Beatrice21 asked
Does Adderall constrict blood vessels? I have high blood pressure and was worried that Adderall will raise it. I read that Adderall can make high blood pressure worse and wanted to confirm.
Answer
Adderall (amphetamine salts) promotes the release of many neurotransmitters in the brain, including norepinephrine. Among its many effects, norepinephrine does constrict blood vessels and raise blood pressure.
In addition to increasing norepinephrine, Adderall has a direct stimulant effect on alpha receptors, which will also constrict blood vessels.
So yes, Adderall does constrict blood vessels due to its effects on norepinephrine and alpha receptors in the body.
Adderall (Amphetamine Salts) And Blood Pressure
Adderall, like all amphetamine medications, can increase both systolic and diastolic blood pressure (~3-6 mmHg).
According to the prescribing information, an increase in heart rate (~3 to 6 beats per minutes) after taking Adderall is usually seen as well. However, some individuals may experience a decrease in heart rate in response to increased blood pressure.
High doses of Adderall need to be used with caution as there is the potential for significant raises in blood pressure, increased heart rate as well as an increased risk of arrhythmias.
Other cardiovascular side effects of Adderall include:
- Palpitations
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
Adderall (Amphetamine Salts) Information
Adderall is a mixture of both amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts and is used treat:
- Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- Narcolepsy
Adderall works by stimulating the release of a variety of neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin. Adderall is available in both immediate release formulations and as an extended release product, Adderall XR.
The most common adverse reactions associated with Adderall include:
- Anorexia (loss of appetite)
- Abdominal pain
- Irritability
- Restlessness
- Increased blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Increased heart rate
Summary
- Adderall will cause constriction of blood vessels due to increased release of norepinephrine and actions on alpha receptors.
