Please Note: Adderall is a trade name for amphetamine. It can be highly addictive for some individuals. If you think someone you know may need help, please check out signs someone is addicted to Adderall.
Other names:
dextroamphetamine, Dexamphetamine, D-Amphetamine, Dexamfetamine, (S)-Amphetamine, (+)-Amphetamine, (+)-Phenaminum, Desamfetamina, Amsustain, Dephadren, Sympamin, (+)-(S)-Amphetamine, (S)-(+)-Amphetamine, D-(S)-Amphetamine, (S)-1-Phenyl-2-propylamine, (S)-1-Phenyl-2-aminopropane, (2S)-(+)-Amphetamine, (S)-alpha-Phenylethylamine, D-alpha-methylphenethylamine, (S)-(+)-beta-Phenylisopropylamine, (S)-alpha-Methylphenethylamine, (+)-alpha-Methylphenethylamine, (2S)-1-phenylpropan-2-amine, D-AM D-1-Phenyl-2-aminopropane, D-2-Amino-1-phenylpropane, Dexamfetaminum , D-(+)-Amphetamine [7]
Background:
Adderall is defined by the FDA to be a CNS stimulant with a single-entity amphetamine product combining the neutral salts of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, with the dextro isomer of amphetamine saccharate and d, l-amphetamine aspartate monohydrate [3].
Adderall was originally produced by Shire Pharmaceuticals in 1996 as an instant release pill, initially advertised to eliminate the need for multiple administrations during the day [6]. Shire Pharmaceuticals sold Adderall to DuraMed, which later was acquired by Teva. Teva now owns Adderall, however Shire still produces the extended release (XR) version of the medication.
Adderall consists of four salts by equal weight: D-amphetamine saccharate, D,L-amphetamine aspartate, D-amphetamine sulfate, and D,L-amphetamine sulfate yielding ~75%/25% D-amphetamine/L-amphetamine, respectively [5].
Active ingredients:
Dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate monohydrate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, USP, amphetamine sulfate, USP [3].
Inactive ingredients:
Lactitol, Microcrystalline cellulose, colloidal silicon dioxide, magnesium stearate, and other ingredients [3].
Mode of action:
The exact mechanism, by which adderall helps people afflicted with ADHD, is unknown. It is known that levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA) and catecholamines are affected after dosing adderall. Unfortunately, the exact method of action remains elusive, however, it is thought that adderall acts to inhibit the reuptake of dopamine from the synaptic terminal by the inhibition of the dopamine transporter (DAT).
One theory separates the actions of Adderall in two different phases. In the figure below, a. represents normal physiologic function of the DAT, while b. shows the effects of Adderall on the inhibition of reuptake of dopamine from the synaptic cleft (phase I). In this model, it is thought that the DAT is also downregulated from the neuronal membrane a la the second phase, which is thought to be responsible for the prolonged duration of dopaminergic signal, seen with Adderall compared to other single agent amphetamines.
The D/L-amphetamine mixture of adderall has, so far, demonstrated a faster onset and longer duration of action as compared to D-amphetamine at the same total dose. In rat studies, it has been found that L-amphetamine is roughly three to six times less potent than D-amphetamine albeit the (DA) transporter currents produced by the isomers are identical. The release of DA by amphetamine displayed characteristics similar to the potassium-induced or electrically induced release of DA [6].
Benefits:
The efficacy of Adderall in combating symptoms of ADHD/ADD by augmenting one’s attention is well known and is, currently, the reason for its primary indication for prescription. In children, over a period of a year, Adderral has been shown to increase IQ scores in 100% of the children that participated in the study compared to no change in IQ in children not taking any medication [4]. Its stimulant nature also makes it widely used for patients suffering from conditions of hypersomnolence (e.g. narcolepsy).
Depending on one’s goals, whether treating ADHD/ADD or some other indicated use for Adderall, there seems to be a real benefit to using Adderall over other amphetamines, in its quicker onset and longer duration of action. This effect seems to be directly related to the use of a racemic, rather than pure, mixture of amphetamines.
With respect to convergent creative thought, Adderall has been found to enhance one’s ability. This effect was found to be dependent on one’s baseline creative, providing the most benefit for people with already low levels. Alternatively and possibly quite counterintuitively, in people with very high baseline convergent creativity there was noticeable decrease in ability [2].
Common side effect:
poor appetite, insomnia, stomachache, headache, staring/daydreaming, sadness, changes in vision, increased muscle tension, euphoria and anxiety/irratability [1].
