Is Adderall A Narcotic Or A Controlled Substance?

Adderall contains two medications, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Adderall is the brand name of one of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD, and has also been prescribed in the treatment of narcolepsy.

Since 2022, the US has experienced an ongoing shortage of Adderall and other amphetamine-based ADHD medications, driven by increased diagnoses, supply chain disruptions, and DEA manufacturing quotas for Schedule II substances.

Medications like Adderall stimulate the central nervous system, which helps people to concentrate. Adderall can also give a person who struggles with ADHD the ability to calm down, while also providing more energy. This reduces distractibility and allows a person to focus.

Adderall is a substance that is often misused. Sometimes it happens by taking too much or using someone else’s prescription. When a person misuses Adderall, they tend to feel euphoric and have extremely high energy, as well as a boost of self-confidence.

However, like any other drug of abuse, Adderall dependency is dangerous. Some negative effects of abusing Adderall include high blood pressure, being unable to sleep, and irregular heart rate. These effects will worsen over time.

Adderall is classified as a controlled substance because of its high misuse potential. The following is additional information on controlled substances and how Adderall meets the criteria for one.

Adderall Is A Controlled Substance

In 1970, the Drug Enforcement Administration began enforcing what is known as the Controlled Substances Act. Medications fall under one of five classifications, known as “Schedules”. These schedules show the potential for abuse and the safety of a medication.

Adderall and Adderall XR are both Schedule II substances, like the other stimulant medications used to treat ADHD.

Schedule II Controlled Substances show a high potential for abuse, and should only be taken as prescribed. Other medications that are Schedule II controlled substances are Ritalin and narcotics, such as OxyContin, Dilaudid, and fentanyl.

While some narcotics are also listed under the Schedule II classification, Adderall is not a narcotic. Some people use the terms narcotic and controlled substance interchangeably, but according to the DEA website, these terms are not the same.

Is Adderall An Opioid?

Opioid use disorder affects millions of Americans. While stimulant misuse, including Adderall, has also increased significantly, it is important to understand that Adderall is not an opioid and the two drug classes work very differently in the body.

Opioids are depressants. They work in the body to slow it down and eliminate pain. Conversely, Adderall is a stimulant and has an opposite effect on the central nervous system.

Both opioids and stimulants can activate dopamine receptors in the brain, which has been connected to addiction and addictive behaviors.

Being Prescribed Adderall

If your doctor has decided to prescribe Adderall to you, it is important to take Adderall only as it is prescribed. Because stimulant medications, like Adderall, are highly regulated, likely, you will only be able to fill your prescription every 30 days, and your doctor will have to authorize the refill.

These regulations are in place to keep individuals from taking too much of their prescription, since a person should not run out of their medication before the next refill.

Some doctors will require a urine sample to make sure that you are taking your medication as prescribed. The urine tests will reveal if the drug is present in your system, as well as the metabolites of the drug, which ensures you’ve been taking it daily.

It is important to communicate with your doctor if you are concerned about the addictive potential of Adderall. Your doctor will give you an idea of what to look for, and if there is still concern, they may prescribe you an alternative medication, if possible.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to regulatory changes allowing telehealth providers to prescribe controlled substances like Adderall without an in-person visit. While this has improved access for many patients with ADHD, it has also raised concerns about overprescribing. Some telehealth platforms have faced scrutiny for prescribing practices, so choosing a reputable provider with thorough assessment protocols is important.

Effects Of Adderall

Adderall helps individuals by increasing focus, alertness, being able to focus and, in some cases, a calmer demeanor. The following is a list of some of the side effects a person taking Adderall may experience.

These symptoms may intensify in a person who is abusing Adderall:

• insomnia
• dizziness
• restlessness
• dry mouth
• nervousness
• hoarseness
• vision issues
• headaches

Adderall Overdose

When a person is abusing Adderall, it raises the risk of unwanted side effects.

Abusing Adderall can lead to an overdose, and these are some symptoms that require immediate medical attention:

• numbness
• pounding heart
• fever
• tics
• confusion
• weakness
• blurry vision
• seizures
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• shaking
• aggression
• fainting
• confusion
• delusions
• hallucinations

A person who is abusing Adderall to the degree that they have suffered an overdose should speak to a medical professional to determine if they need a substance abuse treatment program.

Adderall overdose can cause serious cardiovascular events, including heart attack and stroke, particularly in people with underlying heart conditions. Aforementioned symptoms like chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or difficulty breathing should be treated as a potential cardiac emergency, so call 911 immediately.

It’s worth noting that mixing Adderall with other stimulants, like cocaine or MDMA, dramatically increases overdose risk. Adderall combined with alcohol is also dangerous, as the stimulant can mask the sedating effects of alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning without the usual warning signs.

Treatment For Adderall Abuse

Some warning signs that a person is abusing Adderall include insomnia, weight loss, jitteriness, extreme energy followed by a hard crash, or running out of their prescription before the refill date.

Treatment for Adderall misuse or stimulant use disorder typically doesn’t require medically supervised detox in the same way opioids or alcohol do. This is because stimulant withdrawal is rarely life-threatening, though it can cause significant fatigue, depression, and sleep disruption as the brain readjusts.

Effective treatment approaches include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps address the underlying patterns driving misuse; contingency management, an evidence-based behavioral approach shown to be particularly effective for stimulant use disorders; and treatment for any co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression that may have contributed to misuse.

If you are concerned about Adderall addiction or abuse, browse our website to find a treatment center to contact today.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff