Aderall is a prescription drug used to treat ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in children and adults. The drug is a central nervous system stimulant that is believed to improve alertness, organization, and work performance in people who have chronic trouble concentrating. If you think you or someone you know may be suffering from ADHD, read this article to find out what steps you can take to ease the condition.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Be honest with yourself
Step 1. Know the symptoms associated with ADHD
Before making an appointment with your doctor, ask yourself if you suffer from one of the following symptoms more or less regularly:
- Failure to notice small details.
- Easy distraction from the task at hand for minor irritants (noises, smells, people, etc.).
- Failure to focus on tasks long enough to complete them.
- Frequent transitions from one unfinished task to another.
- Chronic postponement.
- Disorganization and forgetfulness.
- Difficulty in social situations; In particular, the inability to stick to one topic or focus while others talk.
- Excessive restlessness.
- Impatience.
- Constantly interrupting others.
Step 2. Decide if your symptoms are severe enough to warrant a prescription
We all have trouble concentrating from time to time, especially when we are forced to focus on boring or uninteresting tasks for an extended period of time. Students, for example, tend to take Adderall and other stimulants to get things done, even if they don't have ADHD. Keep in mind that it is completely natural that your mind sometimes fails to concentrate, and that there are other ways to improve your performance at work or school without medication.
The difference between a person who wants to take medicine and a person who needs treatment is that the symptoms of the latter are so severe that they actually make him or her unable to function properly in society. With this difference in mind, analyze the symptoms to determine their severity
Method 2 of 3: Talk to your doctor
Step 1. Make an appointment with a psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are mental health professionals who have the ability to prescribe medications. Keep in mind that psychologists cannot prescribe medications.
- If you want to find a good psychiatrist, ask at the clinic you are currently seeing.
- You can meet with several different psychiatrists before settling on one that you feel comfortable with.
Step 2. Discuss your concerns with your doctor
During your first appointment, your doctor will ask you why you came for an appointment. Tell him or her about your symptoms, how often they occur, and how long ago you noticed them. He or she will ask you a few questions to make a diagnosis.
- A few key points your doctor is trying to figure out if you've always experienced these symptoms (because many believe people are born with ADHD) and that your symptoms are severe enough to harm your well-being.
- Be honest and accurate. It is important to be completely open with your doctor to get the best possible treatment.
- Be honest about your medication choices. Doctors know that not all patients are interested in treatment, so it is important to let him or her know that you are ready to take medication as opposed to other treatments.
Method 3 of 3: Proper use
Step 1. Start with the lowest dose possible
Dosage is something that you and your doctor discuss together, and he or she can present you with different options for taking the medicine. Since Adderall is addictive, it is best to start with the lowest dose possible to assess your sensitivity to the drug.
The lower the dose you take, the less harmful side effects of the drug will be
Step 2. Keep the preparation with you
Aderall and Ritalin are some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs, especially by students. Remember that you have been prescribed this drug for a reason and it is unethical to give or sell it to others, which could put someone else's health at serious risk.
Step 3. Do not exceed the recommended dose
Always take your medications as directed by your doctor. If you think the dosage is not strong enough, discuss it with your doctor rather than taking more than your doctor tells you to.
Advice
- As with most mental illnesses, there are no medical tests to diagnose ADHD. Psychiatrists diagnose and write prescriptions based on the symptoms that their patients describe.
- Adults can suffer from ADHD, but often suffer from lack of rest rather than hyperactivity. They may also face difficulties in relationships or work.
Warnings
- Aderall contains amphetamine, which can be addictive. It must be accepted by the person to whom it was appointed.
- There are many short and long term side effects associated with Aderall. Short-term side effects include nervousness, decreased appetite, weight loss, headache, difficulty sleeping, and nausea. Long-term side effects include irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, fatigue, and seizures.
- Stimulant medications should not be taken by children, adolescents, and adults with cardiovascular disorders, such as arrhythmias or cardiomyopathy, as they can worsen these conditions.