ADHD can be treated with a range of different medications.
Here, we look at Adderall, which is legal in the US. But is it legal in the UK?
What is Adderall and how does it work?
Adderall is the brand name of a prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), according to Everyday Health.
It is a chemical compound that contains both Amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, and can be used to treat narcolepsy.
Adderall belongs to a class of drugs called central nervous system stimulants.
"It works by increasing levels of the brain chemical dopamine, which stimulates the brain," Everyday Health explains.
It is advisable that you see a psychiatrist if you believe you are in need of ADHD medication, you should not try and treat symptoms of your own accord.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Adderall in the United States back in 1960.
Is Adderall legal?
In the UK, Adderall is considered a Class B drug, which means that it can only legally be obtained and handled with a prescription.
Penalties for unlawful possession can include a fine of time behind bars.
This is because it is a type of amphetamine.
It is a controlled substance rarely administered by doctors in the UK.
What are the side effects of Adderall?
Just some of the side effects include loss of appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, stomach upset/pain, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, headache, diarrhoea, fever, nervousness, according to Web MD.
Eytan Alexander, founder of UK Addiction Treatment Centres which treated Louise, says admissions for prescription medicine abuse have shot up 22 per cent in just two years.
Many will have started off thinking Adderall is a pretty harmless way to stay awake and boost concentration, without realising how terrible the side-effects can be.
"Perhaps they took Adderall for a couple of days so they could get some work done, but then liked that feeling of energy and power these drugs give you," says Professor Chick.
"Then they take more and more, and suddenly they’ve become dependent. It’s quite common."
Adderall can be used as a gateway drug to stronger, more illegal substances such as cocaine.
It is important to take note that it is an incredibly dangerous substance if misused.
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