What will adderall do

So, when you take a stimulant medication like Adderall, you may have mind and body effects such as:. Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. But it may also be prescribed for other conditions like narcolepsy , a rare sleep disorder that causes daytime sleepiness.

Experts think that ADHD may be caused by an imbalance of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. Not having proper levels of these neurotransmitters can lead to symptoms of ADHD such as decreased motivation and an inability to focus. Adderall causes your brain to release more dopamine and norepinephrine.. Since Adderall can improve attention and focus, it can help people with ADHD develop better work habits and skills so that they are more equipped to perform socially, academically, and professionally, Beresin says.

Adderall works for many, but not all. Adderall will likely work best if it is combined with other ADHD treatments, like organizational skills training or cognitive behavioral therapy, a type of therapy that helps to change negative thought and behavior patterns. While Adderall has many benefits, it can also cause serious side effects. Some common side effects in kids and adults include:. If any of these side effects are severe, contact your doctor to help monitor the symptoms.

If you develop symptoms like fainting, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, get medical attention right away.

Adderall can significantly increase your blood pressure and heart rate in the short term, which can cause problems for people with pre-existing heart conditions. Let your doctor know of any heart conditions before starting Adderall so they can determine if you are able to take it safely. Adderall can make symptoms worse for people with mental disorders that cause psychosis, like bipolar disorder , Beresin says.

We reached out to Dr. Ashley Chatigny, a double board-certified psychiatrist and medical director of behavioral health with Lee Physician Group , for some answers. Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, two central nervous stimulants that improve focus and reduce impulsivity by increasing dopamine and norepinephrine levels in the brain.

Adderall is not available without a prescription. But we invite you to talk to a doctor about any medication changes or questions about lifestyle, ADHD, or other concerns.

Adderall helps people diagnosed with ADHD by improving their focus and concentration since it is a direct stimulant on the central nervous system. The medication has the same effect on those who do not have ADHD, and it's important to remember that Adderall has side effects such as nervousness, restlessness, headaches, problems sleeping, and more. Adderall withdrawal is also a serious issues, and it is extremely important that adults and children take Adderall under the supervision of a doctor.

ADHD, usually first diagnosed in childhood, is the most commonly diagnosed mental disorder among U. Both medications can cause psychological and physical dependence and can be misused or abused. However, Vyvanse may be less likely to be misused. This is because Adderall has a more immediate and intense effect when taken, which might be attractive to people who want to misuse it. The costs of brand-name versions of Adderall and Vyvanse are similar. However, Adderall is also available in a generic form, while Vyvanse is not.

The FDA has determined that the patent for Vyvanse is valid until It will be at least until then before a generic for Vyvanse is available. Generic drugs are typically less expensive than brand-name drugs. But in some cases, the brand-name drug and the generic version may be available in different forms and strengths. However, there are some differences that might make you prefer one over the other. The Adderall tablet is taken one to three times daily. Adderall XR is taken just once daily.

Like Adderall, Ritalin also comes in two forms: an immediate-release Ritalin tablet and an extended-release capsule Ritalin LA.

Ritalin tablet is taken two to three times daily, and Ritalin LA is taken once daily. Generic versions of Ritalin also come in other dosage forms, including a chewable tablet and an oral liquid solution. These forms may be a good option for people who have a hard time swallowing pills. However, individual people may respond better to one than the other. Ritalin tablets may work slightly faster than Adderall. However, Adderall works for a slightly longer period of time than Ritalin:. Adderall and Ritalin are very similar medications.

They also have similar side effects and drug interactions. The cost of brand-name versions of Adderall and Ritalin are similar. The actual amount you pay will vary depending on your health insurance plan.

Adderall and Ritalin are both available in generic forms. The generic name for Ritalin is methylphenidate. Adderall and Concerta methylphenidate extended-release are medications that are commonly used for ADHD. They are both stimulant medications and work in a similar way. There are some differences that might make you prefer one over the other. Adderall is also approved for narcolepsy, but Concerta is not. Concerta is used off-label to treat narcolepsy. Adderall comes in two forms: an immediate-release Adderall tablet and an extended-release capsule Adderall XR.

One difference between the drugs is how fast they work and how long they last. Adderall may work slightly faster, but Concerta lasts longer:. Adderall and Concerta are very similar medications. Both medications can cause psychological and physical dependence, and can be misused or abused. Both Adderall and Concerta are brand-name drugs. The generic name of Concerta is methylphenidate extended-release.

Adderall and modafinil, a generic drug, are both stimulant medications, but they affect the brain in slightly different ways. Modafinil increases wakefulness and alertness.

Adderall can also stimulate wakefulness and, in people with ADHD , can produce feelings of calm and focus. Modafinil is approved to treat narcolepsy, shift-work sleep disorder, and sleep apnea.

