Ten facts about Adderall

This video provides an understanding of Adderall, a drug that is prescribed for individuals with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Information regarding how the drug works to reduce symptoms is covered. The video also raises awareness about the side effects and potential negative consequences of Adderall abuse, as this drug is used as a study aid.

This video was made by McMaster students Marija Damjanovska, Sherry Feldman, Rammiyaa Devan, Raavi Parhar and Veronica Sunbaty in collaboration with the McMaster Demystifying Medicine Program.

This video is provided for general and educational information only. Please consult your health care provider for Information about your health.

Copyright McMaster University 2019.

#DemystifyingMedicine, #MentalHealth

References:

Furman, L. (2005). What is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)?. Journal of child neurology, 20(12), 994-1002.

Hanson, C. L., Burton, S. H., Giraud-Carrier, C., West, J. H., Barnes, M. D., & Hansen, B. (2013). Tweaking and tweeting: exploring Twitter for nonmedical use of a psychostimulant drug (Adderall) among college students. Journal of medical Internet research, 15(4), e62.

Lawson, J., Joern, J., Moneer, O., & Mensah, T. (2015). Addicted to Adderall. Columbia Undergraduate Science Journal, 9(2015).

Low, K. G., & Gendaszek, A. E. (2002). Illicit use of psychostimulants among college students: a preliminary study. Psychology, Health & Medicine, 7(3), 283-287.

Marks, D. H. (2008). Cardiomyopathy due to ingestion of Adderall. American journal of therapeutics, 15(3), 287-289.

Matthew D. Varga (2012) Adderall Abuse on College Campuses: A Comprehensive Literature Review, Journal of Evidence-Based Social Work, 9:3, 293-313.

Sherzada, A. (2012). An analysis of ADHD drugs: Ritalin and Adderall. JCCC Honors Journal, 3(1), 2.

Stolz, S. (2012). Adderall Abuse: Regulating the Academic Steroid. JL & Educ., 41, 585.

Varga, M. D. (2012). Adderall abuse on college campuses: a comprehensive literature review. Journal of evidence-based social work, 9(3), 293-313.

Uddin, M. S., Sufian, M. A., Kabir, M. T., Hossain, M. F., Nasrullah, M., & Islam, I. (2017). Amphetamines: Potent recreational drug of abuse. J Addict Res Ther, 8(4), 1-12.

[marisabeltran]

Before Adderall, I was a mess, super incredibly forgetful and distracted, to the point that I thought I was crazy... After Adderall, I don't have 4 or 5 thoughts at the same time, just one, things don't desperate from my hands like magic, I CAN SLEEP... I got my first "A" in history because I can read without overthinking or getting sidetracked or bored. All this only with 10mg every morning.

[gloriousforever]

I take 20mg for my ADHD and I couldn't abuse it. It just makes me feel calm and I focus on important stuff like school.

[snotellekS]

Adderall is not nearly as bad as these junkies make it seem. All these people that got addicted to it will make everyone believe it's the worst drug ever. But if you actually NEED it, it can be a life saver.

[brianfollendorf]

I dislike that I despise "normal me". Adderall makes me happier, more confident, more social, and generally a better person. People have said I'm different when on it and they like "adderall me" more than "normal me". This makes me think life would be totally better if I was "wired differently". I'm not addicted at all, but I now dislike myself and see myself as a lesser person in terms of potential and capability.

[nissan_skyline]

Adderall affects people with ADHD differently than those who don't have ADHD. It literally balances out the chemicals in an ADHD brain and essentially makes the person feel normal as opposed to "high". This medication is a life saver for a lot of people with ADHD and it sucks that the people abusing it or dying from overdosing are giving Adderall a bad rap.

