Adderall UK: An Ultimate Guide

Thinking about buying Adderall online or from a friend to give you an edge in your studies or career? Think again. Off-label use of Adderall and other prescription medications is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening trend, and buying Adderall without a prescription only adds to the risk.

This issue is a growing problem, especially among college students and young professionals who are seeking an edge in their studies or careers.

However, the risks of off-label use of Adderall far outweigh any potential benefits. 

This post will provide a comprehensive guide to Adderall in the UK and discuss its availability, where to buy Adderall, its common uses, side effects, and risks, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision about your options.

We’ll also tell you about a natural, plant-powered alternative to Adderall made right here in the UK that works just as efficiently and costs less without causing any side effects!

This website contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, we may earn a commission when you click on these links and make a purchase or take a specific action.

Looking for the German version? Read “Adderall Deutschland: der Ratgeber zu Preis, Legalität und Alternative!”

Contents

  • What is Adderall?
  • Where to Buy Adderall
  • Can You Get Adderall in the UK?
  • How to Get Adderall Prescribed in the UK on the NHS
  • What are the Side Effects of Adderall?
  • Uses of Adderall
  • How is Adderall Different from Ritalin?
  • What are the Alternatives to Adderall?
  • Conclusion

What is Adderall?

Adderall, as we know it, was first introduced in 1994. It is, in fact, a slightly modified version of a weight loss pill originally marketed in the 1970s.

Adderall was initially called ‘A.D.D. For All’ before running into legal issues over misbranding. It was renamed Adderall in 1996. That same year, Adderall was approved by the Centre for Drug Evaluation and Research and has been used medically since then.

Adderall consists of two stimulants called amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Amphetamine dates back around 130 years. Its first medical use was in the 1930s as a decongestant inhaler under the name Benzedrine.

Adderall and amphetamines, in general, work by increasing levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain, saturating your brain’s receptors for these neurotransmitters. Adderall’s reputation for being a mental performance-enhancing drug comes from this saturation.

Dopamine is the ‘pleasure’ neurotransmitter, increasing pleasure responses from actions. It helps you feel good, making work or other everyday tasks more pleasant and easier to pay attention to when completing.

On the other hand, norepinephrine serves as a ‘fight or flight’ neurotransmitter in the brain. Increasing its levels will help improve wakefulness and alertness as its release prepares your body for dangerous situations.

Watch: How does Adderall work?

Where to Buy Adderall

Adderall is a controlled substance that is only available through a prescription from a doctor or other healthcare professional. And it is almost never prescribed by healthcare professionals in the UK.

Most off-label users buy their Adderall online or through friends, so the street value of this study drug can vary. Typically though it costs upwards of £300 for only 30 pills

Instead of attempting to buy Adderall online why not look into a natural Adderall alternative that is legal, affordable and just as effective. Take a look at our comparison chart to really see the difference. 

Off-Label AdderallBrainzyme® FOCUS PRO™
1 Month Supply£330£29
2 Month Supply£530£58
3 Month Supply£730£79

Alongside its use as a concentration-boosting drug, Adderall might be used to fuel all-night study sessions as it is a powerful stimulant. Amphetamines like Adderall have been used for this purpose for many years, although non-therapeutic use carries several risks.

One of the biggest risks is that it is illegal to purchase or sell Adderall in the UK without a prescription, and doing so can result in serious legal consequences. So before attempting to buy Adderall online, why not try a natural alternative?

Can You Get Adderall in the UK?

In the UK, the medical use of Adderall is very different compared to the US. In the US, it is prescribed as a ‘drug to improve concentration’ to people with attention disorders, whereas in the UK, it is an unlicensed medication under the NHS.

While Adderall is quite popular in the US, it isn’t generally used in the UK for ADHD treatment. 

According to the NHS, the closest Adderall UK equivalent is dexamfetamine, which is prescribed to children over the age of 6 for ADHD treatment and for adults to treat narcolepsy.

