Products
Adderall is commercially available in the United States in the form of tablets and sustained-release capsules (Adderall, Adderall XR). It is not registered in many countries, but related products are available. The name is derived from the abbreviation ADD (attention deficit disorder, ADHD).
Structure and properties
Adderall contains a mixture of the following four salts of dexamphetamine and the racemate amphetamine (mixed amphetamine salts):
- Dextroamphetamine accharate
- Dextroamphetamine sulfate
- Amphetamine aspartate monohydrate
- Amphetamine sulfate
It thus consists of a mixture of the two enantiomers D- and L-amphetamine (see also under enantiomers). The proportion of the more centrally active dexamphetamine is higher due to the mixture. Put simply, Adderall is an amphetamine drug.
Effects
Amphetamines (ATC N06BA01) are effective for ADHD symptomatology. They have sympathomimetic, appetite suppressant, and central stimulant properties. They also increase blood pressure and stimulate respiration. The effects are based on interaction with neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system. As a result, more neurotransmitters (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin) are released into the extraneuronal space. At the same time, their reuptake is also inhibited.
Indications
- For the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- For the treatment of narcolepsy.
Abuse
Like all amphetamines, Adderall is abused as a stimulant, as a smart drug (so-called brain doping, for example, in college, in business, in sports), as an aphrodisiac and as a party drug. It keeps you awake, promotes concentration and focuses you. This is strongly discouraged because of the adverse effects and the potential for psychological and physical dependence. Abuse can be life-threatening under certain circumstances.
Dosage
According to the package insert. The tablets are taken once or twice daily. The sustained-release capsules need to be administered only once daily in the morning.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Advanced arteriosclerosis
- Symptomatic cardiovascular disease
- Hypertension
- Hyperthyroidism
- Glaucoma
- Excitation states
- History of intoxicant or substance abuse in the patient’s history
- Treatment with MAO inhibitors
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include:
- Cardiovascular: Palpable heartbeats, rapid heart rate, increase in blood pressure, sudden death, heart attack, heart disease.
- Central nervous system: psychoses, overstimulation, euphoria, movement disorders, dysphoria, depression, tics, aggression, anger, talkativeness, dermatillomania.
- Eyes: visual disturbances, pupil dilation.
- Digestive system: dry mouth, taste disturbances, diarrhea, constipation, lack of appetite, weight loss.
- Allergic reactions, severe skin reactions.
- Impotence, libido changes, frequent or persistent erections.
- Hair loss
- Rhabdomyolysis (life-threatening disintegration of skeletal muscle).
