Adderall is a prescription stimulant composed of four distinct amphetamine salts—dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate—blended in a specific 3:1 ratio of "d" to "l" isomers. It primarily functions by increasing the availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the synaptic clefts of the brain, effectively "tuning" the neurological pathways responsible for attention and impulse control. For those with ADHD, this results in improved executive function and emotional regulation, while those with narcolepsy benefit from its potent ability to stabilize wakefulness.Despite these therapeutic advantages, the medication carries a high potential for misuse and cardiovascular strain; common side effects include increased heart rate, insomnia, and suppressed appetite, while more severe risks involve psychiatric shifts like anxiety or even psychosis. Because it is a Schedule II controlled substance, safety requires strict medical oversight, regular cardiac monitoring, and a careful dosing schedule—typically taken in the morning—to prevent sleep disruption and the physiological "crash" that can occur as the medication wears off.