Adderall (amphetamine-dextroamphetamine) is a listed by the FDA (Federal Drug Administration) as a Schedule II controlled substance. It is a prescription stimulant medication, and comes in the form of pills. Its intended medical use is as treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is a controlled substance due to the fact that it has highly addictive qualities and can lead to a psychological and/ or physical dependence when abused. Marijuana, also known as weed, is derived from the cannabis plant. The FDA lists marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance. Being a Schedule I substance identifies marijuana as one of the most dangerous substances available, as it lacks any currently accepted medical use and has high potential for abuse as well as great risk for the development of physical and/ or psychological dependence.
Side Effects of Adderall
It is essential to take Adderall exactly as prescribed by one’s doctor, because when it is abused it can be habit-forming. The combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, the chemical contents of Adderall, are central nervous system stimulants. They work by affecting the neurotransmitters in one’s brain that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control. There are many side effects that can present as a result of taking Adderall. Some examples, as noted by Medical News Today, of common side effects include the following:
- Dry mouth
- Physical weakness
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Stomach pain
- Weight loss
- Elevated blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Headache
- Depression
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
- Nausea
Every individual is different hence each person will respond differently when taking Adderall. For individuals struggling with medical conditions that warrant taking Adderall, the positive side effects will outweigh some of the negative effects that may occur, as concluded by the prescribing medical professional. However, for individuals that misuse Adderall by taking it when it is not medically necessary or advised, risk developing severe long-term consequences that may occur.
Side Effects of Weed
Many people hold true to the notion that due to the fact that marijuana is “all natural” since it is derived from a plant, there are no adverse consequences to its use. There are, however, a number of different side effects that may occur as a result of using marijuana. According to WebMD some examples of side effects an individual may experience include the following:
- Depression
- Impaired thinking
- Paranoia
- Short-term memory loss
- Anxiety
- Impaired learning abilities
- Increased appetite
- Distorted sense of time
- Heightened senses
- Panic
- Hallucination
- Increased heart rate
- Lowered reaction time
Every individual is different and may experience any combination of the above examples, with varying levels of severity. Furthermore, as noted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse marijuana abuse has the propensity to affect brain development, lead to dependency, substance use disorder, and whole slew of additional long-term mental and/ or physical health affects.
Drug Interactions
Individuals that mix Adderall with weed may do so in attempts to minimize some of the adverse side effects of Adderall or vice versa. In general, it is best to avoid mixing weed with Adderall. Each individual has the propensity to experience varying side effects when ingesting Adderall and/ or weed. For this reason it is difficult to predict the exact affects that can occur as a result of mixing Adderall and marijuana for each individual. It is possible for the effects of mixing the two substances to produce harmful physical outcomes (i.e. increased heart rate, shallow breathing…etc.). Regardless of the fact that some sources claim mixing Adderall with marijuana may not result in adverse consequences, the abuse of any substance, especially mixing substances, invariably involves risk.
For Information and Support
If you are concerned for yourself or a loved one in regards to substance abuse and/ or addiction we recommend reaching out for help as soon as possible. If left untreated, substance abuse can result in long lasting and potentially life-threatening consequences. Keep in mind: you are not alone! There is an entire network of professionals that are available to help and support you and your loved one throughout the recovery process. The earlier you seek support, the sooner your loved one can return to a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions regarding our specific program at Haven House Addiction Treatment and/ or general substance abuse and/ or addiction treatment related information. Our highly trained staff is readily available to discuss how we might best be able to help you and your loved one. We can be reached by phone at 424-258-6792.
