What Does An Adderall High Feel Like?

The brand names Adderall and Adderall XR, immediate-release and extended-release respectively, are prescription stimulant drugs which contain a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. 

When taken or abused, this stimulant medication can produce a high that may result in feelings of alertness, confidence, and euphoria.

When Adderall is used, the dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine neurotransmitters in the brain affect the central nervous system (CNS), creating increased concentration in those struggling with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy.

Effects Of An Adderall High

As a prescription drug, Adderall is labeled a Schedule II controlled substance. Unfortunately, young adults, especially high school and college students, may use Adderall as a “study drug” to help stay awake to study for exams or increase concentration in class.

This ADHD medication is used for those with ADHD. When the drug isn’t prescribed to you, this is a form of drug abuse. Adolescents may misuse the drug, resulting in a high, as well as various side effects and serious health concerns.

Short-Term Side Effects

Some of the short-term side effects of Adderall, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), may include:

• nervousness
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• high blood pressure
• headache
• muscle cramps
• increased heart rate
• dizziness
• increased body temperature

Long-Term Side Effects

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) states long-term effects of Adderall use may include:

• heart problems
• fluctuations in mood
• anxiety
• depression
• psychosis
• physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms

After an extended use of Adderall, severe cardiovascular events can take place. Those who abuse this drug may experience chest pain, an irregular heartbeat, or even a heart attack.

Adderall withdrawal can result in severe cravings for the drug, fatigue, and sleeping difficulties as stated by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 

Those who take high doses of Adderall orally or by other means, may experience an Adderall overdose which can result in tremors, convulsions, or sudden death.

Adderall Abuse & A Stronger High

Those who participate in Adderall abuse may achieve a greater high or euphoric effects when the medication is combined with others or if a person turns to other routes of administration.

Polysubstance Use

A high produced by Adderall in combination with other drugs may result in an increased risk of overdose. Combining certain medications with Adderall can result in serious drug interactions and adverse effects.

Medications to avoid include:

• other stimulants such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and methamphetamine (Desoxyn)
• antidepressants such as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• benzodiazepines
• opioids
• antihistamines
• certain alpha blockers

Mental health issues may worsen due to the serious side effects of Adderall and combining meds. Those with certain mental illnesses such as bipolar disorder may notice their symptoms worsening.

This can result in psychosis, hallucinations, or other side effects. Some may not realize the drug interactions and accidentally combine meds, while others purposely combine prescription and illegal drugs as a form of drug abuse.

Snorting Or Injecting Adderall

Taking the drug orally is not the only form of Adderall drug use. In fact, some may snort or inject the drug, intensifying the high a person experiences.

Snorting and injecting Adderall allows the drug to quickly enter the bloodstream Those who snort Adderall may suffer from irritation of the nasal passageways, frequent nosebleeds, and a persistent runny nose.

If a person injects Adderall into a vein, not only do they have an increased risk of overdose, they can experience bacterial infections or blood clots. Injecting Adderall can also put one at risk of developing diseases if a contaminated needle is used for injection.

Adderall Addiction Treatment

For those struggling with Adderall addiction, consider finding substance use disorder treatment to begin your road to recovery. At Ohio Recovery Center, we offer inpatient treatment programs that can include:

• evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• medical detox
• holistic interventions
• group therapy
• aftercare support

To learn more, contact us today and speak with a healthcare representative who can assist you.