Adderall abuse among high school and college students has been reported nationwide. Unlike some of the other abused drugs on the street, this medication does have a clear medical purpose. It is an Amphetamine combined with Dextroamphamine, and it is used in the treatment of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). If someone has a prescription for the drug and is taking it as prescribed, it should help him or her with the disorder. If, however, someone is taking more than the prescribed amount, or they are buying it from others without a prescription, he or she may become addicted to the drug.

Common Side Effects

Because Adderall is a stimulant, there are several side effects that can occur even when it is taken as prescribed.

They include:

• Restlessness
• Insomnia
• Loss of sex drive
• Obvious nervousness
• Shaking hands, legs or other body parts

If there are complaints about stomachaches, a dry mouth, constipation or diarrhea, no appetite, or headaches, these too may be side effects of the medication.

Potential Addiction Side Effects

Other more serious side effects occur in a small percentage of users who are taking it as prescribed. For the rest of the population, these particular side effects can point to possible abuse or an addiction to Adderall. 

• Pounding heartbeat
• Rapid heart beat
• Rash or skin that blisters
• Seizures
• Aggressive attitude
• All-over body itching
• Hoarseness of voice
• Tics of the body such as repeatedly moving limbs in weird positions
• Paranoia
• Weakness of limbs
• Chest pain
• Swelling (usually indicates an allergic reaction of a possible overdose)
• Hives
• Shortness of breath

Many students who do not have prescriptions for Adderall take it to stay awake to study or to have the energy to go out late socially. With continued use, the tolerance for the drug increases. More and more is needed to get the same effects. If increased dosages of Adderall are needed to keep from going into withdrawal, the battle with addiction has begun.