Adderall is a prescription drug for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It comes in various strengths. The 7.5-mg IR (immediate release) is an oval, blue Adderall pill (tablet); the 10-mg IR (immediate release) is a round, blue Adderall pill (tablet); and the 10-mg XR (extended release) is a blue/blue Adderall pill (capsule).
It’s important to understand the specific aspects and characteristics of the blue Adderall pill so that you can recognize it when you see it. This is important if you or your child have been prescribed Adderall. Should the Adderall pills get mixed up, being able to recognize the blue Adderall pills can help ensure you take the correct dose. Identifying a blue Adderall pill can also prove useful if you find it in your teen’s room, for example, and suspect they may be abusing Adderall.
What is Adderall?
Definition
Adderall is the brand name of a prescription drug that is also available in a lower-cost generic form. It is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant that is similar to cocaine; however, Adderall is a prescription drug and has a slower onset and longer duration of action compared to illegal stimulants like cocaine.
Composition of Adderall
Adderall contains a combination of two drugs as the active ingredients – amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Each Adderall pill contains the following four amphetamine salts:
- Dextroamphetamine saccharate
- Amphetamine aspartate monohydrate
- Dextroamphetamine sulfate
- Amphetamine sulfate
Overview of Conditions Treated by Adderall
Doctors commonly prescribe Adderall to children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic mental health disorder characterized by:
- Inattention (inability to focus or concentrate)
- Hyperactivity (excess movement or fidgetiness)
- Impulsivity (hastiness or talking/acting without thinking)
These features of ADHD can affect many aspects of a person’s life, including their academic and professional performance, relationships, and daily functioning. Treatment with psychostimulant drugs such as Adderall can help to control the symptoms of ADHD. Stimulant drugs are an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan for children and adults with ADHD, along with counseling and special education.
Adderall is also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of narcolepsy. This is a chronic neurological disorder in which there is a dysregulation of the normal sleep-wake cycle, resulting in excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden attacks of sleep (cataplexy).
Identifying the Blue Adderall Pill
A blue Adderall pill can be:
- A round blue tablet marked with 10 on side and DP on the other side.
- An oval blue tablet marked with 7.5 on one side and DP on the other side.
- A blue/blue capsule marked with Adderall XR 10 mg.
- A blue/white capsule marked with Adderall XR 15 mg.
Note: The 7.5 mg strength of the Adderall tablet and 10 mg strength of the Adderall tablet (immediate release formulations) are both blue Adderall pills; however, they are of different shapes. The 7.5-mg blue Adderall pill is oval shaped, whereas the 10-mg blue Adderall pill is round shaped. These are the immediate release forms.
The extended release (Adderall XR) 10 mg is a blue/blue Adderall capsule and the extended release (Adderall XR) 15 mg is a blue/white Adderall capsule.
Other Forms and Colors of Adderall Pills
Adderall IR (Immediate-Release) Tablets
- 5 mg Adderall IR: White or off-white, round, flat-faced tablet marked with 5 on one side and d | p on the other side.
- 7.5 mg Adderall IR: Blue, oval, biconvex tablet marked with 7.5 on one side and d | p on the other side.
- 10 mg Adderall IR: Blue, round, biconvex tablet marked with 1 | 0 on one side and d | p on the other side.
- 12.5 mg Adderall IR: Peach, round, flat-faced tablet marked with 12.5 on one side and d | p on the other side.
- 15 mg Adderall IR: Peach, oval, biconvex tablet marked with 15 on one side and d | p on the other side.
- 20 mg Adderall IR: Peach, round, biconvex tablet marked with 2 | 0 on one side and d | p on the other side.
- 30 mg Adderall IR: Peach, round, flat-faced tablet marked with 3 | 0 on one side and d | p on the other side.
Adderall XR (Extended-Release) Capsules
- 5 mg Adderall XR: Clear/blue capsule marked with Adderall XR 5 mg.
- 10 mg Adderall XR: Blue/blue capsule marked with Adderall XR 10 mg.
- 15 mg Adderall XR: Blue/white capsule marked with Adderall XR 15 mg.
- 20 mg Adderall XR: Orange/orange capsule marked with Adderall XR 20 mg.
- 25 mg Adderall XR: Orange/white capsule marked with Adderall XR 25 mg.
- 30 mg Adderall XR: Natural/orange capsule marked with Adderall XR 30 mg.
Uses of the Blue Adderall Pill
Approved medical uses of the blue Adderall pill are for treating ADHD and narcolepsy.
Dosage of Adderall for ADHD
Adderall is FDA-approved for use in adults and children 3 years of age and older. The typical starting dose in children 3-5 years old is 2.5 mg daily. This dose can be increased by 2.5 mg at weekly intervals until the optimum clinical response (improvement in ADHD symptoms) is achieved.
