Adderall is prescription drug that is a derivative of two forms of Amphetamine: l-amphetamines and d-amphetamines, the latter being the larger portion (makes up 75%) as well as the more potent of the two [6]. Amphetamine (then called Benzedrine ) was first synthesized in the early 1900’s through a serendipitous discovery while searching for a cheaper substitute of another drug called ephedrine. The chemist who discovered this new drug, G.A Alles, then conducted experiments and found that this new drug was powerful stimulant. As a result, it was introduced to the public in 1935. It was advertised as a treatment for narcolepsy, mild depression, post-encephalitic Parkinson and later as an appetite suppressant. Reports of improvement in intelligence …show more content…
It is a weak base with a pka of 9.9 [6]. and it is better absorbed in the intestine’s weak acid environment, which has a ph of 5-6, whereas in the stomach’s low ph of 1 (high acidity), the amphetamine is more ionized and consequently less lipid soluble and more likely to be excreted. Once absorbed, mostly in the intestine through the epithelium, it is sent to the liver through the hepatic venal portal system, where it undergoes first pass metabolism. First pass metabolism is a system that screens any drugs ingested and enzymes (in the case of amphetamines, the primary enzyme is cytochrome p450) deactivate most of it before it gets sent to the brain. The drug is passed through the liver multiple times; further deactivating whatever may have escaped deactivation the first time. The amphetamine is converted into benzoic acid through oxidation, which is a non-synthetic phase 1 reaction that renders it inert (inactive). It also undergoes phase 2 reactions, which is synthetic unlike phase 1 reactions, and hippuric acid is created from glycine conjugates and excreted from the body through urine [3]. The half life of this drug is around 12 hours [6], depending on the acidity or alkalinity of urine during the time of ingestion. Once in the bloodstream, due to its high lipophilic nature and small molecular …show more content…
ADHD is linked to a dysregulation in the catecholaminergic systems (dopamine, norepinephrine) in the prefrontal cortex and subcortical regions, both of which are implicated in many cognitive functions such as prioritizing stimuli, impulsivity and attention [3]. Seeing as amphetamines are involved in these same systems, one can see why they can be used to treat problems involving those regions. Amphetamines have a high affinity for catecholamine transporters, especially VMAT2, which a vesicular monoamine transporter that carries newly synthesized monoamines in the cytosol into vesicles at the nerve terminal for storage until they are to be released following an action potential. It competes with endogenous monoamines for transport, and as a result, the cytosol remains full of monoamines because their translocation into vesicles is inhibited. In addition, amphetamines also inhibit monoamine oxidase, an enzyme that metabolizes intracellular monoamines, further increasing the level of free monoamines which spurs the VMAT2 to mobilize the monoamines from the cytosol and release them into the synapse, a process called reverse transport [1]. As a result, people with ADHD can function without their usual cognitive impairments. New studies have recently shown that
The main job of Adderall is to keep a patient awake and focused. For those that have ADHD, it is extremely difficult to focus or sit still, therefore Adderall is given to reduce and aid in focusing and keeping their hyperactivity to a minimum. For narcolepsy patients, since they collapse and fall asleep, adderall helps the patient to stay awake. Adderall is not used as a treatment because ADHD and narcolepsy are not treatable; instead it helps them cope with their day. According to my pharmacist, Sergey Sachacov, “Adderall is a stimulant that increases the
Susie Lomelino “[it] is a drug widely reported to increase alertness, concentration and overall cognitive performance, while decreasing fatigue – but it is also a drug widely abused across college campuses” (Highly Addictive Nature of Prescription 1). “Adderall is a synthetic drug that contains a combination of amphetamine salts. Approximately 72.7 percent of Adderall is made of lisdexamfetamine (Vyanse), and the rest is levoamphetamin” (Moore 90). Adderall is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) (Adderall 1).
Wyatt began taking Adderall and has been experiencing delusions and psychosis. I gave him his first dose of his Adderall on Thursday morning 8/11/16 at 9am. He was also given a 5mg dose of Adderall on Friday at 9am. And a final dose on Saturday at 9am.
When growing up, nothing is more frustrating then giving your best effort in your school work and continuously being unsuccessful. The effect it can have on a child is very damaging. Students may feel inadequate and non-intelligent in the classroom setting growing up, not to mention, being confused all at the same time about why school is such an ongoing battle for them. Why are these children trying so hard and never having any success? It is more and more common today; more than ever we see children having these problems inside and outside of classrooms all over the world. Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can become very problematic in a child’s
The prevalence data cannot paint the entire picture of Adderall abuse on college campuses without accounting for correlates that change the frequency of Adderall use. One study performed by Sean McCabe et al., identified two links between the frequency of Adderall abuse and the university a student attended. The first association found by McCabe et al. was a connection between the admission criteria of the university and the frequency of Adderall abuse that was present. The study found that the past-year abuse rate of Adderall was 1.3% at less competitive universities, 4.5% at competitive universities, and 5.9% at the most competitive universities (McCabe et al., 2005). These results led McCabe and his colleagues to conclude that there was
Most Americans have heard of Ritalin and Adderall, either being used to calm hyperactive children or used illegally across every college campus for the purpose of studying. These are two completely different circumstances, which may be confusing to some. The reason that these two different groups of people get two vastly different results from the same drug is that these belong to the drug class of central nervous system (CNS) stimulants. CNS stimulants increase alertness mentally and physically, but do the opposite for those with hyperactivity disorders. This is because these drugs release dopamine levels in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain that is related with motivation (Healthline Editorial Team).
