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Health Risks of Abusing Adderall for Weight Loss

Adderall is a stimulant that affects chemicals in the brain and nerves. Adderall is amphetamine based, which means that it can be helpful when used properly, but dangerous when abused. While it is a common treatment for ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), it is also prescribed to treat narcolepsy or depression. Unfortunately, many people without a proper prescription have used the medication as a weight loss aid. This can lead to serious side effects that can even result in death. The following is an overview of Adderall, how it can adversely affect the body, and information on getting treatment for abusing it for weight loss or as a study aid.

Normal Side Effects

As with any drug, Adderall has side effects. One can expect any of the following: Headache, diarrhea, dry mouth, dizziness, stomach pain, upset stomach, decrease in appetite, weight loss, vomiting, fever, and trouble sleeping. Not everyone suffers from side effects. For many, this can be a miracle medication that allows them to join the day to day world. There are many forums out there where current patients discuss the benefits and drawbacks of this medication.

Serious Side Effects

These are unlikely side effects, but they are serious: Mental, mood or behavior changes, uncontrollable movements, chest pain, fainting, severe headaches, shortness of breath, swelling of arms feet or ankles, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, pounding heartbeat, unclear speech-slurring, jaw pain, left arm pain, seizures, chest pain, or weakness of one side of the body. There is also the rare possibility of an allergic reaction. Development of a rash, itching or swelling especially of the face, nose or the tongue, trouble breathing, or severe dizziness. A doctor should be immediately contacted if an allergic reaction is suspected.

Adderall Abuse

Because Adderall is an amphetamine, it can be habit-forming. It is abused to get high on because it can increase a person’s energy, level of alertness, and attention. There is an increase in dopamine which gives the abuser a sense of euphoria, so it is also known as a party drug. Adderall is abused as a study drug, also referred to as college crack, because its users say it can make them concentrate for hours. It is also abused as a diet aid due to the fact that it decreases appetite. Adderall is snorted, injected, taken orally, or smoked by abusers. Many are able to find Adderall on the internet and purchase it illegally.

Extreme Side Effects of Abuse

Drugs affect individuals in different ways. What may be an overdose to one person may not result in an overdose in another. Taking any drug without a doctor’s prescription is always a risk. In this case, abusing Adderall for a length of time can result in brain abnormalities. Behaviorally, it is similar to cocaine, which may include irritability, increased aggression, and changes in personality. The most severe case would be psychosis, similar to schizophrenia.

Treatment Options

There are many treatment sources that can be found online. Most require inpatient therapy and a slow reduction in the intake of the medication. A physician can help in finding the right treatment for the abuser.

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