According to the Mustang Daily, over 34% of college students admitted to using Adderall off label, many of them attaining it from illegal sources. Although many students use it to lose weight and increase energy levels, Adderall’s short term effects are increasing, some of which are life threatening. Many students are not worried about Adderall’s short term effects.
Unfortunately for students, the number of complications continues to rise, despite efforts by numerous drug organizations to make it more difficult to obtain.
Although these short term effects occur in approximately 1% of all Adderall users, the increase in Adderall abuse is significantly increasing reported side effects. These are some reported short term effects resulting from Adderall abuse.
Short Term Effects: Extreme Weight Loss
Though Adderall is a weight loss haven for some, too much weight loss is harmful to a person’s health. Anorexia, or a prolonged loss of appetite, can cause dramatic weight loss, causing some people to become severely underweight. Malnutrition as a result of starvation is a major issue here.
Short Term Effects: Insomnia
Severe insomnia is a common short term effect in Adderall users, causing them to stay up for days at a time. Severe insomnia can also cause hallucinations, emotional instability, and concentration loss. It is not uncommon to experience these episodes for days after Adderall use also. Abstaining from Adderall is the best way to limit these short term effects.
Short Term Effects: Depression
Abusing Adderall also causes depression. Adderall alters the brain’s chemistry to the point it causes depression-like symptoms, and in severe instances, causes thoughts of suicide or harm. Adderall users may lose interest in favorite activities, suffer from poor self esteem, and avoid social activities. Anyone suffering from depression should not take Adderall; Adderall increases the severity of depression.
Short Term Effects: Cardiovascular Issues
Adderall also increases blood pressure when combined with other medication. People who suffer from a heart condition should avoid taking Adderall, because even short term use puts a person at risk for a heart attack or sudden death. People who also take antidepressants should avoid using Adderall because it significantly increases blood pressure.
Short Term Effects: Loss of Concentration
Another short term effect of Adderall is the inability to concentrate. Driving, operating dangerous machinery, and completing tasks that require concentration are potentially dangerous for a person using Adderall. It significantly impacts a person’s ability to reason, concentrate, and perform simple tasks due to a lack of coordination.
How to Prevent Adderall Short Term Effects
If you currently experience any of these short term effects, the best way to prevent it is to stop taking Adderall. If you are using Adderall to treat a medical condition, speak with your doctor about your current complications. As always, if you suspect you have an addiction to Adderall or any other prescription drug, seek help. Visit drughelp.org for more information about how to stop an Adderall addiction.
Sources:
MustangDaily.net, “Adderall, Study Drugs Abundant on Campus”, June 2009
