Adderall: A Combination of Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine

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Adderall is a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which work on the central nervous system as stimulants. A stimulant is a drug that produces a temporary increase of function activity by affecting the chemicals in the brain. There are 4 salts the combine to for the active ingredients, dextroamphetamine saccharate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, amphetamine aspartate monohydrate, and amphetamine. Inactive ingredients are also present, but they do not play a role in Adderall’s function. Adderall is a drug that is approved to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) along with narcolepsy. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurobehavioral disorder of childhood as it affects an estimated 5% to 7% of school-age children. Adderall has a structural and action resemblance to other recreation drugs methamphetamine, which is commonly known as crystal meth, and ecstasy. Adderall is taken in two main ways, orally and snorted. If taken orally, there are two different pill types that can be taken: instant release and extended release. Instant Release comes in tablets which size from 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg. They are taken 2-3 times a day, with around 4-6 hours in between. Extended release comes in 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, or 30 mg capsules. Extended release is taken only once a day, in the morning. While it should be taken whole, extended release capsule can be broken and the inside contents can be mixed with applesauce. When using this method, the applesauce must be swallowed whole, without being chewed. This will allow all of the Adderall to be ingested and the effects to be highest. The second method of taking Adderall is by snor... ... middle of paper ... ...gical or physical dependence. Once injested, Adderall inhibits the function of monamine transporters by lodging into the transmitter and blocking it off. The main function of these monamine transporters is the re-uptake and recycling of catecholamine neurotransmitters. If these transporters are blocked, dopamine is unable to leave the synaptic cleft and becomes trapped. This prolonged presence of dopamine in the cleft causes the emotional and physical effects to become long term. Having these affects long term will cause the patient to become tolerant to Adderall. Tolerance is dangerous because a higher dosage will be needed in order for the effects to be felt. This is also dangerous for addiction because by having these effects long term, a person will get use to feeling a certain way and they will believe that they cannot function without taking Adderall.

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