If you have trouble studying, or are suffering from an attention deficit disorder, then you may have a very familiar history with the drug Adderall. Developed and brought into the market in the 90s, it’s since become the popular drug of choice to use in treating ADHD and narcolepsy, with much success. As a study and mental focus aid, it has much prevalence in the American school system, with a reported 7.4% of 12-graders using the drug in 2013, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
Adderall is an amphetamine, and a stimulant – it induces dopamine release and affects other brain functions aiding in concentration and focus, but at a cost. As a stimulant given to children, Adderall reacts like most other psychostimulants – it caused side effects of increased stomachaches, reduced appetite, and headaches, alongside a mix of emotions ranging from sadness to irritability, according to a study performed in 2000.
More drastic effects of the abuse of Adderall include hair loss, fever, vomiting, dizziness, restlessness, insomnia, blurred vision, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, an abnormally increased heart rate and weight loss. Due to being a stimulant, it’s also technically addictive – and breaking off of Adderall causes withdrawal symptoms similar to those seen in sugar and caffeine addicts.
It’s normal for parents to be worried about the prospect of their child taking Adderall. Between its prevalence in the American school system – especially in higher education – and its renown as the preferred ADHD drug on the market, natural solutions would be much preferred.
And they exist. Aside from coffee, which isn’t recommended for children for the same reasons children should not be regularly consuming hardcore amphetamines, herbal remedies with similar functions to Adderall but minus all the side effects do exist.
One great example is Addrena. As an Addrena review would tell you, it’s a nootropic solution for children and adults looking for a natural way to help the body focus and concentrate during studying, whether it’s right before a big test or simply in general. Nootropics, or the practice of smart drugs, is the art of safely using over-the-counter pharmaceuticals or natural substances and mixing them in a way that increases the potent effect for mental focus, cognitive capabilities and intelligence, without drastic side effects. Containing natural ingredients, nootropics are often also used to increase athletic performance through natural fat burning, and contain safe, proven and beneficial stimulants like caffeine.