In children 6 years of age and older, the initial dose is usually 5 mg once daily. This dose can be increased by 5 mg at weekly intervals until ADHD symptoms are well controlled.
The first dose is taken upon waking up and 1-2 additional doses can be taken at 4- to 6-hour intervals during the day. Doses of more than 40 mg per day are rarely needed.
Therefore, a child may be prescribed Adderall IR 10 mg three times a day and take the round, blue Adderall pill three times a day. A child who is on Adderall 7.5 mg twice a day may take the oval, blue Adderall pill twice a day. A child who is on Adderall XR 10 mg once daily make take the blue/blue Adderall capsule once daily.
Dosage of Adderall for Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is rare in children below 12 years of age. However, if needed, children between 6 and 12 years of age can be started on a dose of 5 mg daily of Adderall. This dose can be increased by 5 mg at weekly intervals until adequate response is achieved. Adults and children 12 years of age and older are usually started with 10 mg Adderall daily and the dose is increased by 10 mg at weekly intervals until optimum response is obtained.
The recommended maintenance dose of Adderall for treating narcolepsy is 5 mg to 60 mg daily in divided doses.
Therefore, a person who has been prescribed Adderall IR 10 mg three times a day for narcolepsy may take the round, blue Adderall pill three times a day.
How Does Adderall Affect the Brain and Body?
The different parts of the human brain control different aspects of the body’s functioning. These different regions of the brain communicate with each other through chemical and electrical signals. The chemical signals are transmitted through substances called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters carry messages between nerve cells by binding to proteins called receptors located on the surfaces of the target nerve cells. Each neurotransmitter binds to a different receptor and activates it, triggering a specific action in the target neuron.
Scientists have found that people with ADHD have an imbalance in the levels of these natural chemicals or neurotransmitters. This imbalance makes it hard for them to concentrate or focus on tasks.
Adderall blocks the reuptake (absorption) of two neurotransmitters in the brain − dopamine and norepinephrine. Dopamine and norepinephrine play important roles in focus, concentration, attention, memory, and cognitive function. The effects of Adderall increase the availability these neurotransmitters and improve communications between nerve cells, thus relieving the symptoms of ADHD.
Possible Benefits of Adderall
For people living with ADHD, taking a stimulant drug such as Adderall can improve focus, concentration, and impulse control. Adderall can be life-changing for children and adults with this condition, allowing them to manage their ADHD symptoms and reach their full potential.
For people with narcolepsy, Adderall promotes wakefulness and reduces daytime sleepiness by boosting the levels of the brain chemical norepinephrine which regulates sleep. This allows people with narcolepsy to function better.
Risks and Side Effects: Short- and Long-Term Effects of Adderall
Common Side Effects of Adderall
The blue Adderall pill (7.5 mg or 10 mg) is a relatively low dose and does not typically cause serious side effects. Common Adderall side effects are listed below. These adverse effects typically go away once your body adjusts to the medication.
- Insomnia
- Nervousness or anxiety
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Sexual dysfunction
- Painful menstrual cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
Potential Serious Side Effects of Adderall
Occasionally, Adderall can also cause more serious adverse effects, including:
-
- Cardiovascular risk, including an increased risk of sudden death in people with serious cardiovascular disease, including structural abnormalities of the heart, cardiomyopathy (heart muscle problems), serious cardiac arrhythmias (heart rhythm abnormalities), coronary artery disease (blockages in the blood vessels supplying the heart).
- Tachycardia and hypertension (increased heart rate and high blood pressure).
- Adverse psychiatric reactions such as worsening of preexisting psychosis (behavioral disturbances).
- Bipolar disorder: Stimulants such as Adderall can trigger of mixed or manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder.
- New psychotic or manic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, or mania can develop after taking stimulants in people with no prior history of psychiatric illnesses.
- Weight loss and long-term slowed growth rate in children.
- Lowered seizure threshold and increased seizure frequency in people with a history of seizure disorders.
- Peripheral vasculopathy including Raynaud’s phenomenon (spasms in the small blood vessels of the fingers and toes).
- Serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs due to too much serotonin in the body. Symptoms may include mental status changes (agitation, delirium, hallucinations, coma), fast heartbeat, changes in blood pressure, sweating, flushing, dizziness, increased body temperature, tremors, muscle rigidity, muscle spasms, poor coordination, seizures, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
- Drug interactions: Interactions between Adderall and other drugs can increase the risk of serious health complications. For example, the risk of serotonin syndrome is higher when Adderall is taken with other medications that can raise serotonin levels, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tricyclic antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), triptans, opioids such as fentanyl and tramadol, lithium, buspirone, tryptophan, and St. John’s Wort.
