Why does adderall calm me down?

If you’re one of the millions of people who turned to Adderall to calm your anxiety and racing thoughts, you might be wondering why a stimulant is having such a calming effect on you. It seems counterintuitive, but there’s actually science behind it (shocking, I know). So let’s explore what’s going on in that hyperactive brain of yours and how Adderall can help.

ADHD vs Anxiety

Before we dive into the science behind this phenomenon, we need to distinguish between two quite different conditions: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders. Although both conditions can coexist in some individuals, they are distinct diseases with very different symptoms.

ADHD is characterized by struggles with focus and concentration; hyperactivity–an abundance of physical energy that makes it difficult for an individual to sit still or stop talking–is often present as well. In contrast, generalised anxiety disorder is marked by excessive worry or fear over everyday situations. As a result,it causes chronic nervousness paired with muscular tension that could lead sometimes towards trembling or spasms

So even though both ADHD and anxiety stem from overactivity in your brain circuitry which cannot sleep 24/7 some people interpret them differently.Different neurotransmitters(will come back later what it means) play important roles in these disorders so don’t fret if at first glance they seem like siblings under their common mother Brain.

How ADD Medicines Work—On Dopamine

Now for the meaty part: How does Adderall help those suffering from either condition?Well Amphetamines/Add medicines such as Adderal,Ritalin(although Ritalin works more mildly than adderal)work through chemical interactions withinthe central nervous system,I know.Mind boggling yet mind relaxing once explained.Bear with me while I walk you down the garden path of human brain.

Many amphetamines,including Adderall,tend to work because they increase levels of dopamine in your brain.

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays an integral role in many different cognitive and emotional aspects of our existence. These include:

  • Motivation
  • Attention
  • Reward processing
  • Feeling “Hype”
    amongst others.

If neurochemical pathways were like bullet trains,this would be how it works: 1) adderal enters them from outside world situated either under or between folds of elastic matter(abdomen area,hence takes time to get dissolved)/introduced through lung’s air sacs(traversing thoracic region). 2)adderral then groups up with nerve terminals which are already abundant with certain chemicals we talked about earlier such as Norepinephrine,Dopamine etc. 3)Chemistry happens!Adderralls promote the release(dont worry not gas but secretion from vesicles stored within cytoplasmic compartment)of more dopamine by blocking its transporter protein present on neurons.Once released this extra-dopamine cascades at will stimulating mass parts of CNS particularly Frontal Lobe regions(those responsible for planning,reward,risk etc).

So if you’re already low on dopamine (which is common in those who have ADHD), it can be challenging to focus, feel alert/motivated.Getting tasks done becomes near-impossible!

By increasing dopamine levels, these types of ADD medications help normalize this imbalance.(stay put there’s still hope!)

Why the Paradoxical Effect?

Ok so here comes the big question:Where does stillness come into play(and isn’t supposed energetically stimulate us?)It does,and that’s what makes Adderall unique among central nervous system stimulants–it actually activates parts of your brain responsible for calming activity,fancy eh?

I know,bears aren’t the only ones fascinated by this phenomenon.One word that should come to your mind every time you encounter anything related to brain is;Modulation-The essence of any neurological process!

There are certain parts of your brain that,when activated,tend to diminish activity in other areas. A prominent example of this involves the Striatum-a part of basal ganglia(an area responsible for reward/repetition learning,selective inhibitions etc)which sends signals from different sources(such as prefrontal cortex which controls attention,functioning memory or introception)in brain.Consequent formation of excitatory pathways disturbs such selectivity process.Science allows Adderal to short-circuit these disturbing impulses and regulate/modulate levels at will.

When dopamine release hits specific receptors(the very important D1,D5 subtypes),it actually enhances electrical communication between neurons,and provides a calming effect on mood! So although there’s no concrete proof behind why it works-the theory holds its ground because adderall doesn’t just help with focus,it can ACTUALLY reduce anxiety!

The Bottom Line

It may seem paradoxical,but that’s how our neurochemical messengers carry out their job-orders.Taking ADD medications like Adderall won’t turn anyone into robots,
but interestingly it helps people living with symptoms resembling a mental chaos(to put it mildly).Of course,it’s essential always talk to your doctor before making changes in any medication regime!
Love thy Brain and keep pumping those Basalganglias,Yours seriously

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