Adderall Argumentative Essay

There are many children and adults that are diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is a sleep disorder that causes a person to have sudden episodes of deep sleep. This causes the person to feel drowsy and not alert during daytime hours. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) limits a person’s ability to pay attention. Also a person with (ADHD) usually has hyperactivity and impulsiveness. People who have difficulty focusing and controlling their behavior benefit significantly by taking Adderall.

Adderall is a medication that has proven to be beneficial in treating these medical conditions. According to LiveScience, “Adderall, a combination of amphetamines dextroamphetamines are central nervous system stimulants. This medication is aimed at helping to restore the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain” (Elaine J. Hom). Studies have shown that college students who have taken Adderall legally have benefitted greatly on their overall performance. “This is due to higher motivation and enhanced levels of

productivity” (nootritment.com).

Adderall increases dopamine and neuroepinepherine in the frontal lobe which helps improve attention and focus.

It has been noted that if this drug has been taken indiscriminately by persons who do not have a (ADHD), they can experience hallucinations, seizures and irregular heartbeats. Some people including college students take adderall because it speeds up metabolism and lowers the appetite which results in weight loss. However, this weight loss is usually temporary and the weight gain will return. According to LiveScience, “Adderall is a (DEA) schedule II, which means it has a high potential for abuse. It can lead to severe psychological or physical dependence and is considered dangerous” (Elaine J.

Hom).
Since Adderall comes in several forms and dosages, doctors must first evaluate the severity of the patients condition before prescribing the dosage It is very important that patients adhere to the doctors dosage recommendation. Increasing the dosage can have serious side effects such as, fast or pounding heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath and several other alarming episodes. Although there are many medical benefits of Adderall in patients with (ADHD) and Narcolepsy, it must be noted that this drug is abused by many people including college students. Adderall seems to be the drug of choice because it is legitamite and helps students accomplish their overwhelming responsibilities. Sadly, the incentive for a student with (ADHD) to sell their drugs to strangers is strong.
It is easy for a patient with (ADHD) to acquire prescriptions for Adderall which they can in turn sell the pills for a profit. The student that sells their drugs may not know that doing this is dangerous and illegal. Ususally during exam week, the demand for Adderall is very high. This drug can have very detrimental affects on certain patients. This includes glaucoma, Tourette Syndrome and severe anxiety.
Patients who have a history of heart rhythm disorder, heart attacks, coronary artery disease or high blood pressure should alert their doctors immediately. Some parents believe in giving their child a weekend off or a summer/long break from their medication. According to TheDailyBeast, “Between 2005 and 2010, emergency room visits related to ADHD stimulant medications used non-medically tripled from 5,212 to 15,585 visits. In young adults, the number almost quadrupled. Nearly half of these visits were due to mixing Adderall with other drugs or alcohol” (TheDailyBeast.com).
Research has shown that the multimodal approach is gaining popularity. This approach involves several methods of treatment that benefit a child. This includes medication, behavioral therapy, and education. according to webmd.com, “Behavioral therapy is designed to help a child curb problematic behaviors. This may involve helping the child learn to organize time and activities or it could help a child complete homework. It may also involve helping the child control his or her impulses and responses to emotional stimuli” (m.webmd.com).