Adderall is a medication that is primarily used to help individuals with attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and is sometimes used to treat narcolepsy [2].
This medication directly impacts the central nervous system (CNS), and is classified as a stimulant. While Adderall has proven to assist those with ADHD and narcolepsy, it is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance because the drug presents a risk of abuse and dependence which leads to Adderall withdrawal [2]. The benefits of Adderall can be pretty enticing to neurotypical people because of its potential to increase productivity, focus, and memory. However, these reasons for Adderall use are not approved by the FDA [3].
This blog covers adderall overdose, and addresses the symptoms and risks associated with adderall withdrawal
Adderall Addiction and Misuse
The rise of Adderall misuse may be traced back to one of its most popular demographics – the college student. Some surveys reveal that 80% of college-aged adults have used one or several prescription drugs, such as Adderall (or Ritalin and Vyvanse, etc.), without a prescription [4]. Many of these students obtained Adderall via a friend’s prescription or off the black market.
It is worth noting that “black market Adderall” poses significant dangers to its users. It’s estimated as high as 75% of black market drugs are contaminated with fentanyl, which is very deadly [4]. Additionally, drug seizures conducted by law enforcement indicate that approximately 40% of all seized pills containing fentanyl had a lethal dose [1].
Aside from illicit drug abuse–like taking someone else’s Adderall or buying it illegally–other forms of misuse may include:
- Taking a higher dosage or taking it more often than prescribed
- Changing the route of consumption (snorting, smoking, or injection)
- Mixing Adderall with alcohol or other drugs [1]
Additionally, a person’s reasons for taking Adderral may suggest a drug abuse or misuse problem. The following are illegitimate reasons for obtaining a prescription for Adderall:
- To increase alertness or stay awake.
- To help with concentration (unless diagnosed with ADHD and approved for medication by your doctor)
- To increase focus for academic purposes
- Controlling appetite and losing weight
- Merely to experiment with a new drug
- To use recreationally and feel a euphoric high [2]
Can You OD on Adderall?
Yes, you can overdose on Adderall, and several factors can increase this risk. Adderall boosts the activity of dopamine and norepinephrine. These two chemicals help regulate brain and body functions.
In an overdose, excessive levels of these chemicals can overwhelm the system, disrupting brain function and leading to symptoms like euphoria, anxiety, paranoia, and irritability. Elevated norepinephrine can raise your heart rate and blood pressure, increasing cardiovascular risks.
How Much Adderall Is Too Much Per Day?
What Is a Lethal Dose of Adderall?
While it is difficult to determine the exact amount of Adderall that could lead to a lethal overdose in adults, some studies suggest that doses between 1,400 mg and 1,750 mg may be fatal for someone weighing around 150 pounds [3]. Individuals with lower body weights may face increased risk, meaning that the lethal dose could be less than 1,400 mg for them.
It’s important to note that these findings apply specifically to adults and do not apply to children. If your child is prescribed Adderall, it’s crucial to closely monitor their access and dosage, as an overdose can be fatal. [3].
Adderall Max Dose for Adults
The maximum prescribed dosage of Adderall for adults is typically between 40-60 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dosage gradually, considering factors such as the type of Adderall, your weight, and individual drug metabolism, which varies from person to person. Always take precautions with prescription medication, and consult your doctor immediately if you experience any concerning symptoms.
Can You Take 90 Mg of Adderall a Day?
The maximum recommended daily dosage is 60 mg. If you’re noticing signs of tolerance, consult your doctor. Never adjust your dosage without medical supervision and approval.
What Happens if You Take Too Much Adderall?
A variety of health concerns are associated with taking too much Adderall. It is best to discuss your concerns with your doctor. The following are NOT signs of overdose but are commonly reported side effects of Adderall and are non-life-threatening:
- loss of appetite
- headaches
- dizziness
- nervousness
- insomnia
- stomachache
- weight loss
- diarrhea
- dry mouth [3]
If these symptoms persist with little to no relief, contact your healthcare provider for further advice and dosage recommendations.
Adderall Overdose
If you or a loved one has taken more than the safe daily dosage of Adderall (exceeding 60 mg), it’s crucial to monitor for signs of overdose. Recognizing these symptoms early is vital. If any of the following occur, seek emergency medical help immediately.
Mild Signs of Adderall Overdose:
- Headaches
- Restlessness
- Confusion
- Hyperactivity
- Dizziness
- Blurred Vision
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Exaggerated reflexes [3]
While these may be classified as “mild symptoms,” they can quickly escalate to something more serious. If you have any concerns, do not hesitate to consult with your doctor.
Severe Symptoms of Adderall Overdose
- Rapid breathing
- Hallucinations
- Panic or Paranoia
- Aggressiveness
- Fever
- Tremors
- Hypertension
- Rhabdomyolysis, or the breakdown of muscles
- Convulsions [3]
- Fainting
- Seizures
- Coma
- Heart attacks [1]
These symptoms are critical warning signs. If any occur, call 911 immediately.
