Despite the familiarity with Adderall and its effectiveness in treating both attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy, the inherent risks of dependence and emerging risks of overdose cannot be overlooked.
What Are The Signs of An Adderall Overdose?
Adderall overdose or Adderall toxicity is the systemic response of your brain and your body to too much of the stimulant in your system at once. This could be due to Adderall misuse, mixing with all other substances, or ingesting counterfeit Adderall that is formulated and has unregulated doses.
Adderall’s two primary active ingredients, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, are central nervous system (CNS) stimulants that alter natural functioning. You need to know how to identify indicators of Adderall toxicity. Adderall overdose symptoms and signs of toxicity include:[2]
- Aggressive behavior
- Chest pain
- Elevated blood pressure
- Elevated body temperature
- Feeling agitated
- Hallucinations
- Psychological symptoms
- Severe dehydration
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Tachycardia or rapid heart rate
What Should Be Done If An Overdose Is Suspected?
If you believe you are a loved one or experiencing an Adderall overdose, it’s important to get professional medical help right away. Call 911 immediately and ensure you have all the information for responders, or transport the patient to the nearest emergency room.
If a seizure is one of the symptoms, remove any sharp objects or anything that could break from the immediate area.
There is no antidote for Adderall toxicity; however, activated charcoal may be used as an emergency treatment.[3] This is only appropriate for Adderall that was taken orally and should only be given to patients who can safely drink. It’s best to consult a medical professional before administering anything without direct guidance.
How Much Adderall Can One Take?
Each patient’s prescription for Adderall May range depending on the medical condition it’s being prescribed to treat and the severity of their disorder. Normal ranges for ADHD for children and adults over the age of 6 is a maximum dose of Adderall at 40 mg per day, while narcolepsy doses range from 5 mg to 60 mg per day. [4]
Adderall is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for misuse and dependence.[5] Always remember that these doses relate to medically prescribed Adderall on a medication schedule. Taking Adderall in any way or dose other than prescribed can elevate the side effects and increase the risk of overdose.
Adderall Drug Facts
Adderall is a CNS stimulant that accelerates natural functioning. The prescription stimulants in Adderall (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine) alter how your brain works by influencing the neurotransmitters that control impulse control and alertness.[6] These intrinsically positive effects can feed the addiction cycle and lead to harmful Adderall use, especially if taken illicitly or outside of prescribed doses. Adderall can be prescribed in standard and extended-release formulas (Adderall XR), which help prolong the effects throughout the day.
Other Adderall Side Effects
The intended effects of Adderall are increased alertness, focus, and more. However, stimulant medications are associated with a wide range of adverse effects and risk factors that can vary depending on the amount of Adderall taken, how often it’s taken, and more.
Common adverse effects of Adderall include: [7]
- High blood pressure
- Irregular heartbeat/arrhythmia
- Headaches
- Insomnia
- Weight loss
- Abdominal pain
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Mood swings
Some of the more serious adverse effects of Adderall include:[8]
- Cardiovascular issues
- Sudden cardiac death
- Seizures
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (severe skin reaction)
- Hypersensitivity
- New or worsening psychosis
- Manic symptoms
- Behavior changes
Is Adderall Addictive?
As with most central nervous system stimulants, Adderall does carry some risk of misuse and dependence. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), almost 4 million people misused prescription stimulants, including Adderall, in 2023.[9] The safest way to consume Adderall for a medical condition is as prescribed. Any use outside of a scheduled prescription dose could elevate the potential risks.
What Are the Signs and Side Effects of Adderall Abuse?
The official diagnosis of Adderall addiction or misuse is stimulant use disorder, which includes other stimulants like cocaine, methamphetamine, Ritalin, diet pills, and more. The markers for identifying stimulant use disorder include the following criteria:[10]
- Taking more stimulant medications than is needed or for longer than prescribed.
- Unable to stop taking the prescribed drug alone after attempts in the past.
- Large windows of time are consistently devoted to getting, using, and recovering from stimulants.
- Experiencing cravings for the stimulant.
- An inability to fulfill standard obligations in life, at home, school, or work due to stimulant use.
- Ignoring the persistent social, financial, or interpersonal issues that arise because of the effects of stimulants.
- No longer investing any or as much time in social or recreational activities that were formerly enjoyed in favor of stimulant use.
- Frequently using stimulants in circumstances where it’s dangerous.
- Ignoring the presence or intensity of physical or psychological problems that have arisen or have been exacerbated by the stimulant.
- Developing a tolerance to the stimulant (more or more frequent doses are needed to feel the same level of effects).
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when stimulant use is reduced or stopped.
It should be noted that if someone has been taking Adderall as prescribed for ADHD or narcolepsy for some time, it’s possible to develop a tolerance to it. If there has been no misuse, this should not be considered a marker of substance use disorder.
Treating Adderall Addiction
Adderall addiction can lead to dangerous health risks and overdose. It’s important to seek professional help when needed to address and overcome substance use disorder. Treating stimulant abuse may begin with a medically supervised detox program where expert providers can monitor patients for safety and treat severe withdrawal symptoms.
After detox, patients will step down to an inpatient level of care that is structured to support physical health, mental health, and overall wellness. Effective co-occurring disorder treatment offers a holistic approach to care that facilitates healing that lasts.
Additional levels of care after inpatient rehab include an Intensive outpatient (IOP) or Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), both of which offer intensive, customized care but with greater flexibility to stay at home and pursue activities outside of treatment. Addiction must be viewed with a long-term perspective. Patients will be scheduled for ongoing therapy, support groups, and other recovery resources available as part of standard outpatient and aftercare programs.
What does treatment look like?
Every patient will be prescribed a customized treatment plan that fully captures the unique needs and experiences important to the treatment process. Therapy is one of the first-line treatments for substance use disorder, and some evidence-based modalities that offer many benefits include Motivational Interviewing (MI), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), group therapy, family therapy, and more.
Get Help With Adderall Misuse & ADHD
If you or a loved one are struggling with Adderall misuse or substance use disorder, don’t lose hope. Help is available to you, free of judgment and full of compassion. Reach out today to learn more about how to get started with treatment.
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