{"id":628316,"date":"2024-05-20T11:19:50","date_gmt":"2024-05-20T15:19:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=628316"},"modified":"2024-10-25T09:56:56","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T13:56:56","slug":"is-adderall-a-controlled-substance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/is-adderall-a-controlled-substance\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Adderall a controlled substance?"},"content":{"rendered":"

People with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (<\/span>ADHD<\/span><\/a>) may feel like they’re fighting a constant battle against distraction and impulsivity. Adderall can provide some much-needed help. Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant (<\/span>CNS<\/span><\/a>). It contains amphetamine and dextroamphetamine and works by increasing dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Adderall is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat symptoms of ADHD, as well as <\/span>narcolepsy<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Although it might seem like a focus-improving, distraction-crushing powerhouse, Adderall has some restrictions and precautions.<\/span><\/p>\n

RELATED: <\/b>What you should know about prescription Adderall<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n

Is Adderall a controlled substance?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (<\/span>DEA<\/span><\/a>) has classified<\/span> Adderall as a <\/span>Schedule II controlled substance<\/span><\/a>—the same classification as cocaine, methamphetamine, and methadone. Drugs in this category have a high potential for substance abuse and can lead to psychological or physical dependence, regardless of their mental and behavioral health benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

However, Adderall is not a narcotic. Some people see “narcotic” as a synonym for “illegal drug,” but it technically refers to <\/span>opium, opium derivatives, and synthetic substitutes<\/span><\/a>, usually used for pain relief. Certain narcotics, like OxyContin and Vicodin, are also Schedule II prescription drugs.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does taking a controlled substance mean for me?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Adderall might fall under the same classification as drugs like cocaine, but that doesn’t mean the DEA will come after anyone with ADHD for taking it. Thanks to its medical uses, the drug is completely legal—but only when it’s prescribed and taken properly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Possessing Adderall without a prescription or in a larger dose than prescribed can carry various criminal charges, depending on where you live. It’s also illegal to give Adderall to anyone else, even if they have their own prescription. So college students using it—or giving it to others—to pull all-nighters before exams could face serious consequences, including fines or multiple years behind bars.<\/span><\/p>\n

So it’s important to keep Adderall in a safe place, like a locked medicine cabinet, away from children, pets, or people who might want to abuse it. Ideally, that place will be dry and at room temperature, which means 68° to 77°F, according to <\/span>the FDA label<\/span><\/a>. It is also important to dispose of any unwanted or expired Adderall appropriately. Do not simply throw in the trash where it can be acquired and misused by someone else accidentally or intentionally. Flushing is also not recommended as the drug could enter the water supply. Speak to your pharmacist about safe drug disposal options near you.<\/span><\/p>\n

Adderall refill restrictions<\/span><\/h3>\n

“Because of its higher risk status, the government, your doctor, and your pharmacist will monitor the use of these medications more closely. Refills cannot be ordered, you will need an ID to get this medicine, and you will also need to see your doctor in person at least every 3–6 months,” says <\/span>Dr. Alex Dimitriu, MD<\/span><\/a>, founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine. “Some doctors will also require drug testing to make sure you are not using other drugs when you are prescribed a potentially addictive stimulant like Adderall.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Prior to the adoption of electronic prescribing of schedule II controlled substances, patients would have to return to their prescriber to pick up a new prescription each time. In 2007, the DEA changed <\/span>regulations<\/span><\/a> to allow up to 90 days of a schedule II controlled substance to be written at a time. The federal law allows for the issuance of multiple prescriptions totaling up to 90 days of Adderall. In the case of multiple prescriptions being issued, the earliest fill date must be included for each separate order. Your state may have more stringent laws, and your insurance carrier may dictate how many they will cover per fill. It is important to be aware of all of these aspects and work with your prescriber.<\/span><\/p>\n

Signs of Adderall abuse<\/span><\/h3>\n

Adderall has grown rampant on college campuses among <\/span>busy students looking for some extra focus<\/span><\/a>, energy, or ways to stay awake. Some people have even tried taking it for its <\/span>weight loss<\/span><\/a> benefits. But anyone using stimulant medication recreationally is playing a dangerous game. The abuse or misuse of Adderall can have serious consequences, including overdose and Adderall addiction. <\/span><\/p>\n

“In my career in the addiction treatment field, a classic sign of Adderall abuse is running through your prescription sooner than you’re supposed to,” says <\/span>Dr. Caroline Newton, MD<\/span><\/a>, medical director of Mountainside Treatment Center. “This could look like a 30-day prescription finished in a week or two.”<\/span><\/p>\n

Using multiple substances can also raise concern, she says. “For example, I would be concerned if I found out someone is combining benzodiazepines and opiates because this has a higher overdose risk.”<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the American Addiction Centers<\/span><\/a>, other signs of Adderall abuse include:<\/span><\/p>\n