Blue Adderall pills are used as a first line of treatment for patients struggling with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). They have also become increasingly common on college campuses and among young adults, often used as a “study drug” to boost productivity, performance, and focus.
Adderall abuse can lead to several consequences, such as depression, anxiety, and addiction. It’s important to know what blue adderall is used for, how it works on the ADHD brain, and how to take it properly if you are prescribed it.
What is Blue Adderall?
Blue Adderall pills usually refer to the immediate-release (IR) tablets of adderall in 7.5mg and 10mg doses. They are bright blue tabs used to treat ADHD and sometimes narcolepsy. They come in a round or oval shape with the print “AD 7.5” or “AD 10”.
Adderall contains a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine that stimulates the central nervous system. It is primarily used to treat symptoms of ADHD, such as problems with focus, attention, and impulsivity [1].
What Are The Different Colors of Adderall Pills?
The color differences in Adderall correspond to the dosage (varying milligrams) and formulation (immediate release vs extended release). They also may differ slightly between brand names and generic versions. The typical colors of adderall you may have seen if prescribed include [1]:
- Blue: 7.5mg or 10mg, may come in round or oval shapes
- White: 5 mg, small round white pill
- Peach: 12.5 mg, small round pill
- Orange: Depending on shape, round or oval pill, in 15mg and 20mg
- Orange and White Capsule: 25mg and only available as XR release
Adderall XR vs Adderall IR
The two main kinds of blue Adderall are instant release (IR) and extended release (XR). Each has its benefits, mechanism of action, and potential for abuse.
| Medication | Adderall XR (extended release) | Adderall IR (instant release) |
| Formula | Capsule, contains beads that release 50% of active ingredients immediately, and the other half about 4 hours later | Tablet, quickly releases all active ingredients at once |
| Onset of Action | 30 to 60 minutes | 30 to 60 minutes |
| Duration | Effects last up to 12 hours, designed for once-daily dosing | Effects last about 4 to 6 hours, and multiple doses are usually prescribed per day to maintain symptom control |
| Uses and Clinical Considerations | Used for ADHD and narcolepsy, best for those with busy schedules who prefer a 1x daily dose | Best for those who need rapid symptom relief. Used for ADHD and also to manage symptoms of narcolepsy |
| Dosage | 5mg to 30mg per capsule, taken in the morning | 5mg to 30 mg per dose, taken 1 to 3 times daily |
| Potential for Abuse | Designed to minimize abuse potential by slow release | Both have a high risk for abuse, but IR is more commonly crushed and snorted for its immediate effects |
How Blue Adderall Affects the Brain
Adderall impacts the region of the brain related to attention, impulse control, and executive functioning, such as the prefrontal cortex. It increases the activity of neurotransmitters and reverses reuptake transporters by triggering the release and blocking the reuptake of dopamine and norepinephrine.
For individuals with ADHD, this can improve attention, concentration, and memory retention. However, if taken excessively or abused recreationally, it can lead to anxiety, paranoia, and even psychosis [2].
Can I Get Addicted to Adderall Even if It Is Prescribed to Me?
The answer to this is more complex than black and white, but yes, it’s possible. Those with ADHD who take Adderall daily under medical supervision usually have no issues and can be weaned off Adderall if necessary. Studies estimate that under 0.2% of people who are prescribed adderall for medically essential reasons go on to develop an addiction [3].
However, if individuals begin taking more than they are prescribed, abuse it for recreational purposes, or increase doses without medical advice, this often leads to Adderall addiction.
Signs of Adderall Addiction
There are several signs of Adderall addiction to recognize in yourself or a loved one. These can manifest physically, psychologically, and behaviorally.
| Physical | Psychological | Behavioral |
| Insomnia | Anxiety, paranoia, panic attacks | Sudden burst of energy, talkativeness, restlessness |
| Increased heart rate | Irritability, aggression, mood swings | Secretive behavior, social withdrawal, isolation |
| Loss of appetite, nausea, weight loss | Depression (more common during withdrawal) | Going to different doctors to try to obtain multiple prescriptions |
| Headaches, dizziness, dry mouth, sweating, or shaking | Intense cravings | Impaired daily functioning, neglect of self-care, or daily responsibilities |
How to Safely Use Adderall and Reduce the Risk of Addiction
Although the potential for Adderall abuse is high, there are ways to mitigate the risk. Adderall is an evidence-based medical treatment for ADHD and can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals who struggle with the disorder. If you are prescribed Adderall, here are some ways to reduce the risk of addiction:
- Take as prescribed. Follow the advice of your prescribing doctor or psychiatrist. Don’t take more than the recommended dosage, skip doses, or change your dose without speaking with your doctor.
- Use the lowest effective dose. Your doctor will usually start you on the lowest dose and gradually increase or adjust as needed.
- Don’t mix Adderall with other substances. Avoid drinking alcohol with Adderall or mixing Adderall with other drugs or using “downers” to help you relax. Adderall can make it difficult to fall asleep, so speak with your doctor, and they may provide you with a low-dose sleep aid.
ADHD Medication Management in Mapleton, UT
At Maple Mountain Mental Health and Wellness, our compassionate team of clinical psychiatrists and experienced therapists is committed to providing supervised medication management and behavioral interventions to support adults with ADHD. Reach out for support today.
Sources
[1] Durbin, K. Adderall. 2023. Drugs.Com.
[2] (2018). Neurocognitive, Autonomic, and Mood Effects of Adderall: A Pilot Study of Healthy College Students. Pharmacy (Basel, Switzerland), 6(3), 58.
[3] Jones, C. M. (2018). Prevalence and Correlates of Prescription Stimulant Use, Misuse, Use Disorders, and Motivations for Misuse Among Adults in the United States. The American journal of psychiatry, 175(8), 741–755.