Adderall - Overview

Overview

The active ingredients in Adderall are used to treat symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)A disorder characterized by impulsive behavior, difficulty concentrating, and hyperactivity that interferes with social and academic functioning., narcolepsyA sleep disorder characterized by daytime tiredness and sudden attacks of sleep., and sometimes obesity. In the 1960s, the drug was marketed under the name Obetrol. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a new formulation of the drug, known as Adderall, for the treatment of ADHD in early 1996.

Official Drug Name: Adderall (ADD–urall), Adderall XR; a mixed amphetamine sulfate (am–FETT–uh–meen SUL–fate)

Also Known As: Speed, uppers

Drug Classifications: Schedule II, stimulant

ADHD is a disorder that begins during childhood. However, in many cases, it is not diagnosed until adulthood. It is very difficult for people with ADHD to focus their attention and control their behavior. Children with ADHD are easily distracted and have difficulty concentrating, especially on schoolwork. They may also talk excessively, interrupt conversations, and have trouble waiting their turn. In many cases, people with ADHD display impulsive behavior(sometimes called impulsivity) Acting quickly, often without thinking about the consequences of one's actions., which frequently continues into adulthood.

More About ADHD

The terms hyper and hyperactive are often used negatively when referring to people with ADHD. Such terms are stereotypes—labels, often negative, used to describe all people within a certain group regardless of whether they are true about everyone or not. It is important to note, however, that not everyone who talks a lot has ADHD. Not everyone who fidgets or gets antsy has ADHD. Not everyone who taps a pencil when taking a test has ADHD.

The truth is that ADHD affects people in completely different ways. Some of the symptoms are described in a booklet on the disorder published by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). The authors note that some children with ADHD may "appear to be daydreaming, 'spacey,' easily confused, [or] slow moving" rather than overly active. Either way, the authors explain, it is important to realize that "many normal children may have these symptoms, but at a low level, or the symptoms may be caused by another disorder." The NIMH stressed the need for children with symptoms of "hyperactivityimpulsivity" or "inattention" to "receive a thorough examination and appropriate diagnosis by a well–qualified professional."

Adderall helps manage the symptoms of ADHD by increasing the release of dopaminePronounced DOPE-uh-meen; a combination of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen that acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain.. Dopamineisa neurotransmitterA substance that helps spread nerve impulses from one nerve cell to another.. Itactsonthe part of the brain responsible for filtering incoming information, making choices, judging behavior, and deciding when and how to act.