Is Adderall safe to normal people, ie to those who dont take it as a medication? ex: before taking exams?
813971
Taking ANY prescription meds not intended for YOUR use is not safe. Adderal is a controlled substance, since it can be addictive. \nuses it.\n\nIt is definitely NOT safe to take Adderall if you have any preexisiting medical conditions (heart problems, epilepsy, e.g) OR if you're taking medications for other health problems without checking with a dr first. Meds could interact and make you very sick, or even kill you. You could have an allergic reaction to it and that could make you sick or kill you as well. \n\nI'm NOT downplaying Adderall or those who use it. It is probably safe when used as directed under a doctor's care. But if you were not the intended patient, why risk your life taking it? Why risk addiction? There are people who have suffered SERIOUS heart problems and died while taking it.\n\nNo drug is 100% safe. There can be side effects and health risks to everyone. Remember it is illegal to take it or possess it without a valid medical prescription! \n\nThe link below speaks more in detail about Adderall.
256587
Please do not listen to martinamagrace.   ADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.\n\nyes there are side effects to medication.  the effects on people are different as no one is the same. \n\n\nThe syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition. There are no blood tests, brain scans, or psychological tests that definitively diagnose it.  Not all Attention Deficit Disorders display the same exact symptoms.  There are many combinations of cognitive and behavioral problems that may exist.  Symptoms of this syndrome may include: Poor impulse control and internal self-monitoring, attention inconsistencies, chronic procrastination, the need for instant gratification, poor organizational skills, hyperactivity and hypoactivity, poor peer relationships, poor concept of time, and the need for highly stimulating activities.\n\nEven though the syndrome Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) defies a concrete definition, children should not be left to flounder with their difficulties when there are treatments available that will help.  Failure to treat ADHD carries significant risks whose lifelong consequences are well known: Failure to get an education, poor self esteem, substance abuse, and antisocial behaviors that become habitual and can contribute to failure at life. \n\n ADD/ADHD is not an imaginary disorder.  It is a chronic developmental disorder which is genetically based.  It is not a learning disability, but can co?exist with learning disabilities in approximately 25 to 33 percent of those diagnosed with ADD/ADHD.  There are studies that have found that stimulants are the single most effective way to treat this disorder.\n\n People are understandably squeamish about ADD/ADHD and medicating children who are otherwise healthy.  When the public deals with issues concerning children, they don’t want to believe that ADD/ADHD is a real problem that requires medication because it is often treated with Ritalin which is a controlled substance.  Unfortunately, there is no type of medication that will cure ADD/ADHD.  The use of medication to treat it, however,  is very controversial.  \n\nPeople seem to be worried that children will abuse the medication or that the drug will make them lethargic which is a major misconception about Ritalin.  Ritalin is stimulant which increases brain activity, enabling those with ADD/ADHD to control impulsively, regulate behavior, screen out extraneous stimuli, and increase attention span.  This may appear to calm the ADD/ADHD person while over?stimulating those who do not have this disorder.  Most people who need medication, that is with abnormal brain function, do not abuse it; however, the potential for abuse is always there.  \n\nCollege students cramming for an exam and professionals preparing for a presentation are turning to Ritalin.  They obtain Ritalin by telling doctors that they are having problems paying attention.  This kind of abuse is dangerous.  Ritalin affects a normal brain differently, and it can make you sick.  For the person with normal brain function, there are many potential side effects including elevated blood pressure and heart rate, nausea, agitation, headaches, and insomnia.\n\nAnyone who watches the news knows that more and more people are being treated with Ritalin and other stimulants, and the treatment rates vary widely from one community to the next.  Many people come to the conclusion that doctors are simply drugging healthy children into submission.  Skepticism is justified.  Consumers can be led to think they’re sick when they are not.  Ads may encourage them to blame poor discipline or lack of accomplishment on a disease, perhaps even consider getting disability compensation.\n\nThough most research supports the belief that ADD/ADHD is a brain-based disorder, more specific and detailed criteria needs to be established to diagnose someone with this dis
616347
you havn.t give your ritalin script in girl......i have been on dexedrine ten years now,i read 60mg made you really "speedy." well i was given it not knowing what it was,buy a stupid dr.anyway your tolorance soon grows with dexedrine im on 200mg a day.yea,40 dex a day,i hardly feel it.Unless im coming off,the only diffrence between dex and ritalin is one is amphet,rit is coke,no matter what the drs say......snort one youll rave.Coming off amphetamine can be bad,in my case,its a big NO NO withdrawl to extreme.It is normal to feel depressed,as it fills you with confidence,and a good feeling.It does damage the brain with long term use.....Ste.Q.
595661
All medication is a drug. Ritilan can cause reactions. It has some slight similarities to 'speed' if that is what you mean by your question. If you start to feel changes that are negative. Tell your doctor immediately.  \n\nPharmacies have books that talk about the drugs you take in full detail.  Tell them you want to read it. Many people do this. Just be confident. Then find a chair and go for it.  If there is a photo copy machine there use it.  \n\nI think that this drug can have strange side effects but only in some people. My nephew is having problems at the moment. Just be careful and keep monitoring your feelings and behaviour together with your doctor.
367100
Hi! A creative outlet works better. A Dr. will only prescribe meds and thus ruin the beautiful energy you have. People with "ADD/ADHD" have a certain kind of potent energy that causes the person to self-destruct (so to speak....for lack a of better description) if left unused. Basically, whoever has this "condition" has all this energy they aren't using. If they use the energy and release it from their system, they won't channel it in negative ways. Please try it before you go to the Dr. Get creative with anything; dancing, cooking, painting, decorating-something!!!
