How does Adderall work?
Adderall is a prescription drug that’s used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy. Adderall shows up in urine tests as an amphetamine up to four (4) days after a single dose and up to a week or longer after chronic use.
But how exactly does Adderall affect the body and brain? Does it have the same effects for everyone? Although Adderall peaks in 1-2 hours after you take it, can you make Adderall effects last longer or work better? We’ll explore these questions and more in this article. And we invite your questions about how Adderall works at the end.
How does Adderall work in the body?
In general, Adderall or amphetamine salts work in the body by affecting the brain and nervous system. Adderall can also have unpleasant, and sometimes dangerous, side effects. Most commonly, this includes stomach pain or headache. But even at normal doses Adderall can sometimes cause more serious adverse effects, including shortness of breath, seizures, heart problems, hallucinations, or changes in behavior. There’s no way to predict who will experience these adverse effects, but they’re more likely to occur when Adderall is taken in a way other than directed by a doctor. But in general, how much Adderall is safe is up to 40 mg per day for children, and 60 mg per day for adults, more or less dosage depending upon physical tolerance to amphetamines.
How does Adderall affect the brain and nervous system?
The aphetamine salts found in Adderall are central nervous system stimulants. At its most basic level, Adderall works by increasing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain. This is why people who use Adderall for non medical reasons may experience euphoric effect. And pursuing an Adderall high can get you addicted to amphetamines.
But therapuetic use of Adderall rarely develops into addiction. Adderall works in people with excessive sleepiness (narcolepsy) by stimulating the central nervous system. In people with ADHD, it has a paradoxical effect, helping them focus and remain calm. People using Adderall to treat ADHD won’t get “high” from their medication. Adderall’s stimulant qualities can affect the brain and nervous system and result in:
- difficulty with sleep
How fast does Adderall work
Adderall reaches its peak level in the blood in 1-2 hours. At that point, Adderall has taken full effect. Sometimes people will crush and snort the powder from the tablets to try to get more immediate effects. Although possible, this practice is very dangerous. Snorting Adderall can result in increased adverse effects, overdose, or even sudden death.
How long does Adderall work?
Adderall stays in the body for several days, with a half life averaging around 10-11 hours. The extended-release formula will remain effective throughout the day, while the immediate release may need to be taken more frequently and is prescribed two or more times daily.
What makes Adderall work better?
Adderall works best when it’s taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Taking Adderall only when you feel you “need” it can actually make the medication less effective. Taking Adderall with large amounts of vitamin C may also lessen the effects of Adderall. However, Adderall can be taken on an empty stomach to get the best effect. And contrary to popular belief, mixing alcohol with Adderall does not enhance Adderall effects. Instead, drinking while on Adderall increases your risk of alcohol poisoning and related accidents or death.
Does Adderall work for everyone?
No, Adderall is not right for everyone. Amphetamine salts shouldn’t be prescribed to anyone who doesn’t need it for a legitimate medical purpose due to the risks of side effects, including possible Adderall addiction. Adderall is addictive and should be avoided by people with a history of addiction. And in some people, Adderall can trigger serious side effects, particularly people with a history of seizures or cardiovascular conditions.
How Adderall works questions
Do you still have questions about how Adderall works? Please leave your questions here. We will try our best to answer you personally and promptly. And if we don’t know the answer to your questions, we’ll refer you to someone who does.