Reasons to Avoid Using Adderall for Weight Loss

Jody Morse
Adderall is quickly becoming one of the most popular prescription drugs that is used for weight loss. The problem? Adderall, which is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is not FDA-approved to treat weight loss. While it may seem like an ideal option because your friends are using it to lose weight, it's important to consider the risks involved. Here are some of the best reasons to avoid using Adderall for weight loss.

Risk of Serious Side Effects


Misuse of any prescription medication can lead to serious and sometimes permanent side effects. Long-term use of Adderall can lead to tremors, muscle twitching, convulsions, malnutrition, irregular heartbeat, fevers, psychotic episodes, anxiety, severe depression, and paranoia, according to Health Services at Colombia University. If you are using Adderall for weight loss with or without a prescription, there is a chance that you may not be following dosage recommendations. Not following dosage recommendations increases the risk of side effects.

Interaction with Other Medications


When you use more than one medication, it's important to talk to your doctor. Certain medications can interact with one another. If you are using Adderall without a prescription, it's unlikely that you have talked to your doctor. This may cause any other medications that you are using to be less effective, which may put you at risk of serious health problems depending on what conditions you are treating.

Buying Non-Prescription Adderall is Risky


If you're buying Adderall without a prescription, chances are you're buying it from someone who sells various drugs. There is a possibility that you might actually be getting another medication that you will not be able to distinguish from Adderall. If the medication that you take is not what you thought you purchased, you risk using a drug with serious or even fatal side effects.

Adderall isn't a Suitable Option for Everyone


The only way to know if Adderall is safe for you to use is to get approval from your doctor. It should not be used by people with heart problems, certain mental or mood conditions, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, or those who regularly use drugs or alcohol, according to WebMD. More importantly, it isn't a suitable option for those who aren't using it to treat ADHD under the supervision of a doctor.

Adderall is not a safe option for those who are trying to lose weight. It isn't approved for this purpose, with or without a prescription. While diet and exercise are the safest options to consider, there are also weight loss drugs which are approved by the FDA.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. If you are concerned about your health, be sure to seek medical attention from a licensed health care professional.


Sources:
Health Services at Colombia University
WebMD

Published by Jody Morse - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness

Jody Morse has a B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University. As a sufferer of endometriosis, she enjoys writing about women's health issues. She has worked as an assistant wedding DJ, and is dabbling i...  View profile

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