Adderall, a doctor-prescribed combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, is a central nervous system stimulant used to treat narcolepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Unfortunately some people find uses for the drug that extend beyond Adderall’s intended purpose. The drug improves energy and concentration, so students often use Adderall to study or complete assignments. Other may choose to use Adderall to self-medicate a mood disorder or other underlying issue. Since Adderall is an amphetamine drug, many people take it to get high, and they may snort crushed tablets for a cocaine-like rush. Adderall can cause physical dependency and tolerance, and users will take ever higher doses that increase the risk for a potentially fatal overdose.
Signs of an Adderall Overdose
Whether you take Adderall or know a friend or family member who who does, it is important to recognize the signs of an overdose. Symptoms of an Adderall overdose can include the following:
- Restlessness
- Tremors and twitches
- Confusion
- Panic
- Rapid breathing
- Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
- Muscle or stomach pain
- Dark-colored urine
- Hallucinations
- Convulsions
- Fainting
- Coma
If you identify any of these signs, call 911 immediately. Side effects can provide early warning signs of a potential Adderall abuse or addiction problem, and you should stop taking Adderall and contact your doctor if any of the following occur:
- Rapid or uneven heartbeat
- Increased blood pressure
- Severe headaches
- Chest pain
- Blurred vision
- Muscle twitches
Use Proper Adderall Dosage to Avoid Overdose
Adderall overdose or addiction can happen by accident. A patient subscribed Adderall may forget the recommended daily dosage or take more of the drug to combat the effects of tolerance. The proper dosage involves factors like age, medical condition and concurrent medications and should be determined by your doctor. As a general rule adults with narcolepsy take between 5 mg and 60 mg per day, and ADHD patients should take no more than 40 mg. Children typically start with 2.5 to 5 mg.
Adderall Abuse Intervention
Users dependent on or addicted to Adderall may be in denial of the extent of their problem. Overcoming denial and preventing Adderall overdose may require the help of friends and family members and may require an intervention. If you are interested in staging an Adderall intervention, consider the following:
- Consider using a professional interventionist
- Choose a comfortable location and non-threatening participants
- Plan out every word and action in advance
- Stay relaxed if the Adderall user becomes angry or defensive
- Don’t accept promises to get clean without outside help
Treatment for Adderall Addiction
Adderall addiction treatment is needed to end addiction and prevent relapse. A professional rehab facility will offer detox services that drastically reduce withdrawal symptoms by weaning a person off the drug. While proper treatment makes detox much smoother, it also sets the stage for a healthy recovery. Treatment prepares you for the future by doing the following:
- Addressing co-occurring mood disorders that possibly led to the initial drug use
- Monitoring a person’s health for any Adderall aftereffects
- Utilizing behavioral therapies to fight temptation and avoid risky situations
- Providing ongoing support and counseling to keep you on the right track
Quitting Adderall and Preventing Adderall Overdose
If you are ready to end Adderall abuse or would like to help a loved one prevent overdose, we are here for you. Our staff is available 24 hours a day to answer your questions about addiction, intervention and insurance coverage for treatment. Call our toll-free helpline today, and let us help.
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