Adderall Overdose Symptoms
Adderall is a stimulant medication used for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Use Adderall, an amphetamine, may result in abuse and dependency.
Abuse of Adderall can cause an overdose, which can to lead to serious cardiac events and, in some cases, even death. Those with underlying heart and psychiatric conditions are at a greater risk of suffering from Adderall's serious adverse events.
Function
Adderall is a medicine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, a chronic sleep disorder characterized by sudden bouts of deep sleep in patients 6 and older.
Health-care providers also prescribe this medication for off-label use in the treatment of weight loss and depression. The FDA has not approved the use of Adderall for these conditions.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Adderall include decreased appetite, weight loss, mood swings, dry mouth, headache and stomachache. In patients with a tic disorder or Tourette's syndrome, Adderall may exacerbate their motor and phonic tic symptoms. Adderall, as well as other amphetamines, also can impair one's motor skills.
Patients may have an allergic reaction to the medication and develop hives, breathing difficulty and swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. Long-term use of Adderall may lead to changes in eyesight, blurred vision and stunting of growth in children.
Features
Originally developed by Shire Pharmaceuticals, Adderall (dextroamphetamineis/amphetamine) is available as a generic and as an extended-release formulation (Adderall XR), which is currently only available as a branded product.
Adderall helps to increase attentiveness and decrease impulsiveness and hyperactivity in patients with ADHD. However, in those without ADHD, the medicine increases attentiveness, alertness and hyperactivity by stimulating the central nervous system. Patients with ADHD typically take Adderall two to three times a day for a total of 30mg to 60mg.
Adderall, as a combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine, is a drug with abuse and habit-forming potential. As a result, Adderall is a Schedule II (CII) drug, and the Drug Enforcement Agency monitors all prescriptions and dispensing of the medication.
Overdose
Because Adderall is a stimulant, it increases blood pressure and heart rate. As a result, antidepressants (including MAOIs), blood pressure medications, blood thinners, decongestants, seizure medications and stomach acid medications can cause serious symptoms when used in combination with Adderall. As a result, health-care providers typically do not prescribe Adderall to those with serious heart problems and abnormalities or high blood pressure. Patients with these underlying conditions who take Adderall need to have their heart rate and blood pressure monitored for any changes.
Because Adderall is highly habit-forming, misuse and dependency are increasingly common. Abusing the medication by taking doses higher than that recommended by a health-care provider can lead not only to longer-term dependency but also to a fatal overdose. Serious symptoms, otherwise known as serious adverse events, are associated with Adderall overdose. These include fast or uneven heartbeats, light-headedness, fainting, increased blood pressure, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pains, numbness, seizure, restlessness, unusual behavior and hallucinations.
An overdose also may cause serious adverse events that affect the heart or even sudden death. In the case of an overdose, individuals should immediately call their doctors or a poison-control center.
Individuals who use Adderall for reasons other than its approved uses are more likely to have other risky habits such as cocaine abuse, cigarette smoking, alcohol abuse and drunk driving. Health-care providers recommend that individuals with Adderall dependency or abuse issues seek medical counseling.
Considerations
The adverse events associated with an overdose are more likely to occur in individuals with underlying cardiovascular abnormalities, other serious heart problems or psychiatric disorders or those with a history of seizures.
In 2005, there were 20 international cases of sudden death reported in children and adults who were taking Adderall or Adderall XR. None were associated with overdose, misuse or abuse. As a result, Canadian health authorities temporarily suspended the sale of Adderall in Canada.
