Are Amphetamines Linked To ADHD?

Amphetamines, specifically Dextroamphetamine, are one type of drug used to treat ADHD symptoms in adults and children. Amphetamines stimulate the central nervous system to balance levels of neurotransmitters in the brain. Different types of amphetamines have also been used to treat depression, narcolepsy and obesity. Amphetamines are also abused illegally as recreational drugs.

Dextroamphetamine

Amphetamines are linked to ADHD through dextroamphetamine, a psychostimulant also known as ADDerall and Dexedrine. These are some of the most commonly prescribed medications for ADHD. They are designed to improve the patient's concentration, focus and ability to finish tasks and get along with other people. Unfortunately, these psychostimulants can't cure ADHD. They can only alleviate the symptoms. Amphetamines can also cause disturbing side effects.

Side effects of amphetamine use for ADHD

When medication is used improperly, the patient may suffer from side effects such as:

• Loss of appetite
• Sleeping problems
• Sudden changes in mood
• A "roller coaster" of emotions
• Rebounding when medications wear off
• Personality is dulled during overdose
• Feeling irritable and anxious
• Nervousness
• Decrease in appetite
• Reduced growth in children
• Developing a tic

ADDerall is not recommended for anyone with a known heart condition. Twelve American children taking ADDerall died between 1999 and 2003. The combination of ADDerall and heart conditions was blamed for their deaths. Side effects are supposed to go away within a few weeks of use. If they stick around longer than that, you may want to talk to your doctor to lower your dose.

Warning Labels

The dextroamphetamine label warns that amphetamine abuse can cause severe heart and blood pressure troubles that may be fatal. This medication can be habit-forming, and if you use it for a long time, you may become dependent and experience withdrawal symptoms when you stop using it. This medication should not be used during pregnancy or while breast feeding. You should not become dependent on your medication if you use it correctly. However, you should keep a close eye on your medication to make sure that other people aren't taking it. Sometimes other people, like friends, classmates, siblings, etc. steal medication to abuse it.

Sources:

http://mayoclinic.com/health/adhd/DS00275

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/amphetamine

http://www.addresources.org/article_adhd_medications_mandelkorn.php

http://www.webmd.com/drugs/drug-63163-Adderall+Oral.aspx?drugid=63163&drugname=Adderall+Oral

Photo Credit: Pega.Whore.us

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