Amphetamine (Adderall)

What the word means

Amphetamine is the drug. Adderall is the brand most people know, and it’s a mix of amphetamine salts.

It’s a stimulant, and stimulants come in two main families: the amphetamine family and the methylphenidate family. They do a similar job by slightly different routes, and a person can respond well to one and poorly to the other, which is why the choice between them is often trial and error rather than science.

Stimulants are among the most effective treatments in psychiatry for ADHD. They’re also controlled substances, which means refill friction, appointments, and pharmacy hurdles are part of the deal.

Where to read the full guide

Shrinktionary gives you the word.

Read the full amphetamine guide at PsychiatryRx, which covers dosing, side effects, and how it compares with methylphenidate.

Related terms you’ll see next

• Stimulant
• ADHD
• Methylphenidate
• Controlled substance

When to seek professional care

Tell your prescriber about appetite loss, trouble sleeping, a racing heart, or rising blood pressure, all of which are common enough to be worth managing rather than enduring. Never take someone else’s prescription and never share yours. If you’re taking more than prescribed or running out early, say so plainly, because that’s treatable and hiding it is what makes it worse. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, get help right away by calling 911, or call or text 988 in the US to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

<blockquote>
  <p><strong>Amphetamine (Adderall):</strong> Amphetamine is a stimulant medication for ADHD, sold as Adderall. It's one of the two main stimulant families, and it's a controlled substance.</p>
  <p>&mdash; <a href="https://shrinktionary.com/terms/amphetamine/">Shrinktionary</a>, a plain-English mental health dictionary, medically reviewed by a board certified psychiatrist.</p>
</blockquote>