Adderall, known generically as dextroamphetamine saccharate, is a central nervous system stimulant. It is used to treat attention deficit disorder--ADD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder--ADHD and narcolepsy, a sleep disorder says the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI. Obtained illegally, amphetamines are abused to increase alertness and relieve fatigue, treat mild depression and to experience euphoric effects reports the Drugs and Human Performance Fact Sheets. Available by prescription only, it is used in both children and adults. It is a controlled substance due to its high potential for abuse. While it can be beneficial, according to Drugs.com, there are risks related to its use.
Heart Problems
In February of 2006, the Food and Drug Administration, FDA issued a warning about the risk of serious cardiac risks including sudden death in children and adults related to the use of dextroamphetamine or amphetamine. Although people with pre-existing heart conditions are at higher risk, those with no history of heart problems can also be affected, according to NAMI. Adderall also raises blood pressure and pulse reports Drugs.com. Patients with a family history of certain heart problems may need a full heart workup prior to using adderall, according to a study published in the March, 2009 issue of the journal, "Paediatric Child Health.”
Psychiatric Problems
Adderall and other amphetamines can cause serious psychiatric adverse effects including mania, panic, severe anxiety and worsening of psychosis. Hallucinations, paranoia and delusions can occur. A doctor should be notified immediately of any of these serious side effects, says NAMI.
Abuse and Addiction
Amphetamines have a very high potential for abuse. Physical dependence, significant psychological dependence and serious social disability have happened. Patients have increased the dosage to many times higher than the prescribed amount. Stopping the drug suddenly following prolonged administration of high dosages results in severe fatigue and depression. Signs of chronic intoxication include severe skin problems called dermatoses, insomnia, agitation, personality changes and physical and mental hyperactivity. Psychosis, or losing touch with reality, is the most severe symptom and has the same symptoms as schizophrenia, a serious psychotic disorder, states Drugs.com.
Effects on Growth and Development
Suppression of growth in children and adolescents is a risk of using adderall and other amphetamines. Even though definitive evidence that amphetamines suppress normal growth is not available, growth should be watched closely by a doctor during treatment, and patients not growing as expected may have their treatment stopped, according to NAMI.
Risks of Use During Pregnancy
Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine should not be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding, according to NAMI, because the drug passes to the baby through the placenta and breast milk. Babies born to mothers who took amphetamines during pregnancy have an increased risk of premature birth and low birth weight, an indicator of disease. Babies can experience symptoms of withdrawal such as agitation or listlessness, says NAMI.
Several reports show that using amphetamines while pregnant significantly influences the development of children. They show an increase in aggressive behavior until at least 10 years of age. Mothers taking adderall or other amphetamines should refrain from breast-feeding because these drugs will pass to the baby in breast milk reports NAMI.
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