Adderall Overdose
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Adderall is very commonly abused by people, particularly those who do not respect the dose indicated by their doctor or those who obtain the drug illegally. The substance can be useful as a prescription drug for people who suffer from various conditions, such as ADHD. Unfortunately, the positive effects end where Adderall abuse and addiction begin.
Once someone starts abusing Adderall, not only are they putting themselves at risk of dealing with long-term side effects, but they might also deal with an overdose. When someone uses the drug without a prescription or takes more than the dose prescribed, an overdose may happen. Nowadays, the overdose rate of psychostimulant medications is growing significantly, according to the National Institutes of Health.
Recognizing an overdose, preventing it, and knowing when to get help are 3 crucial factors that can save an addict’s life.
Explaining Adderall
Adderall is a synthetic drug often prescribed by healthcare providers to treat certain conditions. It is known to be useful in treating sleep disorders such as narcolepsy or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Adderall is a mix of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Both of them are central nervous system stimulants – therefore, Adderall itself can help someone with their behavior, attention, and focus.
Although it can be very useful, Adderall can also be dangerous, especially for people who do not respect the recommended dose or those who get it without a prescription. In the wrong hands, the substance can cause an addiction, which will not only make it harder to quit the drug but may also lead to an overdose.
Adderall is not a drug for everyone. In fact, it can be very dangerous for people who have a history of agitation or severe anxiety, family or personal history of tics, glaucoma, or Tourette syndrome.
What is The Recommended Dosage?
When it comes to how much Adderall one should use, there is no standard dosage for it. How much one gets prescribed will depend on their age, condition, and how they respond to the substance. Adderall use has been approved by the FDA in children who are only 3 years old.
These children will generally start with an amount of 2.5 milligrams daily. Then, the dosage may increase to 2.5 mg increments weekly until the substance becomes effective.
When a child is 6 years or older, they can start with as much as 5 milligrams once or twice a day, and the dose may also increase weekly until it becomes effective. Usually, children do not have to take over 40 mg.
A person who has narcolepsy may take between 5 mg and 60 mg daily in divided doses. It all depends on the individual’s response to the drug and their age.
Understanding an Adderall Overdose
Adderall overdoses are not always likely to happen, but it depends on each situation, individual, amount consumed, and whether other substances were mixed with it. But even if overdoses are rare, they are still a serious concern that cannot be ignored. However, there is a difference between overdoses and withdrawals from Adderall that need to be firstly understood.
During an Adderall overdose, one’s nervous system gets stimulated excessively, which is what ends up activating the fight-or-flight response. This response is usually activated during dangerous situations.
Overdoses may sometimes be accidental, but they may also be intentional. Both cases are very dangerous and may even be fatal if the individual takes too much Adderall or they do not get help on time. Adderall can even be deadly to animals if they end up ingesting the substance.
Symptoms of An Overdose
Adderall overdoses manifest differently in each individual. Some will be luckier and will only deal with mild symptoms, while others will have a harder time with it as they experience severe symptoms.
Some mild Adderall overdose symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Hyperactivity
- Stomach pain
- Rapid breathing
Meanwhile, more severe Adderall overdose symptoms will include:
- Tremors
- Fever
- Panic
- Aggressiveness
- Heart attacks
- Rhabdomyolysis
- Hallucinations
- Death
Whenever someone overdoses on Adderall, they must receive immediate help, whether they are dealing with mild or severe symptoms. Anyone who is nearby should seek emergency treatment for the person who overdosed.
You should call 911 if someone overdoses on Adderall, and if possible, you should give some information regarding the individual’s condition, age, last time they used Adderall, and how much they used.
Risk Factors for An Overdose
There are a few factors that put someone at higher risk of overdosing on Adderall, such as:
- Taking Adderall more frequently than the doctor prescribed
- Using higher Adderall doses than prescribed
- Using Adderall while pre-existing health conditions are present
- Using Adderall without a prescription
- Combining Adderall with other drugs or with alcohol
As time goes by and someone keeps using Adderall, their body will build a tolerance to the drug. This means that their body will get used to receiving the drug – therefore, it will require the substance at all times. Someone who built tolerance is at a higher risk of overdosing.
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Preventing Overdoses
You can prevent an Adderall overdose if you take the right steps. The best prevention tip is to make sure you do not use it for non-medical purposes. This includes injecting, dissolving, snorting, crushing the drug, or taking the drug without a prescription. It also includes using it in higher doses or more frequently than the doctor prescribed.
Also, you should not use Adderall in combination with other substances, whether they’re other drugs or alcohol. Furthermore, to prevent others from taking Adderall, it is best to keep your prescription medication in a safe place, away from the reach of children or other individuals.
Treatment For Adderall Addiction
To treat an overdose, one must receive immediate help. Treatment may involve receiving medicine in order to reduce the overdose symptoms or decrease blood pressure. Also, intravenous fluids may be used, while heart complications of the overdosed patient will also be monitored.
Afterward, if the overdose was caused by addiction, the person may go through detox and therapy.
Why Choose Real Deal
Real Deal can help you get rid of your Adderall addiction so that you can stay off the drug forever. We have a detox program that will help you stop consuming the drug, but we also offer a sober living program.
During your stay, you will be monitored to ensure you do not take drugs anymore. You will also have the chance to get a job, learn new skills, and form long-lasting friendships.
If you ever see someone overdosing on Adderall, make sure to call for help as soon as possible. It may save their life.