The Symptoms of Overdosing on Adderall

When taking Adderall it is important to look for signs of an overdose. This can be caused by taking dosages too close to each other. If a dosage is missed, the dosage should never be doubled. Just take the medication at the next dosage time. There should be no adverse effects in that case. If signs of an Adderall overdose are observed, medication attention should be sought immediately.

There may also be some behavioral changes noticed in those taking Adderall. These should also be monitored. In this case, the dosage may have to be altered to correct the behavioral issues if they are severe enough. Adderall may also have some effects on the brain. Any use of Adderall should be carefully monitored.

Signs Of Adderall Overdose

  • Chest pain, chest pressure or other signs of a heart attack
  • Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat/rhythm
  • Tachycardia or faster than normal heartbeat
  • Bradycardia or a dangerously slow heartbeat
  • Increase in hypertension (blood pressure)
  • Pain in upper parts of the body
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Behavioral Changes
  • Hallucinations
  • Sweating
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea

And continuing...

  • Agitation for no reason or provocation
  • Sudden bursts of euphoria or paranoia
  • Restlessness
  • Aggression
  • Depression

Effects On The Brain

  • Feeling of being hot due to effects on the part of the brain controlling temperature regulation
  • Seizures causing involuntary muscle contractions and relaxations
  • Internal bleeding in the skull leading to one-sided paralysis
  • Kidney And Liver Damage
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Excessive sweating
  • Confusion
  • Fatigue
  • Thirst

Adderall taken for too long of a period of time or excess amounts may result in kidney or liver troubles and in some cases kidney or liver failure. The kidney and liver are unable to process high concentrations of Adderall. In high amounts, Adderall can be toxic to both of these organs.

Signs Of Kidney Failure

  • Changes in urination patterns/volume
  • Seizures
  • Fatigue
  • Coma

Signs Of Liver Failure

  • Yellow coloring of the eyes
  • Excessive fatigue
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fluid retention
  • Drowsiness
  • Confusion
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Coma

Due to the potential for overdose, the FDA now requires new warning labels for Adderall. Clinical trials and studies suggests that in psychotic patients administration of amphetamine has the potential to enhance behavioral issues with Adderall. Some studies in children using Adderall suggests there may be a risk of growth suppression associated with long-term use of Adderall. Children taking Adderall should be carefully monitored while on the drug.

Patients with cardiac issues should generally not take Adderall. There have been reports of sudden death in some patients with cardiac issues. Adderall, currently manufactured by Teva and Barr Pharmaceuticals, does have its good points. It can be effective with short-term use. Any use of Adderall should be carefully monitored.

Adderall is used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or ADHD in children over the age three and adults. This prescription medication is also used as a treatment for narcolepsy or sudden daytime sleepiness, in children under six years of age and older. While Adderall can be effective, long-term use should be avoided since this medication is highly addictive.

Precautions To Take With Adderall

Patients with certain conditions should be cautious about taking Adderall. In some cases, there are certain conditions in which a patient should not take Adderall at all. Adderall is not compatible with all medications. A patient should disclose any and all medications they are taking prior to starting treatment with Adderall.

Hypertension

Patients with high blood pressure should use caution in taking amphetamines. This includes treatment for mild hypertension. Blood pressure should be carefully monitored for patients on Adderall.

Tics

Some blood pressure treatments or other medications taken with Adderall may produce phonic tics or Tourette's Syndrome. Children especially should be checked for involuntary tics.

Weight Loss

Certain medications taken with Adderall may include decreased appetite. Some children on Adderall may experience an overall weight gain over time. Weight loss or gain should be carefully monitored.

Potential Side Effects Of Adderall

  • Joint pain/stiffness
  • Increased Aggression
  • Muscle pain
  • Nervousness
  • Depression
  • Psychosis
  • Fatigue