Introduction
For the chemistry of I choose Adderall. Adderall is a drug that is used to control certain psychological ailments such as narcolepsy and ADHD. I chose this as my chemistry of project because it is a very misunderstood drug and has been a large part of my life since I was 8 years old. This drug has helped me focus and get through school and athletics and will continue to help me through my academic career.Composition of ...Dextroamphetamine Saccharate
(C9H14N)2-C6H8O8
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate
C9H14N-C4H6NO4-H2O
Dextroamphetamine Sulfate
(C9H14N)2-SO4
Amphetamine Sulfate
(C9H14N)2-SO4
Main Chemicals, Compounds, Components
There are four main compounds that are used to create adderall. Each of the compounds make up a quarter of the drug. All of them are synthetically created in a lab and each one has a specific purpose.
Dextroamphetamine Saccharate (C9H14N)2-C6H8O8
Besides its use in adderall it has also been used by the military to keep soldiers awake during long missions. It is a synthetically made drug that is very rarely distributed by itself.
Amphetamine Aspartate Monohydrate
This compound is used to not only to treat ADHD and narcolepsy but its main use is as a cognitive and performance enhancer. It was discovered in 1887 and in almost all countries is a controlled substance because of the dangers of overdose
Chemistry's Role
Adderall is made up of four different amphetamine salts. These salts work by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain this and it affects the parts of the brain that control hyperactivity and impulse. It also helps to improve attention and focus. Once adderall gets in the brain it mimics the actions of the neurotransmitters of adrenaline, norepinephrine, and dopamine. When it mimics Adrenaline it helps increase focus,Dopamine increases pleasure, and norepinephrine helps to control the connections between neurons helping the connections last longer than they are normally.
Resources
http://www.drugs.com/adderall.html
Adderall contains
Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine.
central nervous system stimulants that affect chemicals in the brain and nerves that contribute to hyperactivity and impulse control.
Used to treat narcolepsy and ADHD
common Side effects
nausea, loss of appetite,stomach pain
dry mouth
anxiety
sleep problems
headache dizziness
http://www.rxlist.com/adderall-drug.htm
Inactive ingredients
Colloidal silicon dioxide
compressible sugar
corn starch
magnesium stearate
microcrystalline cellulose
saccharin sodium
https://csrspreadscience.wordpress.com/2013/03/29/how-does-adderall-work-a-psa/
Adderall is a mix of two stereoisomers of amphetamine, a stimulant related to the recreational drugs methamphetamine and MDMA, or ecstasy.
Adderall didn’t actually perform better on tests of cognitive function — they only thought they did.
doesn't actually make you smarter just more focused
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drugs/adderall
ADHD
Children ≥6 years: The recommended starting dose is 5 milligrams (mg) once or twice a day.
Children 3-5 years: The recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg once a day.
Narcolepsy
Adults and children ≥12 years: The recommended starting dose is 10mg once a day.
Children 6-12 years: The recommended starting dose is 5 mg once a day
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a601234.html
Adderall (containing Amphetamine, Dextroamphetamine)
Adderall XR (containing Amphetamine, Dextroamphetamine)
Biphetamine (containing Amphetamine, Dextroamphetamine)
http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/archives/fdaDrugInfo.cfm?archiveid=4146
About the Author
Harrison Howe is a 18 year old senior at Billings Senior High School. He enjoys playing rugby, wrestling, fishing, hunting, and sleeping. He looks forward to continuing those hobbies at MSU Bozeman where he will be attending college. He looks to study mechanical and aerospace engineering. He is looking forward to to roofing all summer to pay for college.