Case Evaluation

Adderall: Adderall: Overview

Adderall: Overview

This medication is used as part of a total treatment program to control attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It may help to increase the ability to pay attention, stay focused, and control behavior problems.

This product is a combination of stimulants (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine). It is thought to work by restoring the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain.

This drug may also be used to treat certain sleeping disorders (narcolepsy). It should not be used to treat tiredness or to hold off sleep in people who do not have a sleep disorder.

Take this medication by mouth, usually when you first wake up in the morning or as directed by your doctor. If additional doses are prescribed, take them 4-6 hours apart. Taking this medication less than 6 hours before bedtime may cause trouble sleeping. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Your doctor may adjust your dose to find the dose that is best for you. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

Use this medication regularly and exactly as prescribed in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at the same time each day. This medication may cause dependence, especially if it has been used regularly for a long period of time (more than a few weeks) or if it has been used in high doses. In such cases, if you suddenly stop this drug, withdrawal reactions may occur. Such reactions can include severe tiredness, mood changes including depression, and sleep problems. Report any such reactions to your doctor immediately. When stopping long-term, regular treatment with this drug, gradually reducing the dosage as directed will help prevent withdrawal reactions.

Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Though it is unlikely to occur, this medication can also result in abnormal drug-seeking behavior (addiction/habit-forming). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. This will lessen the chances of becoming addicted.

When used for a long period, this medication may not work as well and may require different dosing. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well. If you are using this drug for ADHD, your doctor may recommend "drug holidays" when the medication is stopped for a short time to observe any changes in behavior. Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens. Loss of appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, stomach upset/pain, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, fever, nervousness, and trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: mental/mood/behavior changes (e.g., agitation, aggression, mood swings, depression, abnormal thoughts), uncontrolled movements, continuous chewing movements/teeth grinding, outbursts of words/sounds, change in sexual ability/desire.

Seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, severe headache, fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, jaw/left arm pain, seizures, swelling of the ankles/feet, extreme tiredness, blurred vision, weakness on one side of the body, slurred speech, confusion.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to sympathomimetic drugs (e.g., epinephrine, pseudoephedrine); or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain mental/mood conditions (e.g., agitation, psychosis), heart/blood vessel disease (e.g., irregular heartbeat, coronary artery disease, angina, heart failure, cardiomyopathy), problems with heart structure (e.g., valve problems), history of heart attack or stroke, moderate or severe high blood pressure (hypertension), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), a certain eye problem (glaucoma), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: personal or family history of uncontrolled movements or outbursts of words/sounds (e.g., due to Tourette's syndrome), family history of sudden death/irregular heartbeat/rhythm, mild high blood pressure (hypertension), kidney disease, liver disease, family/personal history of mental/mood disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, depression, psychotic disorder, suicidal thoughts), seizures. This drug may make you dizzy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.

Caution is advised when using this drug in children because it may affect weight, growth rate, and final height. The doctor may recommend temporarily stopping the medication from time to time to avoid this risk. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. This drug is not recommended for use in children under 3.

This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Infants born to mothers dependent on this medication may have birth defects, be born too soon (premature delivery), and have low birth weight. They may also have withdrawal symptoms. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice possible mood changes, agitation, or unusual tiredness in your newborn. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

This medication passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

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