Adderall XR combines dextroamphetamine and amphetamine stimulants in an extended-release capsule to be taken once each morning. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved this prescription drug for controlling symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and for treating narcolepsy, a sleep disorder. Some doctors also prescribe this medication for depression and weight loss.
Features
People with ADHD have difficulty concentrating, sitting still and controlling their actions. Although Adderall XR is a central nervous system stimulant, it has calming effects on these individuals. In clinical studies, weight loss was a side effect for 11 percent of adults taking the medication for ADHD, and loss of appetite was a side effect for about 33 percent of adults, according to Drugs.com. Doctors can legally prescribe medication for uses not approved by the FDA, which is called off-label use.
Function
Pharmacologists are not sure why Adderall XR works for ADHD, according to DailyMed, but amphetamines are theorized to increase the release of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine and stop their reuptake, or reabsorption, into nerve cells. This is true for other prescription medications approved for treating depression that also have weight loss as a side effect.
Caution
Adderall XR can be habit-forming and it has a high potential for abuse. Patients might misuse the drug hoping for better results or if they think it is losing effectiveness. MedlinePlus, a website of the National Library of Medicine, warns against taking higher doses of Adderall XR, or taking it more often or longer than prescribed. Taking too much Adderall XR can cause insomnia, irritability, hyperactivity and abnormal changes in your personality or behavior. More seriously, taking more than your doctor says is safe can cause heart attack, stroke or even sudden death.
Considerations
It is essential that you only take this medication by prescription and under the supervision of a doctor. Adderall XR can be dangerous for people with a history of certain health conditions, such as irregular heartbeat or other heart problems, high blood pressure, mental illness or substance abuse. Adderall XR interacts with many other medications, including those you can buy over the counter, so always seek a physician's guidance before taking.
Member Comments