Other information:
In patients with ADHD and and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who were refractory to 8 week treatment of SSRIs, there was a trial to add Adderall as an adjunct in therapy. After 8 weeks it was shown that the patients displayed a vast reduction in symptoms as seen vis-a-vis all effectivements measures, including symptoms of anxiety [5].
such studies go to show that the field of study for Adderall and its potential to curb symptoms of mental health, both as a primary agent and as an adjunct in therapy, are still in their infancy.
Sources:
1. Ahmann PA, Theye FW, Berg R, Linquist AJ, Van Erem AJ, Campbell LR. Placebo-controlled evaluation of amphetamine mixture-dextroamphetamine salts and amphetamine salts (Adderall): efficacy rate and side effects. Pediatrics. 2001 Jan;107(1):E10. PubMed PMID: 11134474.
2. Farah MJ, Haimm C, Sankoorikal G, Smith ME, Chatterjee A. When we enhance cognition with Adderall, do we sacrifice creativity? A preliminary study. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2009 Jan;202(1-3):541-7. Epub 2008 Nov 15. Erratum in: Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2009 Apr;203(3):651. Smith, M Elizabeth [added]. PubMed PMID: 19011838.
3. FEDERAL DRUG ADMINISTRATION. “ADDERALL (CII).” 2007. Federal Drug Administration. March 2007. <http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/011522s040lbl.pdf>.
4. Gimpel GA, Collett BR, Veeder MA, Gifford JA, Sneddon P, Bushman B, Hughes K, Odell JD. Effects of stimulant medication on cognitive performance of children with ADHD. Clin Pediatr (Phila). 2005 Jun;44(5):405-11. PubMed PMID: 15965546.
5. Glaser PE, Thomas TC, Joyce BM, Castellanos FX, Gerhardt GA. Differential effects of amphetamine isomers on dopamine release in the rat striatum and nucleus accumbens core. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2005 Mar;178(2-3):250-8. Epub 2004 Sep 30. PubMed PMID:
6. Joyce BM, Glaser PE, Gerhardt GA. Adderall produces increased striatal dopamine release and a prolonged time course compared to amphetamine isomers. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2007 Apr;191(3):669-77. Epub 2006 Oct 10. PubMed PMID: 17031708.
7. NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF HEALTH. “PubChem Compound: Dextroamphetamine – Compound Summary.” 2012. National Institute of Health. <http://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/summary/summary.cgi?cid=5826>
Hey Mike,
I just stumbled across this and, My doc recently prescribed it to me for “Adult ADD” but barely discussed the drug or the ADD with me. So I’m a little concerned and will not take it until I’m a little more educated. The “doc” seems too busy to be bothered with my questions, so I’m asking the smarter people of the world! Fire away!!!
I’ll be back to read more next time
I missed this comment here! Since your doctor diagnosed you with Adult ADD, and you took a friend’s Adderall previously and found that it worked for you, I would suggest asking your doctor for a brochure about it. Typically they have information packets for Vyvanse and/or Adderall. I would suggest asking him to start you off on a low dosage, so that you can get a feel for if it’s working for you, and if it’s not, then there are a number of other options.
Interesting report, a lot of my freinds take Adderall and never have experienced hallucinations to my knowledge, but not saying it’s not possible. Scary stuff nonetheless.
G’Day! Mike,
Thanks for the above, Commonly I have difficulty concentrating. A companion gave me an Adderall and I was in a position to fork out focus in classes and I was in a position to remember all the things very much far more simply than just before. I was in a position to complete all day tasks in fifty percent the time. I legitimately assume that it would be an improvement for my living if I had a prescription, but I never want to go to the doctor sounding like a drug addict. Is it intelligent to point out I’ve taken it right before or not?
I look forward to your next post
Hi Zelma,
I would advise you to talk to your doctor about the possibility of having ADD, and see what he thinks. If he tests you for ADD and you come up positive, then you’ll likely be prescribed Adderall or Vyvanse to help you deal with this issue. If you don’t have ADD and are in the US, then you won’t be able to obtain adderall legally. However, this site is dedicated to a number of alternatives, and there are plenty of nootropics that are similar to Adderall, but much better for you in the long run. I would suggest taking a look at Aniracetam. It’s a stimulant of the ampakine kind, and has been shown effective in some studies as a cognitive enhancement tool. If you’re looking for something that’s a stimulant with similar qualities to Adderall, check out DMAA.
My buddy takes it as well and swears by it. It’s funny toguhh, every time he takes it he literally is jumping off the walls so it kind of scares me to take it since sometimes energy drinks make my heart go crazy.