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According to the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA), individual patients' responses to amphetamines may be very different, and some people may experience toxic symptoms even at low doses.
Amphetamines work by increasing the presence of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, including norepinephrine and dopamine.
These chemicals can:
An Adderall overdose can be recognized by a range of symptoms. Because Adderall is a stimulant, signs of an overdose include:
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In rare cases, an overdose can be fatal. According to the FDA, convulsions or coma usually precede death in these cases.
Overdose is most likely when Adderall is misused--when it's taken for non-medical purposes, or when users don't follow their doctor's instructions about taking the medication.
Adderall abusers may take larger or more frequent doses of the drug than is safe for them, and this behavior can lead to an overdose.
Adderall use is prevalent amongst college students, who take the drug to help them study.
In general, illicit drug use is highest among people aged 18-25. In fact, some of the busiest hubs for Adderall abuse are college campuses, where many abusers take the pills to improve their concentration for studying.
Research has shown that by the end of their college careers, nearly 2/3 of students report being offered a prescription stimulant and up to 1/3 of them report using one.
Adderall's cardiovascular side effects may be exacerbated by alcohol.
This is worth noting because some research has suggested that non-medical prescription stimulant use--which includes but is not limited to non-medical Adderall use--is also associated with alcohol and marijuana dependence.
These interactions may be especially likely if the drug is used in the context of partying, a less common motivation than studying, but one that research has shown does occur.
Research has shown mixed results in terms of whether gender or other demographic factors play a role in the likelihood of stimulant abuse.
Because an Adderall overdose can be fatal, even if such cases are rare, it's important to contact medical professionals if you notice any signs of toxicity.
If symptoms are relatively mild, your local Poison Control center can give you advice on what to do for a person who is experiencing amphetamine toxicity and may be contacted at 1-(800)-222-1222.
It's important to keep the patient calm and restrained (if necessary) to prevent injury to the individual or those nearby, since amphetamines can cause:
You should only take Adderall if you have been prescribed the drug by a medical doctor. You doctor will give you specific instructions, including dosage.
Take the drug as prescribed:
Taking higher or more frequent doses than your doctor recommends can increase your risk of an overdose.
Taking Adderall through another route other than orall (e.g., snorting or injecting) can increase the risk of dependence and overdose. IV use of Adderall can also increase the risk of contracting blood borne pathogens such as HIV/AIDS and hepatitis viruses.
Avoid mixing Adderall with other drugs, particularly other stimulants that might exaggerate the drug's effects.
Mixing Adderall and alcohol can also increase the risk of toxicity, as alcohol can worsen Adderall's cardiovascular side effects.
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Since amphetamine toxicity may present with a variety of symptoms, different medical interventions may be required to address them all.
In the case of a high fever, research into amphetamine toxicity emphasizes the importance of cooling the body first.
A systematic literature review of studies on amphetamine toxicity referenced a number of different treatments for some symptoms of an overdose.
Sedation is commonly required for victims of an amphetamine overdose.
For help controlling agitation and psychosis, several studies supported the use of antipsychotic medications and benzodiazepines--a class of drugs commonly used to treat anxiety.
For cardiovascular symptoms, such as high blood pressure or rapid heartbeat, several studies recommended beta blockers. These drugs help in blocking the activity of norepinephrine, one of the neurotransmitters affected by Adderall.
Other research supported the use of alpha blockers and calcium channel blockers, which can also help with cardiovascular complications.
Physical recovery from Adderall toxicity may depend on the severity of the overdose. In the worst cases, overdose can induce some serious conditions that may require a prolonged treatment for complete recovery.
Renal failure and stroke are two complications that may require a more strenuous physical rehabilitation process.
During recovery from an overdose, particularly if the patient has been taking Adderall regularly for a long period, mood changes may occur.
Feelings of depression, fatigue, anxiety, and paranoia are common symptoms that occur after an overdose and may persist for weeks. Patients may also have trouble sleeping.
Psychosocial treatment or behavioral therapy may be useful for patients experiencing psychological issues while undergoing withdrawal.
The severity of these symptoms may depend on how frequently the patient used Adderall prior to the overdose, with heavier users susceptible to more severe withdrawal symptoms.
It's also worth noting that Adderall is commonly used as a "study drug" among college students. Students recovering from Adderall toxicity may wish to explore safer study techniques and better ways to concentrate with a doctor or a campus counselor.
Treatment support specialists are available to help provide information about Adderall abuse treatment programs to suit your needs. Call today at 1-888-993-3112Who Answers?.
