However, these prescription stimulants dont actually make people smarter.
They were asked to complete a series of complex tasks.
It really wasnt, Bowman added.
Photo Illustration by Amelia Manley for Verywell Health; Getty Images
How Do Adderall and Ritalin Help People with ADHD?
Adderall and Ritalin are both stimulants that are commonly prescribed to treat ADHD.
The benefits generally outweigh the risks for people with ADHD.
These drugs are tremendously effective for people with ADHD.
They may also skip or lower caffeine consumption because it contributes to accelerated heart rate.
Physicians also recommend eating between doses, when the medication has worn off and their appetite returns.
What Happens If Someone Without ADHD Takes Adderall?
People without ADHD are typically within the happy window of dopamine and norepinephrine already.
When someone without ADHD takes Adderall or Ritalin, theyre flooding their brains with these chemicals.
When theyre going past that happy window, they can experience things like obsessive thoughts, Sultan said.
Its like putting more and more petrol into your car and expecting it to go faster.
It doesnt work like that.
It may be misleading to call ADHD medications smart drugs.
Smart drugs increase the level but decrease the quality of cognitive effort.Sci Adv.
2023;9(24):eadd4165.
