Whether you’re a student or just someone who needs to focus on work, Adderall can be an incredibly useful drug. But it’s also a controlled substance that comes with a lot of side effects if you don’t know how to take it.

Here are some things to keep in mind before taking Adderall:

You should not take Adderall if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, glaucoma, or a history of drug addiction.

Adderall is a stimulant and can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate. If you have heart disease, this could put you at risk for a stroke or heart attack. If you have glaucoma and take Adderall without being aware of it, this could worsen your condition. And if you’ve had a drug problem in the past and take Adderall without knowing about it, this could trigger cravings for other drugs again.

Use caution when combining Adderall with other medications—especially antidepressants—or alcohol.

What You Should Know Before Taking Adderall

Adderall is a prescription medication that contains amphetamine salts and dextroamphetamine salts, which are central nervous system stimulants. It is used for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD. It can be taken orally in the form of a capsule or tablet, or it can be injected directly into muscle tissue using a syringe.

The effects of Adderall are similar to those of cocaine: it increases dopamine levels in the brain and causes users to feel energized, euphoric, alert and focused on whatever task they are doing at that moment. The recommended dosage is between 5-60 mg per day depending on whether you have been diagnosed with ADHD or narcolepsy (a sleep disorder).

If you’re thinking about taking Adderall, it’s important to know what you’re getting into. Here are some things you should know before taking Adderall for the first time:

• It’s habit-forming. Adderall can become addictive if abused or taken for long periods of time without medical supervision. You might find yourself wanting to take more and more just to feel “normal.”
• It’s expensive. Adderall is a prescription drug, so it will cost you money out-of-pocket. If you don’t have insurance, that could add up fast!
• It may make you feel jittery and nervous at first. Some people experience anxiety when they start taking this medication because it increases their heart rate and blood pressure—which can be uncomfortable at first but usually dissipates as your body adjusts to the medication.
• It’s not for everyone. Adderall can be helpful for people with ADD/ADHD, but it’s not safe or effective for everyone who uses it. If you’re looking to get ahead at work or school by using this medication, think again! You might end up getting fired instead.
• It can cause side effects like anxiety, mood swings, and depression—and these side effects can be worse than the symptoms of ADD/ADHD itself!

Adderall works by increasing the amount of dopamine in your brain. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate your body’s reward and pleasure centers; it also controls movement and emotional responses. When you take Adderall, your brain releases more dopamine than usual, which helps control certain behaviors like hyperactivity or impulsivity.