The Long Term Effects of Adderall on the Brain and Body

Adderall is a psychostimulant medication that is usually prescribed for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Narcolepsy. It has been widely used in recent years with students, as it helps them stay focused and motivated during studying. Yet, the long-term effects of Adderall are still unknown. In this blog post, we’ll explore how this drug affects the brain and body over time.

The Long Term Effects of Adderall on the Brain

Adderall is a stimulant that increases dopamine levels in the brain. This can lead to addiction, as users become reliant on it to be productive or focus. Additionally, when taken regularly or abused, it can cause a tolerance which requires more of the drug to have any effect. Over time, this could result in permanent damage to certain areas of the brain such as prefrontal cortex or Hippocampus. Another long-term effect is depression which could arise due to dopamine depletion when an individual stops taking the medication regularly.

The Long Term Effects of Adderall on the Body

Adderall can also lead to physical side effects. Increased heart rate/blood pressure and dehydration are possible due to its diuretic properties. These effects may worsen over time because individuals may develop a dependence on the drug for regular use without recognizing any potential risks associated with it. Additionally, research has suggested that long-term use could lead to issues like cardiovascular disease, obesity, stomach ulcers, insomnia and even seizures in some cases.

Long-Term Alternatives for ADHD Treatment

It is important to consider safe alternatives for treating ADHD symptoms that do not involve drugs like Adderall over long periods of time due to their potential side effects mentioned above.

• Some alternatives include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exercise programs
• Diet changes such as eliminating processed foods or eating more proteins/fiber-rich meals throughout each day instead of sugary snacks which can worsen symptoms
• There has been some research suggesting that cannabinoid therapy might help reduce hyperactivity related symptoms without causing any serious side effects - though further studies are needed before any definitive conclusions can be drawn about its effectiveness as an alternative treatment for ADHD/narcolepsy patients who wish to avoid drugs like Adderall altogether!

CBD & CBN as an Alternative to Traditional ADHD Medications

This study, published in the National Library of Medicine investigated the effects of CBD on anxiety in individuals with social anxiety disorder. They found that CBD reduced anxiety levels in the participants.

CBN, or cannabinol, is another minor cannabinoid found in cannabis plants that has been studied for its potential therapeutic effects, including its effects on ADHD symptoms. While some individuals have found success with CBD to alleviate ADHD symptoms, a growing body of evidence suggests that CBN may be the better alternative for individuals with suffering from ADHD.

A study involving 59 patients found that high doses of cannabinol (CBN) were linked to lower self-reported ADHD symptoms and a reduction in ADHD medication use.

Read our blog on CBN and What We Know to learn more about the benefits of CBN.

Additional References:

Wilens, T. E., Adler, L. A., Adams, J., Sgambati, S., Rotrosen, J., Sawtelle, R., Utzinger, L., Fusillo, S. (2008). Misuse and diversion of stimulants prescribed for ADHD: a systematic review of the literature. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 47(1), 21-31. doi: 10.1097/chi.0b013e31815a56f1.

Crippa, J. A., Derenusson, G. N., Ferrari, T. B., Wichert-Ana, L., Duran, F. L., Martin-Santos, R., ... & Hallak, J. E. (2011). Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social anxiety disorder: a preliminary report. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 25(1), 121-130. doi: 10.1177/0269881110379283.

Gowin, J. L., Harrell, P. T., & Timmers, K. J. (2020). The relationship between cannabis use and decision-making ability in young adults with and without ADHD: A prospective longitudinal study. Drug and alcohol dependence, 208, 107853. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2020.107853.