517512
It is real, but people are being diagnoses who don't have it.  I heard one study that stated only 10% of the kids on drugs for ADHD actually had it!  Seems like everyone is just wanting to "fix" their kids with drugs.  Aren't they supposed to have a lot of energy? :)
336377
I had a friend that was addicted to adderall.  She would take like 200-300mg each day.  Then, one day when the adderall seemed to do nothing anymore, she turned to Crystal Meth.!  Whatever you do, don't do that!
706867
That's a hard decision. It's not my drug of choice.  I'd rather do without the insomnia and dry mouth. However, if I had to absorb a large amount of data in school like you do I'd take Adderall  as needed. \n\nI never viewed Adderall as an addictive drug.  I used it when I had to concentrate and accomplish a task.
246420
My opinion is that any person with ADD may need aids, especially when it comes to stressful situations such as taking a test.  In order to truly demonstrate what you know you might certainly need extra time or other allowances.  That would not be unusual.
243914
personally I think unless you **must** take some medication, you should probably avoid it.  Why? Because no one really knows whats going to happen long term with these meds. Also, they don't seem all that effective in many studies..they often don't come out much better than placebo.
1186535
I take Adderall, but sometimes they fill it with the generic, which IS dexedrine.\n\nI also take 5 mg.  \n\nJust guessing at why you fall asleep, based on my experience:\n\n1) Maybe it hasn't taken effect yet...I find that it often takes quite a while to enter my system (this is tough when it suddenly kicks on at 10 pm!)\n2) Maybe you are reacting to the release/relief, the calmness we feel after taking it.  Your brain is not racing any longer, you experience that clarity.  That is a liberating feeling, but perhaps you find it relaxing as well, a release of stress.  And so you fall asleep.\n3) Maybe you NEED the sleep.\n\nAnyway, good luck.  People really do need to consult with their doctor in the beginning.  I couldn't take ritalin at all, it'd wear off with a bang.
1171133
It can give a high if taken in high doses, but only a certain kind of Coricidin. I won't say which, of course, but taking the wrong kind in high doses will kill. I haven't had any problems with it, personally, because I don't take drugs, but there was a TV investigation about abuse of its use within schools.
199017
Depends on if you are post puberty or haven't went through puberty. It reacts differently depending on that. If you haven't went through, it is affective for ADHD, but if you have then it reacts totally opposite and is a stimulant. Back when my cousin was a medical student, they were taught that Ritalin is sold on the streets as "speed". Prescription diet pills many years ago were just "speed". That is why so many homemakers got hooked on diet pills and it made a real mess for their lives. It really messes with your mind bad if you are past puberty.
1156804
What are the side effects of ....?\nIs it safe to take this medications at teh same time?\nWhen do I take this medication (time of day)?\nWhat is the correct dose?\ncan i take more then perscribed?\nWhat over the counter med can I get for ...?\nthere are lots if you think about it for a second
727330
Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Brand name Aderall)\n\nIf you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking amphetamine-dextroamphetamine and seek emergency medical attention:\nan allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); \nan irregular heartbeat or very high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); or \nhallucinations, abnormal behavior, or confusion. \nOther, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take amphetamine-dextroamphetamine and talk to your doctor if you experience\n\nrestlessness or tremor; \nanxiety or nervousness; \nheadache or dizziness; \ninsomnia; \ndryness of the mouth or an unpleasant taste in the mouth; \ndiarrhea or constipation; or \nimpotence or changes in sex drive. \n Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine is habit forming. Physical and psychological dependence may occur with the use of this medication, and withdrawal effects may occur if you stop taking it suddenly after several weeks of continuous use. Talk to your doctor about stopping this medication gradually. \n\nSide effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.\n\nCopied from site below where there is more info...;
734306
ritalin is a stimulant (but only for people who don't have ADD or ADHD)\nfor some reason, it has an opposite effect on those who are already hyper.\nI disaprove of psychological drugs, so I will never take any, but whether you or yours takes them is up to you.\n\nRitalin is methylphenidate as a chemical name\n\n •  If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking methylphenidate and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:\n     · an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);\n     · an irregular or fast heartbeat;\n     · chest pains or very high blood pressure (blurred vision, severe headache, flushing);\n     · unusual behavior or confusion; or\n     · liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue).\n• Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take methylphenidate and talk to your doctor if you experience\n     · insomnia (difficulty sleeping);\n     · nervousness;\n     · drowsiness;\n     · dizziness;\n     · headache;\n     · blurred vision;\n     · tics (repetitive movements);\n     · abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting;\n     · decreased appetite or weight loss; or\n     · slower weight gain and/ or growth.\n• Methylphenidate may cause drug dependence.\n• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
929092
It is dangerous in that it would damage the nasal/sinus cavities. Also, most probably your friend is NOT getting a larger dose as the pills that he is snorting are at most only 10% active drug, by weight, which means that 90% of inactive material is coating his nasal/sinus cavities. It would be a near-impossibility to recieve all 10% active material in a pill this way, which as you said, since he is not exceeding prescribed amounts, might only allow for a quicker onset of action, yet nothing that would be worth the damage to the cavities incurred. Due to this 10% active material to 90% inactive material ratio, your friend is really just cruding up his nose. He will receive a more consistent and readily absorbed amount of his prescription taking it orally as it is intended. Also, the other responses seemed to be in response to your friend hurting himself by taking too much, which you clearly stated he was not doing. It is highly probable that your friends prescribing doctor took the effects of Adderall (amphetamines, as you probably know) on the cardiovascular system into account when prescribing them.