Stimulant drugs are becoming a rising phenomenon day by day to treat many kinds of issues, one of which is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). For ADHD, people use Adderall, one of the most popular CNS (central nervous system) stimulants today. Doctors prescribe this drug for ADHD and also for a sleeping disorder called narcolepsy. But people use another drug that is neither prescribed nor allowed to be taken at any cost. People find it on the street and consume it just to get that “high” and feel euphoric. This is Cocaine, an illegal stimulant. Adderall and Cocaine are often considered the same for their properties and effects. This is why patients frequently ask which is more harmful between Adderall vs Cocaine.
Adderall vs Cocaine: Differences and Adverse Effects on Our Bodies
What is Adderall?
Adderall is the brand name for the stimulant drug, which is a mixture of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. It is found in both immediate-release and extended-release forms. One of the major uses of Adderall is to help one deal with hyperactive behaviour and feel relaxed, which is why it is prescribed by doctors for ADHD. Yet it can only be taken if it is advised to be taken by a healthcare provider, because it is a Schedule II drug with a high risk of abuse. Adderall assists in retaining awareness and attention in a person who is dealing with narcolepsy, in which one deals with extreme sleepiness in the daytime.
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is another CNS stimulant that is extracted from the leaves of a plant named coca. It is an illegal drug mostly found mixed with flour or talcum powder, but it is also used as an anesthetic in certain medical cases. It works similarly to Adderall by releasing dopamine into the brain, relaxing it instantly, but cocaine does it much faster, and for a short period of time, one can feel absolutely rejuvenated, which is the reason people abuse it so much. Cocaine is also a Schedule II controlled substance, with some rare approvals to use the drug in some medical procedures.
How Do Adderall and Cocaine Work?
Adderall and Cocaine, being nervous system stimulants, work in similar ways. Both drugs enter the system and release dopamine and norepinephrine neurotransmitters towards the brain, slowing it down in the process and making a patient feel calm. This happens when the drug blocks the dopamine and norepinephrine inhibitors in the nerve cells, pushing the transmitters towards the brain. While Adderall does this process gradually in the span of a few minutes and fully in hours, Cocaine does this instantly, right after the user either takes it orally or snorts it with a small paper roll, and the effects last only for a short while, compelling the person to take more of it.
Are Adderall and Cocaine Similar?
There are similarities between Adderall and Cocaine. Both have similar properties because of are stimulants and their mechanism are almost similar, but drugs whose origins are completely different, i.e., Adderall is a synthetic man-made drug, and Cocaine is a natural drug, they cannot be called the same. But yes, they are similar in some aspects. Many patients who take Adderall and have also come across Cocaine through illegal means wonder if mixing Adderall and Cocaine is possible or not. The answer is a big NO. Both have similar effects, and their mixed dose can amplify the effects and lead to serious complications like an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
What are The Differences Between Adderall and Cocaine?
Adderall and Cocaine differ a lot from each other. From their origin to onset, both drugs have many differences. Let us take a look:
- Origin: Adderall is a man-made drug, while Cocaine is a natural drug extracted from coca leaves.
- Use: While the commercial use of cocaine is banned, it is only used legally in some surgeries in the form of anesthesia. Adderall, on the other hand, is a prescribed medication for ADHD.
- Onset: Adderall takes a long, gradual time for onset after its oral medication, but Cocaine begins its action in a matter of seconds, which makes it more addictive.
- Duration of Effect: Cocaine takes 20-30 minutes to show its effects, while Adderall takes a long 3-4 hours when it is an immediate-release and 6-12 hours when it is an extended-release pill to show its effects.
- Sleeping remedy: Adderall helps in narcolepsy, which helps in getting back to our correct sleep schedule, but Cocaine makes one too attentive in no time, serving nothing much to one’s sleeping issues.
Side Effects of Adderall and Cocaine
Adderall and Cocaine can have adverse effects on our bodies if we overdose on both drugs. Some side effects can be felt immediately after the intake of Cocaine, some can be even more dangerous. For Adderall, a few side effects might be common, but some can be as serious as those of Cocaine.
Side effects of Adderall
- Common Side Effects: Dizziness, Drowsiness, Dry mouth, Insomnia, Headache, Nausea and vomiting.
- Serious Side Effects: Heart issues like increased blood pressure and heart rate, Loss of Appetite, Loss of Libido, etc.
Side effects of Cocaine
- Immediate Effects: Excess euphoria, increased attentiveness, feeling proud and confident.
- Adverse Effects: Loss of consciousness, poor mobility, Sudden heart stroke, Respiratory issues.
Adderall and Cocaine Interactions
Cocaine and Adderall can interact with many other substances, and when that happens, one is putting their health at grave risk. Addicts might think this will make them feel great, but all they will do is bring the worst to their bodies.
Adderall Interactions
- Fentanyl
- Methadone
- Unisom
- Zelapar
- Prozac
- Emsam
- Zoloft
Cocaine Interactions
- Alcohol
- Fentanyl
- Heroin
- Adderall
- Cannabis
- Caffeine
Conclusion
If you or your loved ones are addicted to stimulant drugs, you must realise that addiction is not a morally inhumane act; it is just a disease that can be cured right now. One cannot always be in great luck in life, but by destroying the livelihoods of yourself and others by taking in harmful drugs like Adderall or Cocaine without a prescription, you are making yourself weak when you are not. Adderall should only be used to cure narcolepsy and ADHD, and Cocaine should be rejected at all costs.