Adderall and ADHD: Things You Must Know Before Treatment 

ADHD is one of the most common mental disorders that is affecting millions of children globally. Approx 8.4% of children and 2.5% of adults have ADHD. 

What is ADHD?

ADHD stands for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It is a neurodevelopmental disorder that commonly occurs in children and often persists into adulthood. It is characterized by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.

People with ADHD experience the following patterns of behavior, which can be categorized into three types: predominantly inattentive presentation, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive presentation, and combined presentation.

Inattention:

People may have difficulty maintaining concentration, staying attentive, and staying organized. These challenges are not due to disobedience or lack of understanding. 

Hyperactivity:

Hyperactivity is characterized by constant movement or excessive shaking, patting, or talking, even in inappropriate situations. In adults, hyperactivity may manifest as excessive restlessness or excessive talking.

Impulsivity: 

Impulsivity is characterized by acting without thinking and struggling with self-discipline. It may also involve seeking instant gratification and finding it challenging to postpone rewards. An impulsive individual may frequently interrupt others or make significant choices without taking into account potential long-term effects.

Symptoms of ADHD

Symptoms of ADHD vary and depend on the individual. Some people may show symptoms primarily of inattention, while others may show hyperactivity-impulsivity. Also, it is possible that a few of them may face both symptoms. 

Inattention:

The signs of inattention include:

• Difficulty staying focused during tasks such as conversations, lectures, or reading for long periods of time.
• Difficulty staying focused during tasks such as conversations, lectures, or reading for long periods of time.
• Seems not to listen when spoken to directly.
• Find it challenging to follow through on instructions or complete tasks, often getting easily distracted and losing focus.
• Have trouble organizing tasks and activities, doing things in order, keeping things in order, managing time, and meeting deadlines.
• Avoid tasks that require sustained mental effort, such as homework, completing reports and forms, or reviewing lengthy papers, for older individuals.
• Important items needed for tasks or activities are often lost, such as school supplies, books, tools, wallets, keys, paperwork, glasses, and cell phones.
• Easily get distracted by unrelated thoughts or things happening around them.
• Often forget to do daily activities, like chores, errands, returning calls, and keeping appointments

Hyperactivity-impulsivity:

• Have difficulty sitting still and often fidget or squirm while seated.
• Frequently leave their seats in situations where staying seated is expected, such as in the classroom or the office.
• Engage in running, dashing around, or climbing at inappropriate times, teens and adults often feel restless.
• Struggle to play quietly or pursue a hobby. 
• Always seem to be in motion or on the go or act as if driven by a motor.
• Tend to talk excessively.
• Often answers questions before they are fully asked, finishes other people’s sentences, or speaks without waiting for their turn in conversation.
• Have trouble waiting their turn.
• Frequently interrupt or intrude on others, for example, in conversations, games, or activities

How does Adderall work?

People suffering from ADHD may use Adderall to improve their focus and attention. It also lowers hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Adderall functions by enhancing the amount of dopamine and norepinephrine chemicals present in brain cells.

Adderall is considered an effective medication for managing ADHD when used with behavioral therapy. If you use Adderall as directed, it will impact your CNS and provide some positive effects. In such a situation, you may feel more awake during day time and become more focused and calm. 

By increasing the effect of these neurotransmitters, this drug will help to improve focus, attention, and impulse control in people with ADHD. 

Why some individuals with ADHD may feel relaxed on Adderall

Adderall is a type of stimulant that increases the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine in your brain. These chemicals are neurotransmitters that have a calming and relaxing effect, helping you to improve your ability to concentrate.

Here are some key reasons why some people with ADHD found  Adderall as the best option:

Improved focus: Adderall works by improving concentration. So, people with ADHD find that they are better at completing any task without any distractions by reducing stress and anxiety by increasing their focus. 

Reduced Hyperactivity: Adderall helps people feel more relaxed by calming excessive mental and physical activity.

Better Impulse Control: Better self-regulation will lead to fewer impulsive actions, which will help to provide a sense of calm and control.

The best part of Adderall includes:

• It helps to organize the work;
• Helps in completing the task more efficiently;
• Improve concentration and focus;
• Listening and following directions; or 
• Helps to improve the short attention span. 

Finding the right dosage for optimal results

Adderall is a type of stimulant medication available in short-acting (Adderall) and long-acting (Adderall XR) versions. The short-acting form is used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy and has been approved by the FDA, while the long-acting form is specifically approved for ADHD. Both versions are categorized as Schedule II controlled substances due to their high potential for abuse, dependence, and addiction.

We know that the effectiveness and safety of Adderall depend upon the right dose, which may vary from person to person. However, this process involves a lot of trial-and-error approach under the guidance of an expert.

Starting dose

You should always start with a lower dose to minimize the chances of side effects. Your doses may be adjusted according to the response to the drug. 

Individual Differences

Factors like your age, weight, severity of signs, and response towards the drug help to decide the appropriate dose. 

Is Adderall a long-term solution for ADHD?

Adderall is a prescription-based drug, but some people use it to improve their focus and productivity. It is found that Adderall will remain effective for managing ADHD symptoms over long periods. However, it is seen that some people develop tolerance, requiring dosage adjustments over time. 

Click to learn more about Adderall, its uses, doses and side effects.

Alternatives to Adderall for managing ADHD symptoms

Some people may find non-pharmacological treatments or a combination of therapies to be more suitable for their long-term needs. This could include behavioral therapy, making lifestyle adjustments, and using other medications in conjunction with or in place of Adderall.

Research provides the effectiveness of various alternatives to Adderall, but some over-the-counter supplements have been investigated as potential treatments for ADHD. It is important to consult with your doctor before beginning or discontinuing any supplement or medication.

Vitamin B6

Vitamin B6 is the most effective and closest over-the-counter alternative to Adderall. It facilitates the production of serotonin. Click to learn about Vitamin B6 Sources.

Apart from these, you can switch to some other alternative treatment options under the guidance of experts like:

Behavioral Therapies

These are considered highly effective treatments, either with or without drugs. The main aim of this therapy is to develop organizational skills by improving time management and teaching coping strategies. 

Lifestyle Changes

You can work on your diet and nutrition. A balanced diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals can help to improve your brain, making it healthier.  Regular exercise to have a good mood and sleep hygiene is one of the best alternatives. 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

This helps people with ADHD to manage their skills by working on situations like anxiety or depression. 

These are some details about ADHD. You can improve your situation by improving your lifestyle and activity along with drugs suggested by your physician. I hope you found this blog 

Also read: Living with Relationship OCD: Tips for Couples

Note: Buying or selling prescription based medications, including Adderall, online is completely illegal. Don’t trust any web pharmacy selling drugs online, it may be a scam.