Some people gain weight while on other medication and some lose weight while on medication. In the early 2000s, the prescription drug Adderall was prescribed to more people than any other medication. Its popularity soared as it became a treatment for both ADHD and depression. Since then, its popularity has dropped significantly as the stigma against taking psychotropic medication has risen. But what is the real reason behind Adderall’s varying effects on people?
The primary active constituent in Adderall is dextroamphetamine, which users may experience as either a boost in mental energy or a decrease in appetite. However, there are several other ingredients that could play a role in making Adderall stand out as a medication option.
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
PEA is an amino acid that acts as a precursor to dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is responsible for maintaining focus and concentration. A study published in 2007 in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology noted that PEA increases the activity of dopamine receptors in the brain, which could have significant effects on an individual’s mood and energy levels. According to the research, PEA has a strong influence on the function of neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and nucleus accumbens (NA), which are two parts of the brain’s reward system. In a nutshell, this means that PEA can increase both the positive and negative feelings experienced by an individual. This is why some people feel energized after taking PEA, while others might feel a decrease in appetite. It is also important to point out that PEA has a short half-life (about 10 minutes), which means that its effects last only as long as the drug is absorbed into the patient’s system. Therefore, if you experience some appetite-suppressing effects after taking Adderall, it could very well be due to PEA. This is also why it is important to take a medication like Adderall at the same time every day.
Cholinergic Activity
Cholinergic activity has been linked to many positive health effects, including weight loss. Acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is released when parasympathetic nerves are stimulated, has been shown in studies to increase metabolic rate and decrease food intake by as much as 15%. This is one reason why some people experience faster weight loss while on medication that is known to increase cholinergic activity. But what causes cholinergic activity and how is it linked to weight loss? The exact mechanism is not fully known, but there are some promising hypotheses. One theory is that acetylcholine triggers the release of leptin, a hormone that suppresses appetite. In fact, one study found that rats that were exposed to acetylcholine for six weeks showed significantly reduced appetite and body weight. This suggests that cholinergic activity has the potential to influence an individual’s metabolism and weight through the release of leptin. It is also worth noting that acetylcholine is not the only neurotransmitter that has been shown to play a role in weight loss. Norepinephrine, which is released in the brain during times of stress and increased sympathetic nerve activity, has also been shown to reduce food intake in rats and mice. It is likely, then, that the effect of Adderall on weight loss is a combination of its different active ingredients. Because each of these compounds can have a positive effect on appetite, it is possible that Adderall could be used to treat various eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia nervosa. This is why it is always a good idea to consult with a professional before beginning treatment for an eating disorder.
Rasagiline (Takeda)
Rasagiline is a medication that is used to treat Parkinson’s disease and has been shown, in vitro and in vivo, to inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO). Inhibition of MAO results in elevated levels of dopamine in the brain, which can lead to increased mental energy and reduced appetite. Rasagiline’s effect on weight loss is still being studied, but preliminary results suggest that it could be an effective option for people who are looking for a way to lose weight. Rasagiline is currently approved in many countries, including the United States for use in conjunction with dopaminergic medications to improve motor function in individuals with Parkinson’s disease. If you are interested in trying rasagiline for weight loss, it is important to remember that it can cause some individuals to experience unpleasant sensations, such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and tachycardia. These are all possible side effects of rasagiline and should be discussed with your physician before using this medication.
Dopamine Activity
Dopamine, which is another neurotransmitter that is found in the brain, has been shown, in both animals and humans, to increase energy levels and alertness as well as decrease food intake and body weight. In the same 2007 study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, dopamine was found to have an inhibitory effect on melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) synthesis, which could, in turn, lead to an increase in the skin’s natural sunscreen. When the skin is protected from ultraviolet exposure, it can reduce the risk of skin cancer. This is why it is important to keep your skin healthy by avoiding tobacco products and drinking alcohol, which are known to deplete dopamine levels.
In addition to playing a role in appetite and weight loss, dopamine and its agonists have been shown to have many other positive effects on health. They have been linked to the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, and drug addiction. If you are interested in trying Adderall for weight loss, you should be aware of its possible side effects. According to the drug’s prescribing information, the most common adverse reactions associated with Adderall are dizziness, headache, and nausea. These are usually mild to moderate in severity and tend to occur in the beginning of therapy. If these side effects persist or become bothersome, your physician should be consulted. However, if you do experience discomfort while on this medication, it could be due to its effect on dopamine activity. Fortunately, these side effects are usually controllable with proper management.
Because each of Adderall’s ingredients has a role to play in its effects on weight loss, it is important to understand how each of these compounds can influence an individual’s metabolism. PEA, cholinergic activity, and rasagiline are all believed to increase the level of dopamine in the brain, resulting in increased mental energy and a decreased appetite. In contrast, the dopamine activity of Adderall could result in feelings of euphoria and weight gain. Based on this, it is clear that Adderall can affect an individual’s weight in many different ways, which is likely why there are many different diets that work for different people while on this medication. It is also important to consult with your physician to determine whether or not Adderall is right for you, as they have the knowledge needed to properly advise you on your treatment options. If you are interested in trying this medication, be sure to discuss any doubts or concerns with your physician first.
Other Ingredients
Adderall, as mentioned above, is a combination drug that contains several components, including amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. In addition to these primary ingredients, Adderall contains caffeine, which is widely known to increase both the metabolic rate and the activity of many enzymes, including monoamine oxidase. This is likely why so many different products, such as green tea, citric acid, and vitamin B6, have been shown to have an effect on weight loss while on Adderall, as these ingredients could all contribute to increased energy levels and a lower appetite. Caffeine, for instance, can increase both the release and the activity of the hormone leptin, which, as previously discussed, can influence an individual’s metabolism and weight. Vitamin B6, meanwhile, is necessary for the synthesis of dopamine and norepinephrine, two other important neurotransmitters that have been shown to have a positive effect on weight loss. Its role in metabolism is so important that it is found in almost all living organisms, from bacteria to humans. Because Adderall contains so many compounds that could influence an individual’s weight, it is essential to continue researching why it has such a wide array of effects on different people. It could, in fact, be used to treat a variety of conditions, including obesity, which is why it is so important to find the right medical advice if you are going to use this medication for health reasons.