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Nearly 1 in 3 adults in the United States know someone who’s died of an overdose.
Overdoses can happen to anyone and don’t always involve someone seeking out illicit substances. The key to preventing overdoses is understanding how they happen, what they look like, and what to do if you or a loved one experiences one.
Our team at Serenity Lane has seen precisely how overdoses impact families and communities alike. As one of the oldest non-profit rehabs in Oregon, we aim to lower this statistic and help more people find the care they need.
Today, we’re going to answer the question, “Can you overdose on Adderall?”
To put it simply – yes, you can overdose on Adderall. You can overdose on any medication or illicit substance. What varies is how much of the substance it takes to cause an overdose and how severe the overdose in question is.
Not all overdoses are fatal, and not just because someone got medical help in time. Some overdoses are simply lower severity than others. This doesn’t mean that they’re safe or have no impact. Overdoses can still cause long-lasting damage without being fatal.
Adderall overdoses are dangerous, so knowing how to spot one is key to getting help promptly for the person in need.
Because Adderall falls under the classification of “stimulant,” the symptoms that occur during an overdose reflect an amplified state of stimulation. Stimulant substances interact with the central nervous system and dopamine receptors. They cause increased energy, heart rate, and breathing. When too much of this is in your system, these effects can get out of control.
Here are what symptoms you should look for to identify an Adderall overdose.
In 2022, over 44.5 million prescriptions were dispensed for Adderall and its related medications across the United States. Understanding the risks of this prescription medication is important for your continued well-being and health.
First, we want to note that Adderall isn’t innately dangerous. The FDA approves it for a reason, and it won’t suddenly cause someone to develop a substance use disorder. Understanding and recognizing the risks associated with Adderall can help prevent these risks.
If you’re taking prescription Adderall, make sure you talk with your doctor about any questions you have regarding your dosage. Never take more than what is prescribed to you. If you miss a dose, it is safest to wait until the next day and resume your regular schedule. Do not double dose to try and “make up” for a skipped dose.
While on a regular schedule of Adderall consumption, you should not engage with recreational substances like alcohol or marijuana. These substances can negatively interact with your medication and can cause an overdose.
As long as you follow the directions of your doctor and prescription label, you will not suddenly overdose on Adderall.
The risks associated with an Adderall overdose don’t come from someone who’s simply following the instructions of their doctors. Your risk for overdose occurs whenever you combine it with other substance use, including legal substance use, or if you obtain Adderall without a prescription.
Getting Adderall from a source that isn’t a pharmacy immediately puts you at risk of an overdose, even if you’re taking a “normal” dosage. Adderall that isn’t prescribed isn’t regulated, so you can never know what other substances may be laced in it.
Because Adderall is a stimulant, if you combine it with depressants, like alcohol, it can cancel out the effects of both. This is what makes Adderall and drinking such a dangerous combo. It can cause you to erroneously assume you’re not as drunk as you actually are, leading to heavier drinking and a higher risk of alcohol poisoning and overdose.
If you notice anyone experiencing the symptoms listed in this article or other concerning symptoms like a blue tint to their skin, unresponsiveness, or vomiting while unconscious — don’t hesitate to call for medical help. Even if other illegal substances are involved in the overdose, you’re always protected from prosecution due to the Good Samaritan Law.
While talking to emergency services and medical professionals, be open and honest about any substances involved and any symptoms you’re seeing your loved one showcase.
If your loved one has a seizure, don’t panic or restrain them. Slide a thin, cushioned object under their head, such as a folded-up blanket or towel. Do not give them any food or water. If you can, do your best to time how long the seizure takes and report this to medical help. Once the seizure is over, roll the person onto their side into the recovery position.
Overdoses don’t have to be fatal. You can make a difference by acting and speaking up.
If you think you or a loved one is at risk of experiencing an Adderall overdose, then it’s time to look into an Adderall rehab program. Adderall use disorders are a very real condition and are entirely treatable. No matter if you have additional substance use disorder concerns or also want treatment for mental health concerns, there are options available for you.
A good program will help you create a recovery plan. From inpatient options to outpatient treatment, you should have access to the full continuum of care to ensure you receive the support you need.
If your history with Adderall started as a prescription, a dedicated treatment program will work with your doctors to find the right solution for your needs.
You’re not alone in this, so why go through treatment alone? Our team at Serenity Lane is here and ready to help. With outpatient locations across Oregon and the full continuum of care available under our roof, we’ll ensure you get support at every step. Call us today at (800) 543-9905 to get started.
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How much Adderall does it take to overdose?
The exact amount it takes to overdose on any substance, including Adderall, varies depending on your age, metabolism, health, and what other substances are in your system. If you have an Adderall prescription, follow all guidelines set by your doctor regarding your dosages. Avoid engaging with alcohol or other substances if you take Adderall, as they increase your risk of overdose.
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