[JacobGaming]

As a person with combined adhd currently taking adderall xr at 10mg, it effects me in such a way that promotes this sense of calmness yet I’m alert when need be. It makes me feel more like myself and have more appreciation for being in the moment, taking in my surroundings, etc. I feel more in tuned with my body and mind and feel like I have more control of myself. Honestly life changing if you’re deficient in the production of dopamine

[NwbMatr]

Adderall is basically like the limitless drug. I got more done in my first 3 days of taking it than I did in the prior 3 years. 👀

[genghisdon]

My girl suggested I try her Adderall after she noticed some of my mannerisms she related to as someone with ADHD. I was never diagnosed but I tried it and it was like having blinders on and my mind was quiet... I was just like "wow, this is how people are all the time?"... I was very productive that day

[oldlincolnpipewelder]

I was diagnosed with ADD as a child, and In my early adult life I HEAVILY abused alcohol, caffeine and nicotine. When you have add/hd your body needs and wants something to constantly stimulate your brain activity. Hence why I abused so many stimulants and alcohol.

For those of you who don’t have add/Hd you won’t understand. When I say I feel “Normal” I literally mean you feel like i can comprehend, learn, and achieve everything my peers can. I don’t blow up in frustration because I wasn’t prepared, or I was extremely disorganized and screwed something up. My friends and coworkers have all noticed the changes in my conduct and demeanor. I’m a much more logical thinker and I have a will to get things done. Sitting idle is the worst thing you can do while on it.

However being overweight and having high blood pressure hasn’t made me feel to well on it in recent days. ( What brought me here ) But I have myself to blame on that one. It’s one of those things you have to ask yourself. Do I go though life like a kite soaring in a tornado? Or do I live life like normal people. I think if I get this weight problem and blood pressure under control, I’ll be all right.

[beenabariya]

I tried all these diets and gave up on all except one. Only the *Agoge diet* helped me get rid of that belly fat.

[ShanOakley]

Adderall has significantly improved the quality of my life. I follow the doctor's prescription.

[noobchillz]

The psychiatrist I have now is awesome. She was the first to suggest what she calls a "drug holiday" with my Adderall. This means not taking my Adderall at least once a week to prevent me from gaining a tolerance. I try to take two days off a week which I feel perfectly resets my tolerance. I hope this helps someone experiencing the frustration of increased tolerance causing decreased benefits from the medication.

[nimblejack]

Cold showers and long distance running will help Adderall addicts to feel good after discontinuing Adderall use...many Adderall addicts are also depressed ... The Adderall can make life feel more purposeful. Heal your mind

[brians]

Adderall really was a super human drug for me. I literally did so much on it. So many productive things were done. And I was in best shape of my life. I really want to get back on it

[nimmernomma]

Took some with no script, feels like I'm a god. Not trying it again.

[skyguy]

I have ADD and have taken adderall for pretty much my whole life. It really is life changing. I tried to go off of it for a few years and I was a mess. Depression and anxiety started to become a huge issue and I started to abuse several different drugs that put me in the hospital a few times. Since getting back on adderall, I’ve been sober of illegal drugs, and feel all around so much better mentally and emotionally.

[XelloJello]

I have severe adhd and an adderall prescription. Before the prescription I was generally distracted, had poor memory, irritable, anxious, depressed, and usually had sleep difficulties. Without even being prescribed a stimulant, most of my symptoms resembled stimulant withdrawl. Personally speaking, taking adderall when I wake up has enabled me to function almost like everyone else in work. My ability to fall asleep is ironically better. This is how adderall affects me, someone with a bad case of adhd. For others whose unaltered mental states don't resemble stimulant withdrawl, it makes sense that adderall on top of a regularly stimulated brain can get you high and, thus, more likely addicted.

[MBrokeMe]

Fact 11: It's not dangerous or addictive at all when used for the treatment of ADHD under the care of a medical doctor. It effing saved my life.

[brocknorton]

You had me until the Fact 10: came up. If you think sleep/caffeine/diet and exercise are alternatives, you’ve never tried adderall I’m sure of it! :)

[hifelexia]

You know the episode of spongebob where he was normal.. that’s what I (a person with actual adhd) feel like when I take it.

It just makes me regular af