Adderall Shortage

Written by: Eliza Ndreu

Nearly two months ago, several pharmacies nationwide complained that they were unable to fill prescriptions for the attention-deficit and hyperactivity disorder drug Adderall. This Wednesday, the FDA confirmed that there is a statewide drug shortage. The Adderall immediate-release form (a stimulant that helps control ADHD symptoms) has been affected by the shortage.

What is Adderall? Adderall is a direct central nervous system stimulant. The drug benefits those with ADHD by helping them focus and concentrate. However, Adderall has side effects like anxiety, restlessness, headaches, sleeplessness, and more. It has the same effects on those who do not have ADHD.

The brain's dopamine and norepinephrine levels rise with Adderall. The rise can increase alertness and focus in those with ADHD. However, when taken excessively, Adderall can make people feel euphoric due to the chemical changes it causes in the brain. Unfortunately, a person can also experience harmful mental and physical adverse effects in addition to exhilaration. Even those taking Adderall as directed by a doctor may experience these side effects. Adderall stimulates your body's processes. When the fight-or-flight response is triggered, this could have effects like increased blood pressure and heart rate, tremors, anger, hazy eyesight, and large pupils.

Adderall’s main medical purpose is to lower impulsivity and heighten focus in those with ADHD. Additionally, by increasing the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, Adderall boosts the central nervous system's activity. Clinically diagnosed ADHD sufferers have dopamine-deficient brains. ADHD symptoms are extremely reduced by stimulants like Adderall. Problems with organization, task completion, concentration and focus, listening and following instructions, hyperactive behaviors, and short attention span are some of the symptoms of ADHD.

Adderall will help you feel "normal" if you have ADHD. It allows you to slow down and concentrate. However, the body becomes overstimulated with dopamine and norepinephrine when someone without ADHD takes Adderall. Instead of having a relaxing impact, too much dopamine can disrupt brain function and make people feel elated. When someone becomes Adderall dependent, they believe they must keep taking the medication to stay focused and productive. The constant pursuit of ecstatic states may lead a person to increase their Adderall dosage as their brain chemistry alters. The use of Adderall over an extended period with large dosages can have more severe effects, including cardiovascular problems. An Adderall addict may experience fatigue and confusion when quitting the drug.

Drugs like Adderall can be beneficial to those who have narcolepsy or ADHD. However, the drug's status as a Schedule II controlled substance increases your chance of becoming addicted. You may be at risk for Adderall addiction if you have trouble taking more Adderall than is advised or depend on the drug despite your doctor not recommending it.