Ask a Neuroscientist: Why is Adderall addictive to SOME people and not others? (and other questions)

Question and Response 58

In this bonus episode of Chemistry For Your Life, hosts Melissa and Jam are joined by Claire, an expert in pharmacology and neuroscience, to discuss the inner workings of antidepressants and answer additional questions from the previous episode. Claire shares her grad school experiences, highlighting the challenges and unique aspects of her biomedical sciences PhD program. They also delve into the complexities of drug side effects, withdrawal symptoms, and whether Adderall is addictive, offering nuanced insights throughout. The episode concludes with each sharing fun facts that live rent-free in their heads and an engaging community-inspired segment.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:36 Meet Claire: Grad School Experiences

03:10 Navigating Grad School Challenges

05:26 The Importance of Support Systems

06:25 Exploring Pharmacology and Neuroscience

09:52 Fun with Tattoos and Science

11:40 Understanding Drug Side Effects

17:00 Withdrawal Symptoms Explained

18:44 No Parents Allowed

19:19 Is Adderall Addictive?

19:53 Dopamine and ADHD

21:38 Adderall's Effects on the Body

28:32 Fun Facts and Listener Contributions

35:30 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

References from this episode:

1. Rope around the earth

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