Redbull is not the only thing that gives you wings these days. Drugs such as Adderall, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Focalin, and Concerta are legal amphetamines that are lurking around every corner in America. An increasing number of people are taking stimulants in order to maintain a productive and energetic lifestyle. According to recent statistics from Express Scripts pharmacy claims data, the number of Americans who use medication to treat Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) rose 36% from 2008 to 2012, totaling more than 4.8 million privately insured individuals in 2012. In 2013, the DEA approved production of 193,000 tons of prescription amphetamines. That’s almost 3.9 million pounds of legal speed.
Adderall is one of the most commonly prescribed medications in America because it is effective in increasing the ability to focus on tasks, maintain mental energy throughout the day, and even acts as a cognitive enhancer by turbocharging the synapses in the brain. Adderall is the amphetamine of choice, because it delivers immediate and sustainable alertness throughout the day. But before taking one, one should know the answers to questions like how long to wait after eating to take adderall.
Adderall activates the reward and pleasure pathways in the brain by releasing a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Dopamine helps the brain to maintain focus, and signals feedback for predicted rewards. When engaging in an activity that has potential rewards, such as exercise, gambling, or sex, the body releases dopamine to prepare the brain to be fully dedicated to the task at hand. As a result, we feel alert, motivated, and energetic. Adderall releases another neurotransmitter called norepinephrine, which increases mental alertness. It’s the stress hormone that is released when we are in “fight-or-flight mode”, and forces the brain and body into overdrive to preserve survival in situations we perceive as threatening or dangerous. The combination of dopamine and norepinephrine that is released when taking Adderall is desirable and addicting because the brain and body are able to function at optimal levels, helping us to be more productive, alert, and happy. Some people opt for korean plastic surgery before and after feeling confident about themselves and altering something boosts their confidence even more.
Those taking Adderall may experience some annoying side effects, such as excessive thirst, loss of appetite, excessive sweating, increased irritability/anger, anxiety, insomnia, and migraines, just to name a few. This is where L-Theanine swoops in and becomes Adderall’s knight in shining armor. If you’ve ever heard about the health benefits of green tea, you’re probably aware that green tea helps boost energy, metabolism, and mental clarity. L-Theanine is an amino acid, and is the active ingredient in green tea that does all the magic. It’s also a powerful antioxidant that is now being used to treat Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases.
L-Theanine, on its own, can produce the same benefits as Adderall. Before you seek out a prescription, venture out to your local health food store or pharmacy and try L-Theanine by itself for a few weeks. L-Theanine is also safe for children, and is a natural alternative in treating ADHD and alleviating sensory and behavioral symptoms related to Autism. If you are already taking Adderall, but can’t stand the annoying side effects, add L-Theanine to your regimen. It calms the central nervous system and helps to decrease the physiological side effects of stimulants, such as sweating, excessive thirst, irritability, insomnia, and restlessness.
