Adderall Overdose

Adderall overdose is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate attention, as it can be life-threatening. An overdose can happen when someone takes more than the recommended dose of Adderall or combines it with other substances, such as alcohol or drugs like opioids and other prescription medications.

The recommended dose for adults taking Adderall is 20 mg. However, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), many people misuse Adderall, including those prescribed a low dose who take more than directed, as well as individuals without a prescription who use the medication for non-medical reasons.

With more than 14.5% of college students reporting that they have misused prescription stimulants and an overall rise in overdose deaths involving stimulants, it’s clear that Adderall misuse and the risk of overdose from using similar stimulants (especially in tandem with opioids) is a real danger to the American public.

What is Adderall?

Adderall is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant medication made of two stimulant substances: dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It is primarily prescribed to children, adolescents and adults who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), a mental health condition that results in poor attention, impulsivity and hyperactivity.

Further, in some cases, Adderall and Adderall XR (a more powerful version) are used to treat narcolepsy. While it has many positive use cases, both in behavioral therapy and Narcolepsy treatment, misusing this Schedule II controlled substance can result in serious harm, which is especially true if you are already exposed to certain risk factors (i.e., glaucoma, hyperthyroidism, heart disease, etc.).

In every case, it’s in your best interest to seek professional medical advice before taking any dosage of Adderall.

The Importance of Taking The Recommended Dosage of Adderall

Misusing certain amphetamines and stimulants like Adderall can result in addiction and serious mental/physical health conditions. Further, recreational use often results in Adderall addiction, which is both expensive and harmful to the users mental and physical health. Taking more than the prescribed dose can result in:

It’s absolutely essential to consult with medical professionals and follow their instructions when taking Adderall to avoid these kinds of risks.

Signs and Symptoms of Adderall Overdose

In 2019, almost 1 in 4 of all drug overdose deaths involved a stimulant drug, including Adderall, according to the NIDA. People can misuse prescription stimulant medications like Adderall, leading to withdrawal symptoms or overdose.

Some of the listed side effects of Adderall are similar to the signs of Adderall abuse overdose. Regardless of how the symptoms are conceived, it’s recommended that you seek medical treatment at the closest emergency department if you’ve experienced any of the following signs of amphetamine toxicity after taking Adderall:

Recreational stimulant use can result in more serious outcomes, like heart attacks, coma and even death. If you suspect someone has overdosed on Adderall, it is important to call 911 right away.

The Role of Polysubstance Use in Overdose Risk

Using Adderall simultaneously or sequentially with another substance can significantly increase the risk of Adderall overdose. That includes:

Using Adderall with other drugs, including over-the-counter, prescribed, recreational, etc., without the guidance of a medical professional can drastically raise the risks of overdosing on Adderall, which is why it should be avoided under most circumstances.

When to Seek Adderall Addiction Treatment

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the following symptoms or indicators, it may be time to consider seeking Adderall addiction treatment:

While there are no specific medically recognized treatment methods for Adderall overdose, there are plenty of proven methods that can help users overcome overdose and long-term addiction.

Long Term Effect of Adderall Overdose

Overdosing on Adderall may be a one time event, but it can result in many long-term effects, especially if the overdose is severe or happens multiple times:

Those who experience an Adderall overdose often require long-term medical and mental health monitoring. In more severe cases, rehabilitation programs, therapy and intentional lifestyle changes are necessary to overcome the after-effects of Adderall overdose.

Treatment for Adderall Overdose & Addiction

Treatment for the effects of Adderall overdose often requires hospitalization and may include medications to control symptoms, IV fluids and monitoring of vital signs. It is also important to talk with a healthcare provider about the best way to manage behavioral health and any underlying conditions, such as ADHD or depression.

There are several treatment methods available for overcoming addiction to Adderall and other substances in the aftermath of an overdose. They include:

Detox Programs

The first step in recovering from Adderall addiction is detoxing. This process involves metabolizing the drugs and alcohol in the body to neutralize their effects. As such, it can result in fatigue, depression, increased appetite, brain fog, anxiety and more.

At Caron, our evidence-based detox program is fully equipped to handle the Adderall detoxification process to ensure patients receive world-class help in our treatment facility.

Mental Health Treatment

Sometimes the overuse of drugs is the result of underlying mental health conditions and intense psychological effects related to the overdose. Caron Treatment Centers across the country offer holistic, evidence-based therapies that may include:

Neglecting the underlying reasons for adderall overdose and addiction can result in a relapse and perpetual addiction. It’s recommended to seek professional help in an inpatient or outpatient setting in order to address co-occurring mental health conditions while detoxing from Adderall use.

Medication-Assisted Therapy

In many cases, medication can be used in the immediate aftermath of an Adderall overdose, and to treat addiction. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can help to reduce withdrawal symptoms, cravings and the chances of relapse.

At Caron, our patient-centered MAT programs use medication and a combination of other interdisciplinary interventions to help patients address mental health conditions and overcome substance abuse addiction.

Support Groups

The benefits of joining a support group after an overdose or while recovering from Adderall addiction can’t be understated. They offer peer support, guidance and accountability during the recovery process.

At Caron, we offer a variety of outpatient services that include peer support groups (virtual and in-person) to help those struggling with addiction to controlled substances, including Adderall.

How to Prevent an Adderall Overdose

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That statement certainly holds true in terms of preventing Adderall overdose. As such, a few of the best strategies to avoid overdosing from Adderall include:

Clearly communicating with your healthcare provider, avoiding recreational use and co-occurring drug interactions can go a long way in reducing the risks of overdose. If you or someone you love is struggling with the misuse of Adderall, early intervention is absolutely key in preventing both overdosing and the long-term consequences of Adderall addiction.

Recover from Adderall Overdose with Caron Treatment Centers

Caron Treatment Centers provide the best care to help those recovering from an Adderall overdose. Our comprehensive treatment programs include evidence-based therapies and detox tools designed to address substance use disorders' physical, mental and emotional challenges. Contact us today if you or a loved one are struggling with an Adderall overdose.