Can Adderall cause depression?
Can Adderall cause depression? The short answer is yes, it can. But there are multiple other aspects to consider as well. For example, doctors frequently prescribe Adderall, which contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, to help with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Still, there’s no reason why someone who doesn’t have these conditions can’t take it too.
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a medication typically prescribed to people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy. Adderall comprises two synthetic stimulants, amphetamine, and dextroamphetamine, that belong to the family of drugs known as amphetamines. Adderal stimulates the central nervous system, especially in learning, attention span, and alertness.
Amphetamines are used medically to treat ADHD and Narcolepsy as they help individuals remain focused and increase focus in an otherwise cluttered world of overstimulation.
What Is Depression?
The definition of depression varies depending on who you talk to. Depression can often be confused with other mental illnesses like anxiety or bipolar disorder. But the American Psychiatric Association defines it as a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities once found pleasurable. The University of Michigan elaborates: Depression is a medical illness with observable symptoms. That may include changes in appetite and weight, problems with sleep; slowed movements and speech, withdrawal from friends, family, and social activities; self-loathing thoughts, and decreased sex drive.
Connection Between Adderall and Depression
Different people will react to Adderall in different ways. But in some cases, individuals who are new to the drug and don’t know how their bodies will respond might experience depression, mood swings, and other depressive symptoms. The effects of Adderall on the mind can be intense, with those who abuse it or take a higher dose than prescribed experiencing psychosis (Hallucinations), mania (Excessive Joy or Irritability), delusions (Believing things that aren’t true), and other psychotic thoughts. However, with time, tolerance builds up, and the brain adjusts to the medication’s effects. Depressive feelings may then be lessened. This reaction is also observed in those who use drugs such as cocaine or crystal meth because they create similar reactions in the brain as Adderall.
Using Adderall for Depression
Some people believe that stimulants like Adderall can be used as a treatment for symptoms of depression. Suppose you are considering this as an option. In that case, talking to your doctor about the potential benefits and risks is essential because using these medications without a prescription can have serious consequences, including addiction and overdose. Therefore, you should not use stimulant medications without consulting your doctor.
Side Effects of Adderall
Adderall is a prescription medication for treating ADHD and narcolepsy, as well as for decreasing the duration of nightly leg cramps and relieving excessive daytime sleepiness in excessively sleepy people. Adderall can be addictive and impair driving ability, among other side effects. Individuals with bipolar disorder should not take this drug because it can trigger manic episodes. There are numerous other side effects to Adderall, including an increase in heart rate, increased blood pressure, anxiety, changes in appetite, or weight loss. Some studies have shown that long-term use of this drug may also lead to a higher risk of heart attack or stroke.
How to Evade Depression or Other Symptoms While Taking Adderall
Different people react to other medications in different ways. When starting a new drug, it is normal to experience unwanted side effects. While these side changes are not dangerous in most cases, they can be unpleasant. One such side effect of Adderall is that it may bring on feelings of depression. You can do a few things while taking Adderall to avoid developing this or other symptoms and get back to feeling your best!
