People with ADD/ADHD find it hard to stay motivated. They often have difficulty focusing on a task for long, which makes it hard to keep up with school work. They also may have trouble controlling their behavior, which can lead them to do or say the wrong thing at the wrong time, resulting in trouble at home or work.
As adults with ADHD struggle to find their place in the world, drug companies are pumping out medications specifically designed to help them. One of these medications is Adderall, which is a combination of amphetamine and dopamine. When used alongside a behavioral intervention program called acceptance and commitment therapy, or ACT for short, Adderall and Viagra can help adults with ADHD stay focused and on task, leading to greater productivity at work and fewer arguments at home. So the next time your boss walks by humming The Supremes’ “My Favorite Things,” consider the benefits of Adderall.
The Effects Of Adderall And Viagra
Based on the popular television show How I Met Your Mother, Adderall and Viagra are often portrayed as being opposite ends of the medication spectrum. While Adderall is often considered a “stimulant” and is used to boost energy and concentration, Viagra is traditionally used to treat erectile dysfunction and sometimes is called a “depressant.”
While this may be true in the context of the show, it doesn’t mean that Adderall and Viagra are always in conflict with each other. In reality, they can be used together to treat a variety of conditions, with different outcomes depending on the person and the situation. This makes it essential that you understand their differences and how they interact.
Differences Between Adderall And Viagra
First off, Adderall and Viagra are not always in competition with each other. As noted above, they can be used together to treat a wide range of conditions, and it’s important to understand their differences. While both medications can boost your energy and concentration, they work in slightly different ways. For example, while both medications can improve memory and focus, Adderall is more effective at improving working memory, and Viagra is more effective at improving long-term memory.
Additionally, Adderall will not always substitute for Viagra. They work best in combination (especially when taken together at the same time), and it’s important to understand how each medication affects you individually. When a doctor prescribes Adderall, it usually indicates that none of the other medications the patient has tried (including Viagra) have worked well for them. In this case, Adderall can be extremely beneficial, as it may help boost the patient’s tolerance for other drugs, or even allow them to work better alongside existing medications.
How Does Adderall Work?
As noted above, Adderall is sometimes considered a “stimulant” and other times a “depressant.” Both views are accurate, though it’s important to understand how each medication makes you feel. When used in combination with antidepressants or antipsychotics, Adderall can help promote neuroplasticity, or the ability of the brain to change and grow new neural connections. This can result in improved impulse control and emotional regulation. So while Adderall may not be the most pleasant medication to take, it can have some extremely positive side effects.
What Is Neuroplasticity?
Neuroplasticity was first described by scientists in the 1950s, and it refers to the brain’s ability to change and grow new neural connections in response to new experience, or in this case, medication. Scientists have long hypothesized that the brain learns best when presented with new challenges, stimuli, or training regimes. Adderall and other stimulants can promote neuroplasticity by increasing the number of dopamine receptors in the brain, resulting in smoother, more enjoyable experiences throughout life. In other words, Adderall can give you a better chance at “learning how to learn.”
What About The Side Effects?
Like all medications, Adderall comes with a list of possible side effects, though these can be largely positive. The most common side effect of Adderall is increased appetite, though some people experience anxiety, irritability, or insomnia as well. People with ADHD tend to have a higher incidence of these side effects, though many people can experience them nonetheless. Overall, the side effects of Adderall tend to be manageable and only mildly uncomfortable. Just make sure you’re aware that they may occur.
When Should I Take It?
Based on your condition and your personal preferences, your doctor may prescribe Adderall at any time, though it’s usually given in the morning or early afternoon to prevent insomnia or anxiety at night. Some research even suggests that it may be more effective when taken at a different time of day than usual, though this must be taken with a grain of salt given the exploratory nature of the research.
Risks And Precautions
Adderall is a medication, just like any other medication you may take, and it comes with risks and precautions. The most common side effect of Adderall is increased appetite, leading to weight gain, though it must be noted that many people experience this effect regardless of the medication. Your doctor may give you a list of possible side effects to watch out for, and if you experience any of them, you must stop taking Adderall. Additionally, if you experience an adverse reaction, stop taking the medication and get in touch with your doctor right away. Most of these side effects are mild and can be controlled with proper medication management. However, if you experience severe anxiety or insomnia, these effects may indicate a bigger problem that needs professional help to deal with.
In the case of ADHD, you should also be mindful of possible interactions with other medications or supplements you may be taking. Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have, and ensure you understand what effects, if any, the medication will have on you.
Summary
In summary, Adderall and Viagra can be used together to treat a variety of conditions, from ADHD and addiction to pain and depression. While they may seem like opposite ends of the medication spectrum, Adderall and Viagra can work together to improve patients’ quality of life. When used with ACT, or acceptance and commitment therapy, Adderall can help adults with ADHD maintain focus at work and reduce unnecessary arguments at home. So the next time your boss walks by humming The Supremes’ “My Favorite Things,” consider the benefits of Adderall.