THE LIFESPAN AND

POSSIBLE SIDE
EFFECTS OF
ADDERALL
By Krystin Woods

WHAT IS ADDERALL?

Adderall is a prescription drug that is commonly used to treat

A.D.D. and A.D.H.D. It can also be used in some cases of
narcolepsy, depression and obesity. Adderall was created in 1996
by Shire Pharmaceutical Group and is classified as a
psychostimulant that is composed of dextroamphetamine and
amphetamine salts in a 3:1 ratio.

WHO TAKES
ADDERALL?
A.D.D and A.D.H.D is more common in children, but
is also present in some adults. Adderall use is also
common amongst college and university students.
Research shows that roughly 30% of students in the
U.S. are abusing this pharmaceutical drug. In
Canada, the numbers are lower. Only 11% of
students admitted to, or would consider using this
drug. The reason for the common abuse of this
substance is due to its ability to increase
concentration, wakefulness, and productivity. In
2005, 700 000 Americans were using Adderall.

HOW LONG DOES IT STAY IN YOUR

SYSTEM?
The half life of Adderall XR is 10 hours. The life span can be modelled
though and exponential function. The equation can be represented as
A(t)=30mg(1/2)^t/10. A represents the amount of Adderall present and t
represents time in hours. I came to the conclusion that Adderall will stay
in your system for approximately 149 hours.

The life span of Adderall

40
30
20
10
0

20

40

60

80

100

120

TABLE OF VALUES
X VALUE
Time in hours
(h)

Y VALUE
Amount of
Adderall (A)

30

21.213

10

15

15

10.607

20

7.5

25

5.3033

30

3.75

35

2.6517

40

1.875

DOSAGES
Adderall tablets

Adderall XR capsules

5mg

5mg

7.5mg

10mg

10mg

15mg

12.5mg

20mg

15mg

25mg

20mg

30mg

30mg

CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING ADDERALL

AND ADDERALL XR
Adderall and Adderall XR pose a higher risk of severe reactions than any other
drug in this class (Ritalin, Dexedrine, Dextrostat, Focalin, Methylin, etc.). In
2005, the distribution of Adderall and Adderall XR was temporarily halted due to
adverse reactions. It posed a risk of sudden death in children. This medication
has also been associated with heart related deaths, stroke, and sudden death in
both, children AND adults.

SIDE EFFECTS
Common

Diarrhea

Dizziness

Severe

Anxiety or nervousness

Behavior changes

Blurred vision

Vision changes

Fast/abnormal heartbeat

Dry mouth

Headache

Hallucinations

Increase/decrease in appetite

Increased blood pressure

Poor blood circulation

Mood canges

Psychotic symptoms

Nausea

Depression

Stomach ache

Tics (uncontrollable body movements)

Chest pain

Trouble falling asleep

Convulsions (seizures)

Vomiting

Signs of heart attack

Allergic reaction

Signs of skin reaction

Stroke

Thoughts of suicide

Weight loss

SOURCES

www.ctvnews.ca/health/health-headlin
es/canadian-students-abusing-adderal
l-to-get-edge-in-studying-1.1143205
www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/20
05/adderall.html
www.chealth.canoe.ca/drug_info_det
ails.asp?brand_name_id=2074&page_n
o=2
www.drugs.com/adderall.html