking to a routine can help Adderall work better.

Can Adderall impact your long-term academic or work performance?
Adderall can boost focus and productivity in the short term. However, its long-term effects depend on proper use and individual response, so regular check-ins with your healthcare provider are important.

Can Adderall affect my mood?
Yes, Adderall can cause mood changes like swings, irritability, or euphoria. If you notice significant mood changes, talk to your healthcare provider.

Can Adderall affect my sleep?
Adderall may cause insomnia or disrupt sleep. To minimize this, take it earlier in the day and avoid caffeine at night. If sleep problems continue, consult your healthcare provider.

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