Adderall is a Class B substance in the UK, as it is a type of amphetamine, making it illegal in the UK. Unlawful possession of Adderall/dexamphetamine is punishable by up to 5 years in prison or could result in an unlimited fine (or both). Even more severely, you could spend 14 years in prison for supplying or selling, similar to other class B drugs such as cannabis or ketamine.

If you are considering using Adderall as a study drug, please remember that legal and affordable natural alternatives are now just as effective.

Learn more about our recommended choice for the best natural Adderall alternative or take advantage and save time by using a quick buy function.

How to Get Adderall Prescribed in the UK on the NHS

The simple fact is that you can’t

Adderall is not licensed for use in the UK and is not available on the National Health Service (NHS).

In the UK, prescription medications must be licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) before they can be marketed and sold. This process involves evaluating the medication’s safety, efficacy, and quality to ensure that it meets certain standards. Adderall has not undergone this process and is, therefore, not licensed for use in the UK.

This means that Adderall is not available on the NHS and cannot be prescribed by healthcare professionals in the UK. If you are considering using Adderall for the treatment of ADHD or other conditions, it is important to understand that it is not an option in the UK.

Other medications are licensed for use in the UK for the treatment of ADHD, such as Ritalin and dexamfetamine. 

However, if you are looking for something that can boost your brain power just as effectively without a prescription, we suggest trying natural supplements as alternatives to Adderall.

What are the Side Effects of Adderall?

Adderall abuse, as with any prescription medicine abuse, can be a big problem and may lead to severe side effects. Even if you are using Adderall as your doctor intended, there is still a high risk of side effects.

According to the NHS, the following are common side effects of dexamphetamine: feeling or being sick, stomach cramps, dizziness, eyesight problems, headaches, dry mouth, diarrhoea, unsteadiness or shakiness, loss of appetite, weight loss, thinning of hair, rashes, sweating, unusual movements, sexual difficulties and problems sleeping

The NHS also states that the following more severe side effects may occur:

  • Changes in your mood, behaviour, or thinking
  • Chest pain, fast heartbeat, or unexplained breathlessness
  • Suicidal thoughts, or thoughts about harming yourself

These are implied to be rarer than 0.01% of cases but still pose potential (if minimal) risks.

Adderall Withdrawal

It is important to note that taking Adderall and alcohol simultaneously can heighten the adverse side effects, especially the effects on the heart. Mixing Adderall and alcohol is therefore not recommended.

The same is true for other substances, such as Xanax (which should be avoided if you take Adderall). Tolerance can build up quickly, and Adderall can be highly addictive both physically and psychologically. It is common to take a higher and higher dosage to get the same results as before, and once you start taking Adderall for an extended period, it can be hard to concentrate without it.

Taking Adderall can be habit-forming, and the risk of an overdose is ever-present. Below you will find a list of Adderall overdose symptoms, which often occur due to Adderall abuse.

AggressionAnxiety
PanicDepression
Blurry visionDisorientation
HallucinationsRapid breathing
Uncontrollable shakingRapid heart rate
FeverUpset stomach
DiarrhoeaFatigue
Muscle aches and weaknessLoss of consciousness
Dark red or brown urineFainting
TremorsSeizures

In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, habitual Adderall users may experience withdrawal symptoms when they go without Adderall for a period of time. Some of these symptoms are listed below.

DepressionIrritability
HeadachesOversleeping
InsomniaIncreased appetite
FatigueNightmares
Difficulty concentratingAches
AnxietySuicidal thoughts

If you experience any of these, you should contact a doctor as soon as possible.

Uses of Adderall

Adderall is primarily used to help treat ADHD in the US. However, it is not generally prescribed for ADHD in the UK. Instead, Adderall UK equivalents are used, such as Ritalin or Dexamfetamine.

