6 Effects of Adderall on the Brain

what are the effects of adderall on the brain, how does adderall affect the brain

How Does Adderall Affect the Brain?

The effects of Adderall on the brain can be far-reaching and significant. Find out more about the effects of Adderall on the brain, as well as the general effects of this prescription stimulant.

ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) and ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) are two conditions that are almost so common these days that knowing someone who suffers from one of them is almost like knowing someone who wears glasses. Despite how in the norm it is, we can’t let our lack of sensitivity take away from the seriousness of these conditions.

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ADHD is more of a problem than its counter-part, ADD, because of the hyperactivity aspect. The hyperactivity gives an individual a sometimes unsafe level of impulsivity, leading to a blatant lack of self-control at times. Someone will ADHD, if untreated, could very well find themselves on the backend of society or leading a life that’s extremely difficult for them and those around them.

However, there are treatments and medications for those diagnosed with ADHD and ADD. One such medication is a drug called Adderall. Drugs like Adderall and Ritalin can two of the most popular types of medications used to treat those with ADHD. It helps them to maintain focus where there otherwise would be none and also calms them down so that there hyperactivity isn’t so hyper.

People often wonder what are the effects of Adderall on the brain. The following are some of the most profound effects of Adderall on the brain, both positive and negative.

1 – Moves Dopamine to Where it Should Be

From what we understand about the condition of ADHD, it’s basically saying that the reward system of the brain that’s governed by the natural chemical we produce called dopamine, doesn’t always get moved to where it should be when it should be moved. Someone with ADHD finds joy in things for a very small and limited amount of time before they have to move onto the next thing to keep them entertained.

This is where Adderall comes in. Adderall properly moves the dopamine in your brain to where it should be when it should be there, causing you to be more entertained with whatever the task at hand is, allowing you to keep your focus. It’s almost like a miracle worker in its effectiveness.

2 – Addiction and Dependency

Sometimes Adderall can work a little too good. Not in the sense that you can be so focused that you’re entertained by watching grass grow (please see your doctor if this happens, with or without Adderall), but in the sense that once you become accustomed it you might become unable to function properly without it if you stop taking it. It is best that you talk with your doctor so that they may gradually prescribe you lower doses to help you off.

3 – Severe Withdrawal

Should you not heed the warnings of abruptly stopping Adderall, you could suffer severe withdrawal symptoms from stopping the medication. You don’t even have to have developed an addiction to Adderall for this to happen. Because of the nature of ADHD and Adderall itself, withdrawal can occur even from following your recommended dosage. Symptoms include things like severe tiredness, sleep problems, and can even lead to mood disorders like depression.

4 – “Team No Sleep”

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Adderall is stimulant meaning that increases focus and energy levels. This also means it decreases the need to sleep and causes you to lose your appetite. Adderall, taking for extended periods of time or abused can cause insomnia and rapid weight loss which can lead to a wide range of other problems. For some, the idea of both having more energy without needing to sleep and the ability to lose weight fast might sound appealing, but that would be a dangerous game you’d be playing.

5 – Emotional Dependence

The addictive properties of Adderall can cause one to become emotionally dependant on the drug over time. Without it, you could find yourself no longer enjoying things you used to enjoy or thought you enjoyed rather. The emotional unrest and frustration of not being on Adderall anymore can raise a person’s levels of aggression and put one at risk for suicidal thoughts and actions.

6 – Improvement of Mental Clarity

An overarching effect of Adderall on the brain is that it improves overall mental clarity. It’s for this reason that most young people who are high-school and college-aged abuse Adderall as a “study drug.” It literally helps you hold more information in your brain at one time than you would normally be able to.

Summing Up

Adderall is a drug, taking drugs comes with side effects and risk. It’s unclear just what the exact effect and ramifications of Adderalls creation will bring to us in the long-term, but because of all its uses, it’s definitely here to stay.

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