Adderall is a prescription stimulant medication that is commonly used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
As a stimulant, Adderall functions by affecting chemicals in the brain and nerves that may contribute to impulse control and hyperactivity. Many individuals may seek out this medication as a means of improving attentiveness, performance, or for increasing productivity and focus.
Potential Side Effects of Adderall Misuse
As a stimulant based drug, Adderall can be highly addictive, particularly if misused, used without a prescription or treatment plan, or taken in dosages beyond a therapeutic dosage. There is a common belief that Adderall is a “safe” medication to take because a doctor gives it via a prescription, however the medical abuse of Adderall can lead to many harmful effects.
Adderall may be abused for several reasons, including recreational purposes, athletic performance, in attempt to improve studying abilities, increasing alertness, or in attempt to lose weight.
Dangers of Mixing Adderall with Caffeine
Some individuals may combine Adderall with other substances, such as caffeine, in order to intensify the effects of this prescription drug. However, mixing Adderall with caffeine can result in severe medical complications as well as increasing the risk of overdose and fatality.
For example, a person who is using Adderall in attempt to stay awake while also drinking coffee or an energy drink will likely experience more severe symptoms, such as nausea/vomiting, tremors/shakes, gastrointestinal distress, cardiovascular complications, anxiety, paranoia and more.
While it may seem harmless to mix a substance, such as a caffeine, with the prescription drug Adderall, there are many dangerous side effects that can result from this combination. Because caffeine is commonly used and ingested by many individuals, be cautious about what you are consuming, particularly if taking the prescription drug Adderall.
If Adderall is intentionally being taken with caffeine, be sure to seek out the help of a professional to address this problematic behavior and to find a treatment solution that can prevent damaging consequences.
About the Author: Crystal is a Masters-level Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) with a specialty focus in eating disorders, maternal/child health and wellness, and intuitive eating. Combining clinical experience with a love of social media and writing, Crystal serves as the Special Projects Coordinator for Eating Disorder Hope/Addiction Hope, where her passion to help others find recovery and healing is integrated into each part of her work.
As a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor, Crystal has dedicated her career to helping others establish a healthy relationship with food and body through her work with EDH/AH and nutrition private practice.
The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of addictions. These are not necessarily the views of Addiction Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Addiction Hope understand that addictions result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an addiction, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on March 14, 2016
Published on AddictionHope.com