- New or worsening Tourette’s syndrome, a condition in which there are repetitive movements or sounds (motor and verbal tics).
Risk of Dependence and Addiction
Adderall is a stimulant drug that has been classified as a Schedule II Controlled Substance by the DEA due to its high potential for misuse and abuse. Abusing Adderall can lead to dependence on the drug, including addiction. This is called a substance use disorder (SUD), stimulant use disorder, or Adderall use disorder.
Before prescribing Adderall, your healthcare provider will assess your risk of Adderall abuse and addiction. You should never take someone else’s Adderall or give or sell your Adderall to others. Also, never buy Adderall from street dealers. A blue Adderall pill might, for example, look like the Adderall pills you get in pharmacies and drug stores but may in fact be contaminated with dangerous substances.
You should be aware of these risks and know how to properly store Adderall and dispose of any unused, unneeded, or expired medication. It is especially important to keep Adderall safely out of reach of children and other people, preferably locked, to prevent misuse, accidental overdose, and theft.
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+18442884672 Misuse and Abuse of Adderall
Overview of Adderall Abuse
In addition to being a prescription drug, Adderall is also frequently misused and abused as a study aid and recreational drug because of its ability to increase focus as well as its euphoric effects.
Adderall misuse is especially common among high school and college students and young professionals with stressful jobs. These individuals misuse Adderall to increase focus, attention, concentration, wakefulness, and energy levels.
Adderall and other stimulants are sold on the street under various names such as Uppers, Speed, Ice, Crank, Black Beauties, and Bennies.
The United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has classified Adderall as a Schedule II substance because of its high potential for abuse and addiction.
Parents and guardians should be vigilant for signs and symptoms of Adderall abuse, misuse, and addiction in teenagers and young adults. In other words, if you find a blue Adderall pill in your teen’s room and they haven’t been prescribed this drug for a medical condition, it is a cause for alarm and should be investigated.
Dangers of Using Non-Prescribed Adderall
Taking Adderall without a prescription and supervision of a healthcare provider can put you at a very high risk of serious health problems, including physical and psychological health complications.
Adderall abuse also carries a high risk of overdose and death.
In addition, Adderall is a controlled substance. This means, if you are caught illegally possessing, selling, or trading Adderall, you could face legal consequences such as arrest, jail time, and a criminal record for life.
Can You Overdose on Adderall?
You can overdose on Adderall. Recreational or non-medical use of Adderall can result in overdose and death. This risk is increased with higher doses of Adderall and snorting or injecting the drug.
However, Adderall overdoses are not common. The usual prescribed dose of this drug is 5 mg to 60 mg per day. In adults, a lethal dose of Adderall is 20 mg to 25 mg per kilogram of body weight. This means, for an adult weighing 165 pounds (75 kg), a lethal dose would be between 1,500 mg and 1,875 mg. The person would therefore have to ingest 150 of the 10-mg blue Adderall pills to overdose.
Recognizing Adderall Addiction
How Adderall Addiction Develops
The risk of developing an addiction to Adderall is low if you take the drug as prescribed by a healthcare provider; however, the risk is not zero.
Misusing or abusing Adderall without a doctor’s prescription increases the risk of addiction. In other words, people who take someone else’s Adderall or use illegally purchased Adderall have a very high risk of developing a dependence on this drug.
For example, a college student might obtain a blue Adderall pill from a friend and take it to increase focus and wakefulness before an exam. Soon, they may find themselves relying on Adderall to study before all exams or turn in assignments on time by pulling all-nighters. They might love the fact that Adderall gives them extra energy, increases focus and concentration, helps them stay awake longer, and even causes weight loss. However, occasional Adderall misuse can quickly progress to an Adderall addiction where the person might feel:
- I can’t study without Adderall.
- Stopping Adderall will make me fat.
- I have more fun at parties after popping an Upper.
Do I Have an Adderall Addiction?
You may have an Adderall addiction if you:
- Take more Adderall or take it more frequently than prescribed.
- Take non-prescribed Adderall to stay awake or boost your performance before tests or presentations.
- Obtain Adderall from friends or family members.
- Buy Adderall from illegal sources.
- Need more Adderall now than you did before to get the same effects.
- Have cravings for Adderall.
- Have tried doctor shopping (trying to obtain Adderall from multiple healthcare providers).
- Hoard Adderall for later use.
- Are preoccupied with obtaining and using Adderall.
- Spend a lot of time using Adderall or recovering from its side effects.
Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Addiction and Dependence in a Loved One
- Increased talkativeness
- Talking fast
- Increased energy
- Increased sociability
- Racing thoughts
- Restlessness or irritability
- Feelings of grandiosity or invincibility
- Decreased need for sleep
- Aggression
- Poor personal hygiene
- Weight loss
- Adderall withdrawal symptoms when attempting to reduce use or stop using the drug
Impact of Adderall Abuse on Daily Life
Adderall addiction is a substance use disorder in which a person continues using the drug despite negative consequences. A dependence on Adderall can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including their physical and mental health, work or school performance, relationships, finances, and legal troubles. Treatment for Adderall addiction can help a person return to health and functioning.
Overview of Treatment Options for Adderall Addiction
Successful recovery from Adderall abuse and addiction requires a comprehensive treatment approach. This includes medically supervised detoxification and management of Adderall withdrawal symptoms, psychotherapy, and aftercare programs and support groups for long-term recovery.
Adderall Detoxification
People who misuse or abuse Adderall for a long time can develop withdrawal symptoms when they attempt to reduce Adderall use or quit using the drug.
Adderall withdrawal symptoms may include extreme fatigue, severe depression, agitation, mood swings, insomnia, muscle aches, headaches, Adderall cravings, problems with thinking, trouble concentrating, memory problems, slowed heart rate, and increased appetite.
Overuse of Adderall can also put you at risk of serious heart problems, sudden death, and thoughts or actions of harming yourself or others.
If you have misused or abused Adderall, it’s crucial that you seek care at a professional addiction treatment center. Healthcare providers will gradually reduce your Adderall dose under medical supervision to lower your risk of serious withdrawal symptoms.
Behavioral Therapy and Counseling for Adderall Misuse
Psychotherapy or talk therapy, such as cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), is an evidence-based treatment modality for substance use disorders including stimulant use disorders or Adderall addiction. This involves attending therapy sessions with a licensed therapist where you or your loved one can learn to recognize unhealthy thinking patterns and behaviors and replace them with healthy ones.
People with an Adderall addiction can benefit from CBT by learning to manage triggers and use healthy coping mechanisms to overcome drug cravings.
Support Groups and Long-Term Recovery Programs for Adderall Dependence
Peer support groups give you the opportunity to connect with others who are in recovery from Adderall addiction or have overcome Adderall dependency in the past. These support groups include in-person meetings and online forums. They are a good option for people who have attended a formal Adderall addiction treatment program and need long-term aftercare support to prevent relapse to Adderall abuse.
Alternatives to Adderall
Non-Stimulant Medications for ADHD and Narcolepsy
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ADHD, medications are part of a comprehensive treatment approach for the condition, along with psychotherapy and special education. Stimulants such as Adderall are first-choice drugs for ADHD. However, if you are worried about the potential for Adderall abuse and addiction, talk to your healthcare provider about non-stimulant medications for ADHD. Examples include:
- Atomoxetine (Strattera)
- Guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex)
- Clonidine (Kapvay)
Other drugs used to manage cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in narcolepsy patients include:
- Antidepressants such as fluoxetine, duloxetine, and venlafaxine
- Sodium oxybate
- Solriamfetol
- Pitolisant
Behavioral and Lifestyle Changes to Manage ADHD Symptoms
Some of the healthy lifestyle habits that can help in managing ADHD symptoms include:
- Getting adequate restful and restorative sleep.
- Engaging in daily physical activity.
- Eating a healthy, balanced diet for proper nutrition.
Natural Supplements and Therapies
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ADHD or narcolepsy, talk to your doctor about the benefits versus risks of taking natural supplements such as:
- Melatonin to promote restful sleep.
- Omega 3 fatty acids for brain health.
- Dietary supplements or multivitamins containing micronutrients such as vitamin D, iron, and zinc.
Key Takeaways: Misusing or Abusing the Blue Adderall Pill is Dangerous
Adderall belongs to a group of prescription drugs called CNS stimulants. It is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. Adderall is also frequently abused as a study drug or recreational drug for its pleasurable effects.
The blue Adderall pill is an oval 7.5 mg pill and a round 10 mg pill of the immediate-release form. There is also a blue/blue Adderall pill which is a 10 mg capsule of the extended-release form. Identifying the blue Adderall pill is important for people who have been prescribed Adderall, to prevent wrong dosing if the pills get mixed up.
Taking Adderall under a doctor’s supervision exactly as prescribed is relatively safe. However, misusing or abusing Adderall caries serious risks. If you found a blue Adderall pill in your teenager’s room, the alarm bells should go off. If your teen has developed on Adderall addiction, it’s important to seek care sooner rather than later.
Discover Recovery Treatment Center offers a range of customized comprehensive programs for treating Adderall addiction, including medical detox and psychotherapy. Our young adults’ program is especially designed to help adolescents and young adults with an Adderall dependency.