Modafinil is used off-label to treat ADHD. Both Adderall and modafinil are effective treatment options for daytime sleepiness in people who have narcolepsy. Adderall is considered a first-choice medication for treating symptoms of ADHD. Adderall and modafinil are both stimulants and have some similar side effects. However, Adderall is more likely to cause side effects than modafinil. Both Adderall and modafinil can cause physical and psychological dependence leading to misuse or abuse.

However, dependence appears to be more common with Adderall than modafinil. Due to these differences in side effect risk, modafinil is often preferred over Adderall for treating narcolepsy. Adderall and modafinil are both available in brand-name and generic versions. The brand name of modafinil is Provigil. The generic versions of medications typically cost less.

But in some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as the brand-name drug. The generic version and the brand-name version Provigil of modafinil usually cost more than the brand-name and generic versions of Adderall.

Adderall is a stimulant medication that increases norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain and produces calm and focus in people with ADHD. It works as a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and increases the amount of norepinephrine in parts of the brain. Norepinephrine is a neurotransmitter , a chemical that sends messages between cells. Adderall, a stimulant, is considered a first-choice treatment for ADHD. Stimulants are the best studied and most effective treatments for ADHD.

Adderall and Strattera are both available in brand-name and generic versions. The generic name of Strattera is atomoxetine. The brand and generic versions of Strattera usually cost more than the brand and generic versions of Adderall.

Adderall and methylphenidate are both commonly used to treat ADHD. Both are also used off-label for treating similar conditions, such as depression and anxiety , in combination with other medications. The chewable and solution forms of methylphenidate may be good options for those who have trouble swallowing pills. Methylphenidate tablets may work slightly faster than Adderall.

However, Adderall works for a slightly longer time than methylphenidate:. Adderall and methylphenidate are very similar medications. Adderall is a brand-name medication. Methylphenidate is a generic medication. Brand-name Adderall costs more than generic methylphenidate. However, generic versions of Adderall cost about the same as generic methylphenidate.

The exact cost will depend on your insurance. Deciding which medication to use may come down to which is covered by your insurance, the drug form that you prefer, and how your body responds to the medication. Picking the best medication is often a matter of trial and error. Your doctor will guide you through the process of finding the right medication for you. Consuming alcohol with Adderall can be a dangerous combination for some, especially for those who drink too much.

Drinking alcohol while taking Adderall can make you feel less drunk than you really are. This can lead you to drink too much.

In addition to other effects, drinking too much may worsen symptoms of ADHD. Consuming alcohol with Adderall can also increase your risk of heart-related side effects such as:. Adderall can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements as well as some foods. Different interactions can cause different effects.

For instance, some can interfere with how well a drug works, while others can cause increased side effects. Below is a list of medications that can interact with Adderall. Before taking Adderall, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take.

Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Medications that reduce the amount of acid in your stomach can increase the amount of Adderall your body absorbs. This can raise your risk of side effects.

Examples of acid-reducing drugs include:. Taking Adderall with MAOIs can increase the risk of dangerous side effects, such as very high blood pressure , chest pain , severe headache , and increased body temperature. Taking Adderall with medications that increase serotonin in your body can raise your risk of developing serotonin syndrome , a drug reaction that can be dangerous. If you take any of these medications, you may need to start with a lower dosage of Adderall.

Taking Adderall with a tricyclic antidepressant can increase the effects of Adderall in your body and increase your risk of heart-related effects and other side effects.

Examples of tricyclic antidepressants include:. Taking Adderall with certain medications that block how the body breaks down Adderall can result in an increased risk of serious side effects, including serotonin syndrome.

If you take these medications, you may need to start with a lower dosage of Adderall. Examples of these medications include:. Adderall and Xanax alprazolam are sometimes prescribed together, especially for those who have both ADHD and anxiety. Adderall helps improve concentration and focus, while Xanax is calming and can help relieve symptoms of anxiety.

Adderall and Prozac fluoxetine are sometimes prescribed together, especially for people who have both ADHD and other conditions. These conditions include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Adderall helps improve concentration and focus in people with ADHD. Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI antidepressant that can improve symptoms of depression.

These medications should only be taken together if your doctor prescribes them. Combining Adderall and Prozac can increase your risk of developing serotonin syndrome , a drug reaction that can be dangerous.

Adderall and Zoloft sertraline are sometimes prescribed together, especially for people who have both ADHD and other conditions such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Zoloft is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor SSRI antidepressant that can improve symptoms of depression. Combining Adderall and Zoloft can increase your risk of developing serotonin syndrome , a drug reaction that can be dangerous.

Adderall can interact with certain vitamins, supplements, or herbs you may be taking. Taking vitamin C supplements can make your stomach more acidic and can decrease the amount of Adderall your body absorbs. This can make Adderall less effective. Supplements that affect serotonin can increase your risk of developing serotonin syndrome. Taking Adderall with marijuana cannabis can increase your risk of heart-related side effects.