Adderall Overdose

Adderall is a brand-name amphetamine drug used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.

Take it as directed, and the medication is safe. But abuse the drug, and you could be tempted to use too much. An overdose can quickly follow.

Can You Overdose on Adderall?

You can overdose on Adderall if you take too much. Your symptoms can be cardiovascular (like a heart attack) or psychiatric (like psychosis).[4] If you overdose, you’ll need care in a hospital to get better.

Adderall Overdose Symptoms 

Taking too much Adderall can cause life-threatening symptoms. Signs of an Adderall overdose include the following:[4]

Physical	Mental	Behavioral
Fast heart rate	Paranoia	Hostility
Increased blood pressure	Confusion	Combativeness
High body temperature	Hallucinations	Suicidal thoughts
Flushed skin	Sedation	Agitation
Nausea		Fearfulness
Abdominal pain		Violence

Adderall Overdose Statistics 

An estimated 20% of college students misuse Adderall.[3] Most get the medication from friends or family members. As many as half of young people with a valid prescription are approached by peers hoping to buy their drugs.[4]

From 2019 to 2020, the rate of drug overdoses involving stimulants like Adderall rose by 50%.[5] Experts say this is a crisis that demands immediate attention. 

Researchers say people who quit abusing Adderall often do so due to a bad experience, such as an overdose.[6]

Adults with ADHD and narcolepsy typically take between 5 mg and 60 mg daily. People who abuse the drug may take much more.[7]

More than 97% of youth who misuse stimulants by age 18 have used at least one other substance in the past year.[4]

Overdose deaths caused by drugs like Adderall increased 317% between 2013 and 2019.[8]

Factors That May Contribute to an Adderall Overdose

Some risk factors that increase the risk of Adderall overdose may include the following:[2,4]

• Taking higher or more frequent doses than prescribed
• Taking Adderall in a way other than prescribed, such as injecting or snorting it
• Taking Adderall that isn’t prescribed to you
• Mixing Adderall with other substances
• Pre-existing cardiovascular or seizure conditions
• Family history of cardiovascular problems

Proper Adderall Dosage

Adderall dosing typically begins at 5 mg once or twice a day. If a patient doesn’t respond as well as their doctor would like, this dose can be increased, generally to a maximum of 40 mg a day.

The FDA does note that in rare cases, a doctor may consider it necessary to increase a patient’s dose beyond 40 mg a day, but this is only done with careful consideration.[9]

What Is Considered a Fatal Dose of Adderall?

Reporters often say that doses larger than 20 mg per kilogram of your body weight are lethal. But approach this statistic with care. Researchers point out that regular users can develop amphetamine tolerance. They can easily take doses that would kill other people.[10]

The fatal dose for any person is individualized and almost impossible to estimate. 

Dangerous Adderall Interactions 

Adderall isn’t recommended for those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), a type of antidepressant.[11] 

You should also alert your doctor if you’re taking any of these:[11]

• Opioids like fentanyl or tramadol
• Alpha-blockers
• Antacids
• Antihistamines
• Beta-blockers
• Lithium
• Migraine medications
• Seizure medications
• Antidepressants like Zoloft
• Diuretics
• Weed

How to Help Someone Overdosing on Adderall 

If you suspect someone is overdosing on Adderall, you can take action. Your care and quick thinking could save someone’s life.

Take these steps:

• Call 911. Give the operator to your current location and tell them you think someone is overdosing. Describe the person’s symptoms and any important information about their medical history and the medications they’re taking.
• Wait for help. While waiting for emergency responders, stay on the phone and monitor the person’s symptoms.
• Protect the person’s breathing. Adjust their posture so their head is to one side. This helps to ensure that if they vomit, they will not choke on it. 

How to Medically Treat an Adderall Overdose 

Doctors typically treat an Adderall overdose by addressing life-threatening symptoms that appear while Adderall stays in your system.

For example, doctors can help control seizures using the following medications:[2]

• Benzodiazepines
• Phenothiazines
• Pentobarbital
• Propofol

Medical professionals can control cardiac issues through beta-blockers like propranolol. Patients experiencing hyperthermia can be administered fluids to counteract it. Fluids can also help organs to eliminate any remaining Adderall. 

Long-Term Side Effects of Adderall Overdose & Abuse 

Overdosing on Adderall, even if you receive proper emergency treatment and care, can lead to long-term health problems, such as these:[2]

• Rhabdomyolysis, a condition that can cause kidney and heart damage
• Kidney and liver damage
• Cognitive deficits
• Brain damage

Strokes and hemorrhaging could also lead to ongoing health problems and even require surgery if severe enough.

Continued Adderall abuse can lead to an increase in addiction risk. The longer the drug stays in your body, the more harm it can cause. 

Finding Addiction Treatment

Adderall addiction is characterized by compulsive use regardless of negative consequences, such as an overdose. 

If you’ve experienced negative health effects or amphetamine toxicity before and continued to misuse this stimulant, you may be struggling with an addiction. Likewise, if you’ve experienced adverse consequences in other parts of your life, such as relationships, work, school, and more, and you continue to abuse it, addiction is likely.

However, you can seek comprehensive addiction treatment services. Once the medical team has treated your overdose and helped you achieve medical stability, a therapist, social worker, or case manager may counsel you on your follow-up treatment options. Find an addiction treatment program that’s right for you.