Though it is reported, some shift workers use it as an off-label eugeroic – a wakefulness-promoting agent. However, there is a dark side to this. Students and professionals worldwide use it increasingly as a nootropic for focus or cognitive enhancer to help their productivity. Some people use Adderall to enhance their cognition, much like Bradley Cooper’s character in the film Limitless. It is meant to let them stay awake for longer and concentrate on their work more, as dopamine makes it pleasurable.There are two types of Adderall: Adderall XR (extended-release) and Adderall IR (instant release). The effects of Adderall XR typically last longer, about 10-12 hours, whereas the instant-release variant works for 4-8 hours. Both work similarly, so their effects and potential side effects are very similar.

How is Adderall Different from Ritalin?

Adderall and Ritalin are both central nervous system stimulant medications that are used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. However, there are some key differences between the two medications.

One of the main differences between Adderall and Ritalin is their active ingredients. Adderall contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, while Ritalin contains methylphenidate. Another difference between them is their duration of action. Adderall has a longer-lasting effect, with the effects lasting for up to 12 hours, while Ritalin has a shorter duration of action, lasting for about 4 to 6 hours.

Check out our blog post to learn more about how Adderall compares to Ritalin as a study drug.

What are the Alternatives to Adderall?

Those using (or considering) taking Adderall off-label should be aware of the alternatives that are now legally available on the market, such as naturally-sourced brain supplements. They can be just as effective at supporting concentration, mental performance and the reduction of tiredness, and they cause no side effects.

One such natural alternative to Adderall is the brain supplement Brainzyme® FOCUS PRO™. 

100% plant-powered, Brainzyme® FOCUS PRO™ is a dietary supplement that contains a blend of natural ingredients, including herbs, vitamins, and minerals. These ingredients support cognitive function and focus but do not have the same potential for abuse or dependence as Adderall, which is a stimulant medication.

It is also scientifically proven to boost your brain power within 60 minutes without the common side effects of Adderall.

Another key benefit of Brainzyme® FOCUS PRO™ is that it costs less than half the price of off-label Adderall. This Adderall alternative is effective and cost-effective for those looking to improve their cognitive performance without breaking the bank.

Brainzyme® FOCUS PRO™ is also legal to use without a prescription, whereas Adderall is a controlled substance that is only legal to use with a prescription. This is an important consideration for people concerned about potential legal issues related to the use of controlled substances.

In addition to its effectiveness and affordability, Brainzyme® FOCUS PRO™ is also UK-made, ensuring that you get a high-quality product manufactured to strict standards.

Overall, if you are seeking a natural and safe way to boost your focus and concentration, Brainzyme® FOCUS PRO™ is an excellent choice.

Did You Know?

If you want to try an 

  • Affordable (at only £29) 
  • Legal 
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Conclusion

Adderall has its uses as a medicine, and if you have been prescribed it by a doctor, you should absolutely continue taking it.

However, the recent trend of increasing off-label Adderall use as a study drug is concerning. Primarily in part due to the reported side effects and health issues that may arise from abuse. Therefore, due to the issues listed above – side effects and legality- we don’t recommend using Adderall as a nootropic or off-label study drug.

By considering natural alternatives to Adderall, you can find a safe and effective smart drug without exposing yourself to this medication’s potential risks and side effects.

We strongly suggest buying Brainzyme® FOCUS PRO™ instead as a legal, affordable, and natural alternative to Adderall as a nootropic for focus.



References

Weyandt, L.L. et al. (2018) Neurocognitive, autonomic, and mood effects of adderall: A pilot study of healthy college students, MDPI. Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4787/6/3/58 (Accessed: November 11, 2022).

McDermott, H. (2020) Working Smart: The use of ‘cognitive enhancers’ by UK university students, Taylor & Francis. Available at: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0309877X.2020.1753179 (Accessed: November 17, 2022).

Askew, R. and Bone, M. (2019) Deconstructing prohibitionist ideology: A sociocognitive approach to understand opinions on UK drug policy and the law, International Journal of Drug Policy. Elsevier. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S095539591930235X (Accessed: November 11, 2022).


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