Amphetamines (AMP) are β-phenylethylamine class stimulants prescribed to patients with ADHD and narcolepsy. The approved dose for ADHD is 2.5mg/day for children aged 3-6 and 5-40mg/day for school-aged children. AMP actively exists in both dextro and levo isomers, however after many studies it was concluded the dextro isomer was dominant for use, even in racemic mixtures due to its central and less peripheral action. The therapeutic effects begin 45-60 minutes post oral administration of immediate release tablet with a total duration of 4-6 hours. AMP blocks the reuptake of DOP and NOR, but it releases all three monoamines including serotonin from presynaptic vesicles. Moreover, AMP releases adrenaline in the sympathetic nervous
The use of amphetamines dates back to World War II when Adolf Hitler would dose his soldiers with the drug in order to keep them going all day and night with little need for nourishment or hydration. It is the reason the Nazi’s were able to take over Europe at an unbelievable rate of speed. Hitler himself would get injected with amphetamines up to 5 times a day. It is believed that his mad rants were due to his drug addiction. Japanese soldiers also used amphetamines during the Japanese war. Perhaps the reason for its appeal to soldiers in times of war were the stimulant effects to the sympathetic nervous system to increase alertness and decrease fatigue. It stimulates the adrenal gland to increase spontaneity, initiative, confidence,
Adderall is a combination of stimulants (Fitzgerald & Bronstein, 2013) used to increase the patient’s ability to concentrate, focus and pay attention. The highest misuse of Adderall is by college students looking to enhance their ability to study and take test (Fitzgerald & Bronstein, 2013). The higher availability of Adderall for use by adolescents suffering from ADHD has increased the reports of misuse by adults especially students who are in need of a stimulant to increase brain function and awareness. According to Fitzgerald & Bronstein (2013) Adderall can only be prescribed by a licensed physician, just as ADHD can only by diagnosed by a psychologist, psychiatrist or physician, but the prevalent misuse of this drug persist on a national level. Primary concerns related to Adderall and other ADHD stimulant drugs are cardiovascular and central nervous system complications, which both may be fatal (Adis,
In the modern world of college, an excessive use of the academic steroid, Adderall, has become an easily acquired study drug. It is important to note that Adderall use is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue among students, and can no longer be ignored. Many medical professionals have discovered the benefits of regularly taking Adderall, but unfortunately have unknowingly contributed to the ease of attainability of the academic steroid. Some may argue that the enhancer acts as a remedy to the growing need for focus, when in fact this resolution has led to a whole new set of overwhelming problems such as addiction and unnecessary use.
It is known with the provided information that methamphetamine was originally used for weight loss treatment and now recognized to treat those diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The drug is known for its high risk for abuse which is why its prescribed to avoid misuse of the product. Not everyone can take amphetamine if they have coronary artery disease, heart problems, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, glaucoma, anxiety or history of drug/alcohol abuse (http://www.drugs.com/methamphetamine.html).
To add to that, the research that has been conducted on the disorder has led to a variety of effective treatments. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) (2014) the most widely used medication is a stimulant. There is a wide variety of stimulants available for ADHD subjects. Although, with these stimulants come side effects including sleep problems, decreased appetite, anxiety and other diverse uncommon side effects (NIMH, 2014). Stimulants tend to calm children with ADHD. However, these medications can be detrimental to the patient in many ways. Certain medications have been subject to abuse, including Adderall and Ritalin. These medications are in some cases abused by patients who are over diagnosed. Since these patients do not have the disorder they can feel the side effects and use the drug to achieve a certain kind of high. When using these drugs for non-medical purposes they can seem to replicate the effects of cocaine
Study drugs have a variety of side effects. Adderall has similar effects to cocaine, it can be addictive and can have strong withdrawal symptoms.“ADHD stimulants are categorized by the FDA under Schedule II drugs. Due to this categorization, the penalties are strict, and similar to having bought bought, sold, or possessed cocaine or speed. The typical Adderall pill comes in various dosages. The most popular tends to be 20 mg on campuses. In the United States, for possession of less than 1 gram of Adderall the charge is similar to State jail felony, with a maximum range of 180 days to 2 years in a state jail” (“Study Drugs”). Not only can study drugs be criminal to the health of an individual,
Stiles liked having a small family. His mom always knew his schedule; she was never late to pick him up from school like some kids’ parents and she made sure he always took his Adderall on time. His dad always had time to hang out; he played games and had long talks with Stiles about nothing. Even when his younger sister was born, only a couple of years after they moved in, Stiles still felt his family was agreeably small. He had to look after himself a bit more while his mom was busy with the baby, but he felt like he had gotten a little too old to hang out with his parents all the time, anyway. He started going over to the McCall house a lot more often and playing with Scott, who had become more like a brother than a best friend.
Cocaine and amphetamines are highly addictive and dangerous drugs that have affected our society today. There have been various forms of cocaine and amphetamines that have become popular and abusive throughout the United States. The forms of cocaine are: powder and crack, and these two forms are seen as highly dangerous to the individuals that abuse it. Also, there are several types of amphetamines which have been noted to be just as addictive and dangerous as cocaine. In this paper I will briefly discuss the different forms of cocaine and amphetamines as well as discuss the treatment options used for individuals with cocaine and amphetamine abuse.