Initially prescribed to adults and children for the treatment of attention-deficit disorder with hyperactivity (ADHD), Adderall is coming under increasing scrutiny for another use: off-label, illegal abuse of the drug, especially among college students. The off-label use of Adderall is on the rise, and is causing rising Adderall side effects in a population that is for the most part uninformed about Adderall side effects and indications.

Intended Use of Adderall

Adderall is the brand name for the amphetamine mixed salts marketed by Shire Pharmaceuticals, Inc. and sold in the United States and Canada for the treatment of ADHD in adults and children over age six. The drug was approved for the treatment of children in 1996 and for adult treatment in 2004. Adderall stimulates the brain's production of the hormones dopamine and norepinephrine, causing users to experience increased attention levels and longer concentration times. This focusing effect helps patients who suffer from ADHD, which is estimated to affect between three and seven percent of school-aged children and continue into adulthood for over 60 percent of these patients.

Growing Off-Label Use

Though Adderall is used under-the-counter by illegal users, some of Adderall's off-label use is due to doctors who prescribe the drug to aid with depression in patients. The drug is also used for narcoleptic patients, which is an approved but less common use. However, Adderall is growing in popularity as a "study drug" and as an appetite suppressant in users who wish to lose weight.

Prescription stimulant abuse is a growing concern in the United States, where the competitive atmosphere of colleges makes students more likely to pursue stimulant abuse as an option to help them succeed in school through increased concentration and energy levels. Adderall is sold illegally as a street drug and referred to as "zing", "study buddies", "diet coke", and "smart pills" by aficionados, who purchase the pills for between $2 and $10 per pill, depending on dosage. Some users crush and snort Adderall in order to receive the drug's amphetamine boost more quickly.

Dependency is a primary concern in off-label Adderall abuse. The drug is highly habit-forming (as attested to by strong FDA labeling to that effect), and users who begin using Adderall as a study drug often find that they are unable to feel confident in their study habits and learning skills without the drug, leading to long-term use and long-term Adderall side effects, such as gastrointestinal complaints, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. In addition, users of off-label Adderall have been found to be more likely to engage in other risky behavior such as cocaine abuse, cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse and drunk driving.

Notwithstanding the drug's obvious habit-forming properties, Adderall can present additional risk to off-label users who do not adequately inform themselves about Adderall's potential interactions and side effects. Users with histories of past mental illness, drug abuse or cardiac conditions can experience life-threatening Adderall side effects such as high blood pressure, hallucinations and Tourette's syndrome. Those without pre-existing conditions may still be at risk for Adderall side effects such as nervous tics, gastrointestinal distress, loss of appetite and inability to sleep.

If You've Experienced Adderall Side Effects

Unfortunately, off-label use of Adderall may disqualify you for compensation and settlements in relation to severe Adderall side effects. If you are dependent on Adderall, you may wish to seek rehabilitation or other medical help. If you are suffering from on-label Adderall side effects like the ones mentioned above, you may wish to contact an Adderall attorney and see if you have a valid Adderall claim. Your Adderall law suit may help you collect damages for costs such as medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An attorney experienced in Adderall litigation and unsafe drugs can help you assess your claim and potential settlement.