The medication Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) is composed of two stimulant drugs that are commonly employed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as well as sleep disorder known as narcolepsy.


Adderall is available in two forms: Adderall IR, an immediate-release option, or as Adderall XR which is an extended-release version. The extended-release version permits those who suffer from ADHD to take only one dose throughout the day. This makes it an ideal choice for children since they don't need to take multiple doses throughout the day. The therapeutic effects of the immediate-release variant will usually last for about 4-6 hours while the extended-release version is advertised as having a duration of as long as 12 hours.

The stimulant drugs used for treating ADHD are a popular drug of use among college students who utilize these medications to "cram" during exam times to remain awake and alert. However, the abuse of these substances also frequently is associated with other substances, like alcohol, other stimulants, as well as opiate drugs. It is the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) categorizes Adderall as a Schedule II controlled substance, which means it's a substance that could lead to the formation of physical dependence and could be an important drug for abuse when it isn't used in accordance with its intended use as well as under supervision by a doctor.


Suboxone (buprenorphine and Naloxone) is a drug that has been specifically developed to aid people suffering from addiction disorders to opiate in safely stopping the use of opioids for use. Buprenorphine is an opioid agonist in partial form that binds to the same neuronal structures in the brain that other opioids do, however it doesn't produce the full effect of opioids. It assists people in quitting their preferred drug without experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms.


The DEA classified buprenorphine as a Schedule III controlled substance, which means it is a moderate risk for abuse and the formation of physical dependence. The naloxone component of Suboxone is intended to serve as an effective way to prevent the abuse of the substance. Naloxone is a complete opioid antagonist, which is commonly employed to help people recover from an overdose of opiate drug. When it is activated, the drug immediately binds to the opioid receptors in the brain, eliminating any opioids that are present, and does not permit any opioid drugs to be able to connect to these receptors. Additionally that the activation of the drug triggers an immediate withdrawal reaction in those who are taking it. The naloxone contained in Suboxone is not activated unless the substance is used in a way that isn't in line with the prescribed usage like grinding it and trying to inject or snort it.


Using Suboxone and Adderall in Combination


People who are trying to take Suboxone and Adderall in combination would likely use them under the supervision of a doctor. This combination of medications is not usually recommended. People who are recovering from an addiction to opiates and are taking Suboxone are usually not prescribed stimulant medication like Adderall to treat ADHD until they are removed from Suboxone.


It is not clear if these two drugs are typically combined as drugs of abuse, however there are reports of people using the two substances together do occur. Based on the text Basic & Clinical Pharmacology and the information on prescribing these drugs, as per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), there are a variety of issues that can arise when a person is taking an anti-stimulant medication along with Suboxone.


One of the main concerns is the possibility of overdosing on one of the substances due to taking two substances with different mechanism of action. Buprenorphine is, even though it is an opioid agonist in part, nevertheless has central nervous system depressant effects. As stimulant, Adderall causes an increase in the activity of your central nervous system. When used in combination both drugs block some effects of one another, and people may not be convinced that they're achieving the desired effects of psychoactivity from each drug. This could lead to the possibility of overdosing as people may require more to feel the effects. This is most difficult for someone who is trying to abuse or abuse both drugs, but not for someone who has been prescribed both drugs and taking them in the recommended dosages. Since buprenorphine can reduce the effects of stimulants in Adderall and narcotics, it is assumed that one is more likely to get overdosed on Adderall as opposed to buprenorphine, However, the situation could definitely be reversed. Dosing too much on Adderall could cause a variety of problems, such as:

The possibility of paranoia and hallucinations

More aggression and restlessness

Heart rate increases and blood pressure

Potential for stroke or heart attack

The possibility of seizures

Suboxone overdose can cause problems such as:

Complications that are associated with respiratory suppression

A decrease in heart rate and blood pressure

Possibility of unconsciousness or Coma

Utilizing a powerful stimulant drug that contains buprenorphine could result in an increase in the amount of buprenorphine that is present in an individual's system, or could counteract its effects. If a person is taking Suboxone to treat opioid replacement drug it could cause the sufferer to experience withdrawal symptoms from opiates.

The risk of developing unpredictability of reactions that result from the process of mixing these medications can also be more likely. This is especially problematic for those who experience severe reactions that are not typical because it can be difficult for doctors to determine the cause of the reaction the patient unless they are able to learn more about the use of their medication directly from the person who is using it or from another source.

The effects of the two drugs may differ dramatically. It can lead to idiosyncratic results that might not be similar to the side effects normally associated with the drugs in isolation.

Common side effects that are associated with buprenorphine are:

Muscle aches and cramps

Insomnia

Constipation, nausea, or vomiting

Anxiety, irritation, or anxiety

Fever

Common side effects of Adderall are:

Heartbeat irregularity or increase

Hyperactivity

The mood swings

Extremity tremors

Psychotic behavior

Tics or muscles moves

Blood pressure increases

Seizures, in rare cases

There is evidence to suggest that the use of stimulant drugs when a person is taking Suboxone to treat an addiction to opiates is linked to an increased craving for opiate-based drugs. This can lead to an individual delaying the purpose of taking Suboxone to begin with. People in recovery, especially those in the beginning stages of recovery, usually require substantial assistance to deal with cravings for the drug of their choice. Any situation that causes an increase in cravings must be avoided.

It is important to note that someone who has been diagnosed with ADHD is more likely to engage in drug-seeking behaviors even if their symptoms aren't addressed. Therefore, a person with ADHD and is receiving treatment for withdrawal from opiates could be given Adderall when they are also taking Suboxone. In these cases, doctors are likely to monitor the patients closely.