A pharmacist explains exactly what Adderall does to your brain

The effective and very addictive drug could change the functioning of your brain - permanent.


The popular drug of attention / hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Adderall made the headlines recently: due to supply chain problems, the United States facesA major shortage medication, and the people who count are alarmed that the drug can be more and moredifficult to get.

The use of Adderall is extremely common, and more people take it all the time: in 2021, according toWall Street's journal, Adderall's prescriptions were launched bymore than 10%, at 41.4 million. But what does it really do to your brain? We askedAaron Lengel, Pharmd, aapproved pharmacist and assistant professor at the University of Toledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Read the rest to know why the use of this medication could definitively change the functioning of your brain.

Read this then:If you have taken tylenol with these common over -the -counter drugs, have your liver checked.

Adderall works by modifying the chemistry of your brain.

Picture of Adderall tablets.
Artist / Istock

"Adderall is a stimulating drug in the central nervous system that is used to treat attention to attention / hyperactivity deficit (ADHD)," explains Lengel.

Webmd adds that Adderall is what is calledA combined drug, because it contains dextroamphetamine stimulants and amphetamine. "This can help increase your ability to pay attention, stay focused on activity and control behavioral problems," said the site.

Adderall addresses hyperactivity and impulsiveness, as well as the difficulty in concentrating and paying attention, affectingchemicals in the brain- specifically, the increase in dopamine and noradrenaline,Explains Healthline. "Dopamine helps the brain to strengthen enriching behavior," write their experts. "Norepinephrine affects your heart rate, blood vessels, blood pressure and breathing [and] can also affect your blood sugar."

People of all ages take Adderall for ADHD.

Student having trouble listening in class.
Peopleimages / Istock

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder. "This is generally the firstdiagnosed in childhood And often lasts in adulthood, "write their experts, noting that ADHD in adulthood can sometimes be unmatched." Children with ADHD may find it difficult to pay attention, control impulsive behavior (can act without thinking about what the result will be), or be too active. "The CDC says that a combination of therapy and drugs works better to treat ADHD.

"In 1990, 600,000 childrenwere on stimulants, generally ritalin, an older medication which was often taken several times a day, "The New York Times Reported in October 2016. "By 2013, 3.5 million childrenwere on stimulants, and in many cases, the Ritalin had been replaced by Adderall, officially put on the market in 1996, as the new improved choice for A.D.H.D. - More efficient, more durable. "In the mid -2000s, adults were" the fastest group receiving the medication, "The New York Times wrote.

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Adderall can be very addictive.

Woman holding pills in the palm of her hand.
Sweet / istock

Adderall is known to have large -scale side effects. "It is a stimulant that canIncrease blood pressure And the heart rate [and] can worsen the underlying cardiovascular conditions, "warns Lengel". People with heart disease should avoid Adderall. "

And while Adderall has proven to be effective in dealing with certain conditions, the drug "has the potential to be mistreated and should not be used by people with a history of drug abuses," said Lengel. The main reason why the drug is addictive is due to its effects on the brain.

"People abuse Adderall becauseHe produces feelings Confidence, euphoria, increased concentration and deleted appetite, "explains the center of drug addiction." These effects make Adderall an essential choice for anyone looking for a boost in physical or mental performance. "But what is going on exactly in the brain when Adderall takes effect?

Adderall has large effects on your brain.

Doctor holding MRI results.
Utah778 / Istock

Adderall's impact on the brain is complex. "Amphetamines unleash dopamine with noradrenaline, which rush through brain synapses and increase the levels of excitation, attention, vigilance and motivation", "The New York Timesreported. "While a person begins to overcome a substance, the brain - who wants homeostasis and fights for this - the ways to compensate for the whole additional dopamine by eliminating their own dopamine receptors", which then leads the person to need amphetamines to produce the good of the feelings that have been produced only from natural dopamine.AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"Leaked dopamine receptors also help explain the agony of withdrawal", "The New York Times wrote. "Without this privileged substance, a person is suddenly left with a brain whose ability to experience the reward is well below their natural levels."

The long -term use of adderall can have a permanent effecton your brain. "It is possible that the taking of Adderall can lead to a decrease in brain functionlater in life, "According to Goodrx." Some researchers suggest that the brain could change its wiring after years of stimulants. This could lead to a decrease in brain function (for example, memory loss) with an increase in age. ""

Best Life offers the most recent information from high -level experts, new research and health agencies, but our content is not supposed to replace professional advice. Regarding the medication you take or any other health issue you have, always consult your health care provider directly.


Categories: Health
Tags: / medicine / News
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