The abuse of Adderall for weight loss was common among some people. Originally, it is prescribed to treat ADHD and narcolepsy.
Despite the strict warning on its serious side effects, some continue to use this medicine for non-prescription purposes.
You may have heard much about using this prescription medicine for quick weight-loss results. But it would be foolish to try a prescription drug like Adderall for fat burning.
Adderall – An ADHD Medication
Adderall XR is a prescription for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
The chief ingredients in it are dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. These properties are beneficial for stimulating chemical processes in the brain.
It increases your ability to stay focused on an activity, improves attention and concentration, and reduces behavioral issues. It also gives you the mental strength to stay organized and improve your listening skills.
Doctors often prescribe this pill for treating sleeping disorders like narcolepsy.
Reports presented by a few studies suggest that most patients using Adderall for ADHD or ADD also experienced substantial weight loss effects. For this reason, many began to use this pill for managing obesity.
It does not mean you can use this pill exclusively for weight loss. Even if you want to achieve weight loss with Adderall, never try it without your doctor’s recommendation.
Does Adderall Cause Weight Loss?
Amphetamines were popular prescription medicines for weight loss, especially a couple of decades ago. Under Benzedrine, amphetamines were first used to treat obesity in the 1930s due to their appetite-suppressing capabilities.
Later on, doctors discouraged the use of this drug for weight loss because of its addictive nature. It has several other health risks and concerns as well.
Currently, the FDA only approves amphetamines for ADD/ADHD treatments.
Still, some medical professionals do not recommend using amphetamines and their derivatives to help reduce obesity.
Because of its easy availability, even without a prescription, many began to use it for nonmedical purposes like weight loss or the euphoric effects it produces.
Unfortunately, many do not realize the hidden dangers of using amphetamine medicines for non-prescription reasons.
Doctors do not recommend using Adderall for anything other than ADHD/ADD treatments.
Related article: How Long Does Adderall Stay In Your System?
How Does Adderall Use Decrease Appetite?
Adderall’s active ingredients are stimulants, which affect the central nervous system.
Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine help increase the amount of dopamine released in the brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in several major functions of the body, like movement and motivation.
It sends a signal to the body when you are satisfied, and this helps the body suppress appetite.
A study published in 2001 in “Lancet” suggested that dopamine deficiency may contribute to obesity. On a positive note, patients who take Adderall have a reduced appetite because of the higher dopamine levels.
It influences the chemical process in the brain that controls appetite and the absorption of calories.
Some people are crazy about getting fast weight loss results from prescription drugs like Adderall. But it isn’t a weight-loss drug.
Adderall Misuse and Abuse
Its abuse as a stimulant is rampant. According to a study, about 3.4 percent of those over 12 continue to use Adderall beyond the prescription period.
Some patients are beginning to use it as a prescription medicine and eventually develop Adderall addiction.
This drug helps boost dopamine signaling in the brain. A person consuming this medicine feels more energetic and mentally alert. It also produces a strong euphoric effect that makes the user feel relaxed and happy.
It helps decrease appetite and thereby reduces body weight as long as a person continues to use this pill. Some research reports suggest that adults and children who used this medicine experienced weight loss results while using this pill.
The FDA approves the use of Adderall only for treating ADHD and narcolepsy. Despite the FDA warning, some doctors may prescribe Adderall off-label to help you lose weight. The FDA does not approve of such non-prescription usage of the pill.
Preferably, it would be best if you refrained from using Adderall as a weight loss aid. If you use it to lose weight, then make sure your doctor regularly monitors this pill’s effectiveness and safety.
Side Effects Of Adderall
Adderall is an amphetamine medication for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy.
Young people misusing Adderall to lose weight may experience symptoms like slowed growth and poor weight gain. Do not use this drug to lose weight.
Indiscriminate use of this pill beyond the dosage recommended by your physician can cause serious side effects to your health.
The dangers of Adderall include the following side effects:
- nervousness, restlessness, excitability, irritability or agitation,
- dizziness, headache, and fever
- tremor and weakness
- blurred vision
- sleep problems (insomnia)
- stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting,
- hair loss
- loss of appetite and weight loss,
- loss of interest in sex, impotence, and difficulty having an orgasm,
- increase blood pressure, increased heart rate, and heart palpitations.
Risks of Using Adderall For Weight Loss
Adderall makes you lose weight, but be careful of its health risks.
First of all, Adderall is not a weight loss drug. For significant appetite suppression, you would need to take larger doses of this pill than allowed. In addition, you should only use prescription medicines for weight loss with your physician’s recommendation.
Here are some of its possible health risks:
- Risk of developing physical and psychological addiction and dependency
- Induces insomnia, restlessness, and nervous disorder
- Abuse leads to malnutrition, mood swings, and paranoia
- High doses can cause heart complications and stroke
- Dangerous for people with heart diseases
- Severe withdrawal symptoms
- Potential to cause physical growth inhibition in children
- Increases weight gain after stopping the use of stimulants.
Does this ADHD drug make you gain weight in adults? Yes, it can. Initially, this stimulant drug tends to curb appetite and help burn calories. Once it wears off, your appetite can strike back hard.
Conclusion
Stimulant medications like Adderall can cause weight loss by suppressing appetite. Importantly, using amphetamine pills for non-prescription purposes has several health risks that can even cause death.
It is best to use healthy diets and workouts to maintain a healthy weight. Please avoid the use of stimulant drugs like Adderall for people to weight loss or decrease their appetite. That brings us to the conclusion of our discussion on Adderall and weight loss.
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