Abstract

Adderall, as a drug combination, is medically-approved for treating attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. The active ingredients of Adderall are central nervous system stimulants, affecting neurotransmitters and promoting the synthesis of specific neuropeptides. Pharmacological effects include increased physical energy, improved mental aptitude, hyperexcitability, and mood elevation. In ADHD, Adderall increases arousal, wakefulness, and motivation to execute a task, promoting goaldirected behavior. Regarding physical performance, amphetamine (Adderall) improves endurance and reaction time. Thus, Adderall is banned for use among professional and Olympic athletes. As well as benefits, Adderall has numerous mild to severe adverse effects (including death) and can result in physical and psychological dependence. The sudden cessation of the drug may cause paranoid delusion, psychosis, hallucinations, mood swings, suicidal ideation, panic attack, and tremor. Also, long-term use can result in tolerance to the drug. Adderall has high abuse potential as a recreational agent. It is misused as an academic-enhancer—known as “smart pills”—by students. Although medically-approved for managing symptoms of ADHD and in treating narcolepsy, Adderall has a high abuse and addiction potential and should be taken only if medically prescribed. Realistically, however, Adderall’s off-label and unprescribed use will likely continue; if so, it should be taken with extreme caution and vigilance..

Keywords: Amphetamine; Attention; Cocaine; Dopamine; Ecstasy; Hyperactive; Neurotransmitter; Smart Pills

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