Adderall is a prescription medication used to treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). This medication uses two different types of active ingredients, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, to control the effects of ADHD for patients. However, a major concern with Adderall is the side effects that come along with it.
Note: All medications have important side effects to consider. As with any pharmaceutical or supplement product: patients should consider all side effects with a medical professional to determine whether the benefits of the medication are worth its costs.
The types of side effects form Adderall can be broken into two categories: minor and major.
The minor side effects of Adderall include the following:
- Minor weight loss
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Restlessness
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Insomnia
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
Minor side effects can vary greatly from patient to patient and can be short-lived, diminishing in intensity over extended dosage periods.
The more severe side effects of Adderall require medical attention as soon as possible as they could be signs of something dangerous and/or long-lasting.
These major side effects of Adderall include:
- Uneven heartbeat
- Fast heartbeat
- Burning during urination
- Bi-polar symptoms (extreme emotions)
- Hallucinations
- Muscle tremors
- Muscle tics or twitches
- Extreme (high) blood pressure
- Seizures
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
If any of these major signs and symptoms is present, the patient should be taken to their physician as soon as possible.
Additionally, there is a risk of an allergic reaction to Adderall. Signs that a patient is having an allergic reaction to the medication include the following: problems breathing, problems swallowing, facial swelling, swelling of the throat, and swelling of the tongue. If signs of allergic reactions appear, the patient’s doctor should be alerted immediately.
As with any prescription medication, side effects are possible with any patient. When you are taking a medication like Adderall, make sure you are aware of the possible side effects so that you can be prepared for them if they appear. Because some side effects can be quite severe, you should consider discussing your concerns with a physician before you begin the medication.
Adderall is a common medication for the treatment of ADHD in children, so it is important to monitor your child when on this medication for signs of side effects.
- Header Image: Hipsxxhearts (Flickr)
- Adderall Side Effects – Side Effects Database
- Adderall Side Effects – Drugs.com
- Adderall – Wikipedia