Adderall Overdose Death Risk
Various factors can significantly influence someone’s chances of death by Adderall overdose. These include:
- How the medication is consumed
- Time between doses
- Consumption of alcohol or any other drug around the same time
- Your tolerance to the drug
- Your prior history of overdoses
- Inappropriate administration of the drug (e.g., crushing tablets)
- Your overall health (particularly your cardiovascular and comorbidity medical conditions) [1]
The best way to avoid any overdosing concerns is to strictly adhere to the prescription directions from your doctor. A typical prescription amount ranges from 2.5 to 60 milligrams (mg) per day. Although your medication may be dispersed throughout the day in smaller increments [3].
How Common Are Adderall Overdoses?
According to the Drug Involved Mortality database from the National Center for Health Statistics, out of over 1.2 million drug-related deaths, approximately 10.7% involved stimulants. A notable demographic of 71.8% were men, with a median age of 45, and 75.5% were white [5].
However, we must mention that most stimulant-related deaths (92.5%) were linked to illicit substances, with cocaine (61.9%) and methamphetamine (39.9%) being the most common. Prescription-grade Adderall does not contain either of these substances.
That said, among medical stimulants, amphetamine (which is in Adderall) was involved in 90.9% of deaths, but many of these cases also involved opioids, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants [5]. This information suggests that amphetamine on its own is less likely to result in fatal outcomes compared to substances like cocaine and methamphetamine.
Nevertheless, the risk of Adderall overdose remains significant; a 2017 study found that just over 2% of all drug-related overdose deaths involved prescription amphetamines like Adderall [2]. While amphetamines are generally less likely to cause fatal outcomes on their own, they frequently appear in polydrug overdoses and carry a notable risk of addiction and misuse.
Adderall may pose a lower risk of fatality compared to some illicit drugs, but its potential for abuse and contribution to dangerous drug combinations cannot be overlooked.
Adderall Overdose Risk Factors
The unfortunate reality behind Adderall’s drug abuse history is the general ease with which individuals are convincing friends or family to give out their prescription or purchase it from illicit drug dealings. This relative ease of access has created a market for recreational Adderall use (especially within college campuses).
When a drug is more accessible, it can be viewed as “less dangerous.” Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about the safety of Adderal for those who are consuming it without a prescription and medical evaluation. The following are additional risk factors that heighten the likelihood of overdoses that can result in death.
An individual’s risk of Adderall overdose increases when they:
- Takes more than prescribed
- Uses someone else’s prescription (even if it is for a legitimate medical condition)
- Buys “Adderall” from the black market
- Ingesting the drug via unapproved routes (i.e., snorting, smoking, or injecting it)
- Combines the drug with other substances such as alcohol, opioids, and depressants or additional stimulants
- Has a history or family history of cardiac disease
There are also a variety of common prescription medications that should not be ingested alongside Adderall, including:
- Common MAOIs: Isocarboxazid (Marplan, phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Emsam, Zelapar) [3]
- Drugs that inhibit the CYP2D6 enzyme: Ibupropion (Aplenzin, Forfivo XL, Wellbutrin SR, Wellbutrin XL), cinacalcet (Sensipar), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva), quinidine, terbinafine [3]
This list is not exhaustive. It is essential to disclose all prescription medications to your doctor and only take Adderall as directed with a personal prescription.
Adderall Overdose Treatment
An Adderall overdose is a serious medical emergency. If you suspect your loved one has overdosed on Adderall, contact emergency services or bring them to the nearest hospital or ER. The medical staff will seek to stabilize the overdosed patient as quickly as possible. Emergency protocol may involve administering activated charcoal, which helps the patient absorb the medication and can potentially lessen adverse symptoms [3].
Is There an Antidote for Adderall Overdose?
There is no true antidote for Adderall overdose. Confusion often arises because many overdoses involve a combination of stimulants like Adderall and opioids. Opioid overdoses are typically far more life-threatening, and Naloxone (Narcan), administered either by injection or nasal spray, is effective in reversing opioid effects and saving lives. But, Naloxone does not address the effects of stimulant overdoses [1].
As mentioned before, Adderall purchased from illicit “black market” vendors has a high possibility (40%) of fentanyl contamination. Fentanyl is an opioid; as such, Narcan may be the proper antidote to reverse an overdose. If you suspect or are aware that your loved one has obtained Adderall from illicit vendors or if they have a history of polysubstance abuse or alcoholism, notify the medical team and disclose any additional information you may have concerning their drug use and medical background.
Get Compassionate Adderall Addiction Treatment at Gratitude Lodge
Adderall is a stimulant medication primarily prescribed for ADHD and narcolepsy. It can positively assist the central nervous system by increasing the activation of specific neurochemicals in the brain. While it can be a helpful drug for those who need it, Adderall is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance due to its potential for abuse, addiction, and overdose, particularly when used by individuals without a prescription or in the case of polydrug abuse.
If you or a loved one requires medical assistance for an Adderall addiction, consider reaching out to Gratitude Lodge for guidance on the next steps. Our treatment programs provide:
- Talk therapy
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Counseling
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
- Holistic therapy
- Aftercare
Find effective treatment for Adderall addiction today by calling our recovery team at 855-517-1421.
Sources
- https://www.goodrx.com/adderall/adderall-overdose
- https://americanaddictioncenters.org/stimulants/amphetamine/adderall/overdose
- https://www.healthline.com/health/can-you-overdose-on-adderall
- https://www.hubermanlab.com/episode/adderall-stimulants-and-modafinil-for-adhd-short-and-long-term-effects
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7851755/