The answer is yes– however, the two are quite different and used for completely different things. You may be wondering if amphetamine drugs include the category of methamphetamines (AKA Meth) as well. Therefore, the increase in dopamine from amphetamines such as Adderall results in the brain’s ability to increase mental focus, concentrate on more detail-oriented tasks, and increase a feeling of calm. They don’t have to bounce from one source of stimulation to another, trying to spike their dopamine levels. This causes the individual to remain stimulated, instead of hyperactive and constantly seeking for outside stimuli to deliver dopamine. Since people with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine, which is responsible for the brain’s “reward system,” increasing the dopamine levels through low doses of amphetamine drugs help push the dopamine to the proper receptors. With this opposite effect, for attention disorders, it is a good thing. The stimulation of the brain actually causes them to calm down. To someone with an attention deficit disorder (ADD or ADHD), on the other hand, it acts as the opposite. Because of this stimulation, people without an attention disorder experience a heightening in senses and brain function. It stimulates the central nervous system (CNS). When someone takes amphetamine, the brain releases extra dopamine and norepinephrine. However, if used responsibly, those with ADHD can experience some benefit from their medication.Īdderall affects the brain much like other amphetamine drugs. Depending on how much or how little an individual takes, Adderall can have negative effects on the body and brain. Anyone from the ages of young teens to the elderly can misuse, overuse, or harmfully administer Adderall if not properly monitored through the care of their doctor. Additionally, the ability for neuroenhancement– although perhaps a myth, maybe even a placebo– seems to be reported as true in most cases of use.Īlthough these statements have been true in most situations for Adderal misuse and abuse, it is still common for people with ADD or ADHD to abuse this drug, too. With the increase in dopamine levels that this drug provides, users’ motivation increases and is said to have beneficial effects on the work ethic of the individual. A 2012 study claims that 591 students out of 1,381 students without any mental diagnosis admitted to using Adderall for school or performance-related purposes. Also known by its clever term of the “academic steroid,” you or someone you know has probably joked about the apparent much-needed use of Adderall for a long all-nighter or brain-crushing study session.
We will learn about how Adderall affects these disorders, but it’s important to know how it affects individuals with normal brain chemistry as well. Overall, Adderall and other stimulant drugs like it are widely prescribed to people with a diagnosis for ADD (attention-deficit disorder) or ADHD ( attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder). The effects of Adderall on one person can be different to another. Sometimes casually used for even the most innocent straight-A student, there’s likely an Adderal dealer on every dorm floor all across the country. Adderall became a patent drug comprised of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, mixed with a combination of salts, processed into a pill form.Īs many Americans know, especially in the university or high-pressure business realms of study, Adderall is one of the most commonly-popped pills to this day. It was not until 1996 when Adderall came to the pharmaceutical scene. Through the years, the euphoric effects of amphetamines remain slightly more familiar than the medical effects. The effects of the drugs kept them alert, feeling invincible, and alive during combat. The United States military, as well as other international military forces, gave amphetamines to soldiers in battle. After that, its use grew in the early 1940’s for a majority of countries involved in World War II. The original form of amphetamines was first synthesized in the late 1880’s by a German chemist.
Adderall is a stimulant drug which classifies as an amphetamine.