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Adderall is a brand name for a combination of two medications, called amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. These medications are stimulants designed to combat and reduce the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
As a Schedule II controlled substance, Adderall requires a prescription from a medical doctor, such as a psychiatrist, before you can pick it up from the pharmacy.
Let's take a deep dive into securing an Adderall prescription in Brooklyn and what you need to know before taking it.
Note: Speak to your doctor or psychiatrist about whether Adderall or amphetamines are right for you. Only they know your specific mental and physical state well enough to determine if it will be safe and effective for you.
Skip to an Adderall fact:
Adderall vs. Generic Amphetamine
How Do I Get an Adderall Prescription?
Other Medications Like Adderall
What Does Adderall Help With?
Adderall, or amphetamine and dextroamphetamine as it is referred to in its generic form, may help control the symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
These symptoms include:
- A reduced ability to focus on certain tasks, particularly those that you don't find interesting
- Excessive energy or restlessness
- Hyper-focusing on an irrelevant or unproductive task
ADHD is one of the most commonly diagnosed mental health conditions in the world and causes difficulty in school, at work, and at home for those who have it.
Adderall combats the symptoms of ADHD by improving focus and attention span and, in some cases, reducing energy and restlessness.
Adderall is also approved as a treatment for narcolepsy, a sleep disorder that causes excessive bouts of tiredness, often characterized by sudden sleeping during the day.
How does Adderall help you focus?
Adderall helps you focus by increasing the effects of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Each of these chemicals plays a very important role in the brains of those without ADHD and are notably diminished in those who do have it.
People with ADHD have lower levels of dopamine than those without it, which contributes to the distracting nature of the condition.
In the absence of a sufficient level of dopamine, a brain with ADHD constantly looks for ways to boost it. That means, rather than finishing a work report one time, a person with ADHD may begin scrolling through their phone, playing a video game, or engaging in a task they find more interesting.
Interestingly, in someone without ADHD, Adderall still increases the dopamine levels in their brain. With a standard dose of dopamine already in their system, Adderall can make them feel euphoric and excessively confident.
Norepinephrine increases the brain's fight-or-flight response, but in a way that is sustainable throughout the day.
These two chemicals together give people with ADHD an alert and focused feeling, which can help mitigate their symptoms.
Adderall vs. Generic Amphetamine
In terms of active ingredients and the effect the drug has on your brain and body, there is no significant difference between Adderall and its generic forms.
A generic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine pill may look slightly different in shape or color and will not be branded with the Adderall name.
Generic amphetamine and dextroamphetamine will usually be cheaper than brand-name Adderall, depending on your insurance.
Adderall Dosage Information
Always talk to a medical professional before taking prescription medications or changing the dosage of an existing prescription. This article is not a substitute for medical advice for your specific case.
Adderall dosages vary with the patient's weight and the severity of their symptoms. The most common dosages are:
- Adderall in 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg pills
- Adderall XR in 10 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg pills
Adderall XR refers to a variant of extended-release Adderall that dissolves more slowly and therefore lasts longer than standard Adderall.
Adderall is often prescribed in combination with a medication that may control side effects, called guanfacine.
Adderall Side Effects
Adderall is known to give many patients side effects that range in severity from mild to severe.
Some of the most commonly reported side effects of Adderall include:
- Dehydration
- Drymouth
- Headaches
- Mood swings
- Flat affect
- Insomnia
Adderall can complicate existing medical conditions. If you are prone to seizures, for example, Adderall may not be the best medication for you, as it can make seizures more likely to happen and more severe when they do.
In rare cases, Adderall can also cause heart attacks, strokes, and changes in vision.
How Do I Get an Adderall Prescription?
The only person who can prescribe Adderall to you is a physician or psychiatrist who is familiar with your symptoms, overall medical history, and treatments attempted in the past.
If you feel Adderall may be right for you, schedule an appointment with your doctor and mention your symptoms.
You can also schedule an appointment with one of our Brooklyn psychiatrists to see if Adderall may be able to help you.
Because Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance and has a high chance of abuse and dependency, many providers are hesitant to prescribe it as a first treatment attempt.
Your physician or psychiatrist may recommend lifestyle changes or coping skills to curtail symptoms rather than jumping straight to medication.
Other Medications Like Adderall
Because Adderall is just one brand name, there are a number of other names associated with amphetamine. Here is a quick list:
- Ritalin
- Concerta
- Focalin
- Metadate
All of these drugs, with a few minor differences in appearance and inactive ingredients, are similar to Adderall.
Adderall Prescriptions in Brooklyn: Williamsburg Psychiatry Group
With unparalleled expertise in psychiatric disorders and a high level of availability, our team is Brooklyn's source for high-quality psychiatry.
If you have questions about Adderall or want to determine if Adderall may be right for you, schedule an appointment with our team or give us a call to be matched with the right psychiatrist for you.
Our team uses medication management, often in combination with talk therapy services, to ensure that all of our patients are getting the absolute highest quality of care. Visit our team page below to learn more. Feeling better may be closer than you think.
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