What Adderall Does To Your Body

Wall Street lore is always describing the relationship between bankers and cocaine, but the truth is there's a new drug in town. Adderall is taking its new position as the Street's favorite upper — it's less of a party drug, and more of a 'cope with your job after the party' aid.

So what is Adderall and why does it make people more efficient?

We put together some facts on what this amphetamine (yes, that's what it is) does to your body. Yes, it can help you get through that Excel spreadsheet, but there's a more sinister side to this story. Canada pulled the drug off the shelves in 2005 because it was believed to be the source of 20 deaths over ten years, according to NPR.

So know what you're dealing with.

It releases your sense of euphoria — chemicals called serotonin, dopamine, and adrenaline.

Serotonin, dopamine and adrenaline are the chemicals in your brain that make you happy and they're released when you do something you love (favorite sport, seeing your favorite band, whatever floats your boat).

These chemicals are stored in your brain for use when you do what you love, but Adderall breaks them free and sends them to your synapses. That's when you feel charged.

When Adderall wears off, they go back into storage.

It makes you want to take more.

Adderall releases dopamine, but it also stops the chemical from replenishing itself.

When dopamine is released it usually moves from one neuron to the next. When it's done, it goes back to neuron number one to rest before it starts again in a process called reuptake.

Adderall prevents reuptake, and the dopamine just kind of disappears. That's when you feel like you should take more Adderall.

It can make you dehydrated and give you dry mouth.

Adderall inhibits the production of saliva in your mouth, which effects your hydration in general.