What is Adderall Prescribed for?

Adderall is an amphetamine prescribed for various health conditions. Adderall comes in different forms, doses and brand names, including Adderall, Adderall XR, and Mydayis. Some of the health conditions that Adderall can treat include but are not limited to:

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Narcolepsy

Please note that the specific type of Adderall, as well as the dose will vary depending on the patient’s age, health history, and health condition being treated. Their current health profile, which will also influence the dose and type of Adderall prescribed, includes any additional medication(s) the patient takes, as well as their response to the drug, namely, any side effects they experience.

What does Adderall do?

Adderall is an amphetamine. Amphetamines, described by the FDA, “are thought to block the reuptake of norepinephrine and dopamine into the presynaptic neuron and increase the release of these monoamines into the extraneuronal space.” In other words, Adderall adjusts the way certain brain chemicals work-including norepinephrine and dopamine-and also serves as a central nervous system stimulant.

In regards to ADHD, the FDA states that the exact mode of therapeutic action is unknown. Adderall can help stimulate brain activity that affects attention span and hyperactivity, among other things, in people with ADHD.

For more information regarding dosage, side effects, and uses for Adderall, talk to your doctor.

Disclaimer:Â this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit ourÂ Terms of Use page.

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Julia Quade

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Julia is a Web Content Writer for Drug Genius, where she is responsible for researching and writing about current medical topics, including pharmaceutical drug information. In 2017, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia with an emphasis in Magazine Editing. During her undergrad, Julia worked as an education reporter for the local city newspaper, the Columbia Missourian, and as a contributing writer for student-run Vox Magazine. She has also worked on various freelance projects since graduating. She currently resides in St. Louis.