Is Adderall a Controlled Substance?
Almost 15.5 million adults in the US are fighting ADHD symptoms each day. ADHD accompanies hyperactivity, inattention, and hyperactive behavior. There are many ADHD medications, and among them all, the most commonly prescribed is Adderall.
Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant and contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts. When taken, Adderall increases the levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain. The FDA approves Adderall for ADHD and narcolepsy. Although a beneficial drug for ADHD, Adderall has some restrictions. Some of you may ask, is Adderall a controlled substance? Find out this and learn more about what drug class Adderall is under and why Adderall is controlled right in this blog.
Getting treatment for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is crucial for you or your loved one to lead an easy life without the symptoms hindering your lifestyle. If you want to get help on how to manage ADHD on a daily basis and want to get Adderall prescribed, get started now with Therapy Fleet.
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Is Adderall a Controlled Substance?
For all those asking, is Adderall a controlled substance? The answer is yes; the DEA classified Adderall as a Schedule 2 controlled drug. So, the question is, why is Adderall Schedule 2 controlled? Adderall has a high potential for substance abuse, which leads to physical and emotional dependence. Adderall is the same classification as methamphetamine, methadone, and cocaine. Now that we know what class Adderall is under, let’s find out is Adderall a narcotic, yes or no?
No, Adderall is not a narcotic; narcotics are used for pain relief and are also Schedule 2. Some examples of narcotic drugs are Vicodin and Oxytin.
What Does Taking a Controlled Substance Mean for Me?
By now, we know why Adderall is a Schedule 2 drug because it’s highly addictive like cocaine, but unlike cocaine, Adderall is a controlled substance/ prescription drug. You can legally use Adderall with a valid prescription, but getting hold of Adderall without a prescription and in larger doses is a criminal act, and using other persons’ prescription for recreational purposes is also illegal.
Is Adderall a controlled substance? Yes, so use it as directed by the doctor, and keep it locked in a safe away from children and young adults. Store it at room temperature. Make sure you dispose of the unwanted Adderall. If you are still confused as to why Adderall is considered a controlled substance, know that it is habit-forming, so do not use a higher dosage of Adderall.
Adderall Refill Restrictions
Because Adderall is a DEA-controlled substance, it has a high potential for abuse. Therefore, your healthcare provider, government, and pharmacist will keep a close eye on the usage and refills. You cannot order a refill; you need to present an ID to get Adderall, and visiting a doctor every 3 to 6 months is mandatory. Please check with your State law and your insurance company as to how many covers per fill are possible.
Being Prescribed Adderall
We know what class is Adderall under; now let’s see how you can get prescribed Adderall. If your doctor recommended Adderall for managing the symptoms of ADHD, you need to use it as directed by the doctor. The government regulates stimulant drugs like Adderall, and you need to update your prescription every 30 days or so.
These regulations help avoid using Adderall for recreational purposes. You might need to give a urine sample to check whether you are using Adderall as prescribed by the doctor. How long Adderall remains in the system depends on different factors. Have open communication with your prescribing doctor, and remember, Adderall is a controlled substance and is highly addictive. If you suffer from a history of substance abuse, tell your doctor; they may recommend an effective alternative to Adderall, which is not abused.
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Effects of Adderall on the Body
When taken as prescribed, Adderall improves focus and decreases impulsive behavior. Some side effects of Adderall are;
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Personality changes
- Depression
- Agitation
Note: using Adderall long-term results in Adderall abuse. Some common signs of abuse are listed below.
Signs of Adderall Abuse
Some common signs of Adderall abuse are mentioned below;
- A feeling of invincibility
- Crushing or snorting Adderall
- Significant time spent finding and using Adderall
- Nausea or vomiting
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Dry mouth
Is Adderall a controlled substance? Yes, and using it continuously will build up tolerance, requiring more drugs for the same effect. Eventually leading to addiction. Adderall withdrawal takes time; some signs of Adderall withdrawal are irritability, depression, fatigue, and sleep issues.
What Can I Take Instead of Adderall?
Many people are living with ADHD, and even if Adderall is a controlled substance, the restrictions is not an issue if used as directed. However, people with a history of substance abuse cannot safely use Adderall. Or maybe the side effects of Adderall are scary for some, and that is why alternatives are available. Or, maybe Adderall is not working. There are many reasons why Adderall won’t work.
But, the problem is that all good stimulants are controlled substances, like Dexedrine, Focalin, and Concerta. Regardless, they are effective. As per the CDC, 70–80% of children receiving stimulants showed improvements, and a 2018 meta-study stated that stimulants were better than a placebo. With closed monitoring, stimulants are safe.
However, for those who want to avoid stimulants, many non-stimulants are effective, too. For example, Strattera for ADHD and Qelbree for ADHD. Both are norepinephrine-boosting drugs, and the best thing is they are not addictive. Do you know that Strattera is the first non-stimulant approved for ADHD? It belongs to SNDRi. Other options are Kapvay and Intuniv, which are alpha-2 agonists. The non-stimulants are effective yet not controlled substances. If you want to avoid Adderall ( as it is Adderall a controlled substance), then share your concerns and discuss your options with your doctor.
Is Adderall a Controlled Substance? Reasons to Contact Therapy Fleet.
Living with ADHD can be crippling for some people. In my experience getting treatment for ADHD is very important. I was diagnosed with ADHD last year and my doctor prescribed it for me. Adderall initially started with 10 MG dose which increased to 40 MG per day. The doctor did not put me on Adderall for a long time, as he said it is a controlled substance and a time came when I felt I was craving for more. I talked to my doctor and the medication was tapered off. If you want to get your ADHD treated, get started now with the Therapy Fleet and find out the right dosage. Therapy Fleet also helped me to get a prescription for Adderall.
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The Bottom Line: Is Adderall a Controlled Substance?
Yes, indeed, Adderall is a Schedule 2 controlled drug, and it means you need a valid doctor’s prescription to use it. Using Adderall long term can cause dependency, and to get the same effect, many people increase the Adderall dosage on their own, which results in using higher doses of Adderall, leading to drug abuse. The normal dose of Adderall for children and adults varies, but it is more or less similar. Using Adderall and Vitamin C together reduces the effectiveness of Adderall. Remember, Adderall weight loss is common; do not worry if you are losing weight. Finally, if you are a fitness enthusiast, we recommend you follow the guidelines to workout on Adderall.
We know why Adderall is a controlled substance, so the next time you are using Adderall, make sure you follow the exact directions to use the drug. Keep a check on Adderall’s cost and look for Adderall coupons from your nearest pharmacies. If, the brand name is expensive, go for Adderall generic.
Medical Disclaimer:
At TherapyFleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to TherapyFleet’s qualified staff.
Mental health should be your priority as a healthy mind is a healthy body
FAQs
1. Is Adderall a DEA-controlled substance
Yes, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Adderall is classified as a controlled substance.
2. Is Adderall a Class C drug?
Is Adderall a controlled substance? Yes, but Adderall is a Schedule 2 controlled medication, not a Class C drug. Some Class C drugs are diazepam, which is used for anxiety and relaxation of the muscles.
3. What category of drugs does Adderall fall under?
Adderall is a Schedule 2 controlled substance like cocaine, but unlike cocaine, Adderall is legal only when used under doctors’ guidance.
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