Caffeine and Adderall are both popular drugs among those looking for better focus and memory recall. They also help many people of all ages have an easier time dealing with daily life. Many people want to know how the two substances compare and if they are interchangeable. If these are questions that you want answers to, keep reading as we take a closer look at both to see what effects they can have on your body and mind.
Disclaimer: We don’t recommend consuming Adderall or any other similar substance before consulting with your physician and acquiring a prescription.
What Does Caffeine Do?
Caffeine is a stimulant that affects your central nervous system to make you more alert. It helps you feel more awake, and it can even help get rid of a headache. Some studies show that caffeine can also help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Another benefit of caffeine is that it can help reduce the risk of suicide by as much as 45%.
Is Caffeine Dangerous?
According to many studies, drinking more than 400 mg of caffeine per day can be dangerous to your health. It is a diuretic, so it can lead to gastrointestinal problems and even the formation of kidney and bladder stones. Other problems that you might experience include headaches, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, and muscle tremors. The most common side effects include nervousness, irritability, and difficulty sleeping. Some people are also more sensitive to caffeine and may begin to experience side effects after consuming much smaller amounts.
How Much Caffeine Is Safe?
The average cup of coffee at home usually has 70–140 mg of caffeine, so you can safely have 3 to 4 cups per day without worry. However, the beverages that you get from popular chains like Starbucks and Dunkin’ can contain much more caffeine, with some having more than 400 mg in a single serving, so you will need to look up the nutrition information for your favorite beverage if you’re concerned that it might have too much caffeine.
What Does Adderall Do?
Adderall is a drug that doctors use to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which stimulate the central nervous system and affect chemicals in the brain that affect impulse control and hyperactivity. Someone who has ADHD can find it much easier to focus and concentrate after using Adderall.
Is Adderall Dangerous?
While there are many benefits to consuming Adderall, there are also health concerns, especially when taking other medications. It can react with blood pressure and heartburn medication, as well as blood thinners, decongestants, and many others, so it’s important to consult with your physician before you start taking it. Many people are also sensitive to Adderall and can suffer side effects that include stomach pain, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, loss of appetite, fast heart rate, and mood swings. It’s also a popular drug to abuse. Many people consume it without consulting a physician and may therefore experience unexpected problems from interactions or sensitivities.
Can You Mix Adderall and Coffee?
Unfortunately, no current studies have determined the safety of mixing Adderall with caffeine. However, since they are both stimulants, the health risk of consuming too much is magnified, and you will be much more likely to experience a rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, and faster breathing. Nervousness and insomnia may occur, and you might experience cardiovascular problems or nightmares. If you need to take Adderall, it’s probably best to limit your coffee consumption to your morning cup and even think about switching to a decaffeinated brand.
Risks of Drug Abuse
Adderall is a popular drug to abuse, and it can lead to problems with addiction. It can also give people a sense of well-being and invincibility and help them be more social and talkative, so it’s easier to make friends and fit in with a crowd. It also leads to faster thoughts, helping some people do better on tests, so abuse is common. However, people can quickly develop a tolerance to the drug, requiring them to take more of it. Abuse often leads to irritability, anxiety, fatigue, depression, and confusion. Difficulty sleeping is also common. Treatment for Adderall addiction will require detoxification, rehab, and therapy.
Summary
Adderall is a drug that can help you take control of your life, but only your doctor can determine if it’s the right medication for you, and you should never take it unless you have a prescription. You should also limit your caffeine consumption if you take Adderall because both drugs stimulate your system and can lead to cardiovascular problems like high blood pressure and an increased heart rate. Caffeine on its own is a mild stimulant that can help you feel more awake so you can tackle your day. It’s generally safe as long as you limit how much you consume and aren’t overly sensitive to it.
See Also:
- Nicotine vs. Coffee: Which Is Worse for You?
- Caffeine Anhydrous vs Caffeine: What’s the Difference?
- Craft vs Specialty Coffee: Major Differences Explained
Featured Image Credit: Left: Pixabay, Right: Annie Spratt, Unsplash
