How does Adderall work? It may seem counterintuitive, but Adderall works by stimulating the central nervous system.
It is believed that people who have ADHD don’t have sufficient dopamine in their frontal lobe, which is the brain’s “reward center.” Because of this, they may be prone to seeking stimulation and the positive feeling that comes with dopamine in the frontal lobe. This can cause them to engage in impulsive or thrill-seeking behavior, or get distracted easily.
By stimulating the central nervous system, Adderall increases how much dopamine is available in the frontal lobe. This helps people with ADHD to stop seeking stimulation which, in turn, helps them focus better.
Medication is usually just one part of an overall ADHD treatment plan, along with behavioral therapy, education and organizational support, and other lifestyle methods.
Side effects
Taking too much Adderall can cause both mild and dangerous side effects, including:
| headache | hyperventilation |
| dry mouth | pounding or fast heartbeat |
| reduced appetite | trouble breathing |
| digestive problems | numbness in the arms or legs |
| difficulty sleeping | seizures |
| restlessness | aggressive behavior |
| dizziness | mania |
| changes in sex drive | paranoia |
| anxiety or panic attacks |
In addition, your body can become dependent on Adderall if you take too much of it. When you try to stop using it, you can go into withdrawal. Besides having cravings for Adderall, other withdrawal symptoms can include:
- fatigue
- agitation
- depression
- sleeping issues, including insomnia or sleeping more than normal; you may also have vivid dreams
- increased appetite
- slowed movements
- slowed heart rate
These symptoms can last for up to 2 or 3 weeks.