According to the Drugs.com, Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant that is commonly prescribed to people suffering from Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, as well as narcolepsy. In ADHD patients, this drug is used to increase concentration, and to decrease impulsiveness. Since Adderall contains amphetamine and extroamphetamine, it can be habit-forming when used by a person who does not have ADHD or if higher than prescribed dosages are used, says the MedTV.com. Adderall abuse is common among people want to be able to concentrate better, such as college students. It is also often abused by people who want to lose weight. Adderall can cause serious side effects when used in high dosages and can even be fatal.
Physical Consequeces
Adderall can have serious side-effects even when used as a prescription drug. U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, states that people with high blood pressure or heart conditions should not use this drug. When Adderall is taken by a person who does not need it, the consequences can be dangerous or even fatal. Such symptoms as seizures, irregular heartbeat, cardiovascular failure, dangerously high body temperatures, high blood presure, and erectile dysfunctions have been commonly reported, states EMedTV.com.
Mental Consequences
High doses of ADHD can also lead to some serious mental symptoms. Such symptoms as feeling hostile and paranoid are common. Patients also report that their personality has changed as a result of Adderal abuse and they can feel depressed and even suicidal. Some patients say that they suffer from auditory and visual hallucinations. Naturally, the patient also develops an addiction after a long term use, and he requires higher dosages of Adderall to get the same effect. Some people start using other drugs, as well.
Withdrawal Symptoms
According to the Prescription-Drug-Abuse.net, if Adderall has been used in low dosages as prescribed by a doctor, the patient can typically withdraw from it without serious withdrawal symptoms. People who abuse Adderall tend to use much higher dosages, however. In these cases, the withdrawal symptoms can be severe. These include insomnia, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, irritability, depression, loss of interest in daily activities, thoughts of suicide, hallucinations and paranoia.
