Does Adderall help us to study better and concentrate more?

Is it true that this psychopharmaceutical can enhance our ability to study, or is it a myth?

We live in an extremely competitive society, in which a high level of performance and productivity is demanded high standards of performance and productivity are demanded in practically all areas of life and on a continuous basis. Work and access to the labor market is one of the areas where this can be seen the most. Studies are another of them, especially at university level: young students are under a lot of pressure in order to pass and get the highest grade possible in order to stand out and be able to get the best job they can get in the future, sometimes even making marathon efforts during exam season.

The pressure can become excessive, to the point that some people decide to resort to some substances and drugs that can supposedly facilitate concentration and cognitive ability. One of these substances is a psychostimulant drug called Adderall, intended for the treatment of various disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Does Adderall help with studying and concentration? This is something we are going to talk about in this article.

What is Adderall?

The drug known as Adderall is a type of psychotropic drug with stimulant properties of great potency.It is a combination of two types of amphetamine salts. Specifically, it is a synthetic substance that arises from the combination of dextroamphetamine (75%) and levamphetamine (25%).

This substance acts by greatly increasing the levels of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain, being an agonist of the receptors of these neurotransmitters at the presynaptic level. It also generates an agonist action on serotonin receptors, but the effect on this neurotransmitter is much lower.

In practice, the effects of this drug are similar to those of cocaine, generating an increase in the activity of the neurotransmitter serotonin.The effects of this drug are in practice similar to those of cocaine, generating an increase in brain activity as well as feelings of euphoria, increased alertness, shorter reaction time to stimuli and resistance to fatigue and sleep, as well as an increase in the ability to focus and alertness. It also seems to generate an increase in the capacity to motivate oneself, as well as an improvement in physical capacity and endurance and alterations in libido, frequently causing an increase in libido. It also reduces the need for rest and sleep, as well as appetite and the perceived need for hydration.

When is it used?

Adderall is mainly intended as a drug that, in small and correctly dosed doses, allows the treatment of different disorders. Thus, the main application of this drug, which is available by prescription, is therapeutically oriented.

Specifically, Adderall is indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).It generates in subjects with this disorder an improvement in their capacity for self-control, in the reduction of disruptive behaviors and in the focusing of attention. In addition, it also enhances their ability to motivate and concentrate.

This may seem counterintuitive given that amphetamines tend to increase activity and energy and that at the symptomatological level many children with adhd show great restlessness and energy, but it has been observed in those with this disorder that at the brain level there is a deficit and dysregulation of dopamine and noradrenaline. a deficit and dysregulation of dopamine and noradrenaline in different brain nuclei. in different brain nuclei.

Another disorder in which Adderall is indicated is narcolepsy, presenting some effectiveness in reducing daytime sleepiness.

But Adderall's psychostimulant capabilities have not only been used therapeutically. Given that in a population without any of the above disorders the effects are similar to those of cocaine, it has been observed that Adderall is often used recreationally. It is often used recreationally, due to its euphoriant properties. Also, like other amphetamine derivatives, it has sometimes been used by athletes in order to enhance their performance and reduce fatigue and tiredness.

Finally, and given that it seems to favor the ability to concentrate, cognitive capacity, mental lucidity or even memory capacity, Adderall is increasingly being used by students in order to enhance their abilities to study. In other words, it is used as a nootropic, in spite of the fact that its use should always be indicated by medical doctors.. It is on this last application that we will focus.

Is it really useful for studying?

Studies on the nootropic properties of Adderall have been investigated by different groups of experts, and it has been found that although Adderall generates an increase in some cognitive capacities, it also generates a detrimental effect in others.The overall capacity of the subject does not improve too much. Likewise, through experiments with cases in which part of the participants consumed this drug and others were given a placebo, it has been observed that there were no statistically significant differences in performance.

Specifically, in a recent experiment it was observed that the subjects who took Adderall did show an increase in the ability to perform at a higher level. did show an increase in attentional ability and tended to give a greater number of answers (although this does not imply that they were correct), although in the execution of memory tasks they showed a worse performance.

Another interesting result was the fact that the euphoriant properties of Adderall generated a noticeable sense of arousal and enhanced the subjective feeling of feeling better and more self-confident.

Other studies state that it increases the level of activity, energy and concentration, but that it seems to reduce the creativity of those who consume it by reducing the sensitivity to new stimuli by generating hyperfocus.

Possible risks of its use

Regardless of whether or not it has a nootropic effect, when Adderall is used therapeutically, the doses used are carefully measured by professionals who will prescribe a therapeutic dose that reduces side effects as much as possible. However, its use as a nootropic However, its use as a nootropic or stimulant drug is often is often given in doses that are not controlled and do not take into account possible side effects, which can be serious.

Among its risks we can find the appearance of insomnia, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, erectile dysfunction, depression (after the effect wears off), irritability, headaches, hypersweating, lack of appetite and tachycardia. It can cause cardiac problems such as arrhythmias, and in severe cases, it can cause heart attacks or strokes.

In high doses it can also cause neurotoxicity and loss of cognitive faculties, hallucinations and delirium and renal problems. Also, in certain doses, Adderall may be addictive (although in therapeutic doses this risk may be reduced).

It is therefore contraindicated for people with heart problems, diabetes, kidney or liver problems, psychotic disorders, anorexia nervosa, glaucoma, thyroid problems, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, Tourette's syndrome or depression. It is also contraindicated for diabetics.

Bibliographic references:

• Rettew, D. (2018). Does Adderall Make You Smarter?. Psychology Today [Online]. Disponible en: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/abcs-child-psychiatry/201807/does-adderall-make-you-smarter.
• Weyandt, L.L, White, T.L., et al. (2018). Neurocognitive, Autonomic, and Mood Effects of Adderall: A Pilot Study of Healthy College Students. Pharmacy, 6(3): 58.