Adderall Overdose: Risks, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Medical Writer:
Reviewer:
Johnny Kim
Executive Psychotherapist
Medical Writer:
Reviewer:
Johnny Kim
Executive Psychotherapist
What You Need to Know Before It’s Too Late
What if the little pill you take to boost focus and energy could secretly put your life at risk? Adderall may help some people manage ADHD, but misuse can lead to serious health consequences, including a potentially fatal overdose. Understanding the risks, side effects, and treatment options is crucial for anyone using or considering this medication.
Many people are familiar with Adderall, a prescription stimulant medical professionals prescribe to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which is made from a combination of dextroamphetamine saccharate, amphetamine aspartate monohydrate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, and amphetamine sulfate. Unfortunately, many people are unaware of the dangers of abusing it, including that an overdose is possible and can be fatal.
In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Adderall to treat ADHD and extreme cases of narcolepsy. It is a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has valid medical uses but a high addiction potential, increasing the likelihood of abuse and addiction.
On the illicit market, Adderall’s effects, including increased alertness and feelings of euphoria, make it a popular drug of abuse among college students and young adults. Some believe it helps them do better in school, and others abuse its stimulant effects to counteract the sedative effects of alcohol and other drugs. Regardless of why or how people misuse this particular drug, they are putting themselves at risk and should seek help before it’s too late.
Adderall Abuse
There are as many reasons for stimulant abuse as there are ways to abuse it. This drug is the most misused prescription drug after opiates in the United States, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA).
The NIDA defines Adderall abuse as:
- Taking a prescription that isn’t yours, such as one you get from a friend or family member or buy off the street.
- Getting prescriptions from multiple doctors to have more on hand.
- Taking more than the prescribed dose or taking it more frequently than prescribed.
- Taking it in ways other than prescribed, including snorting, smoking, injecting it, or even opening extended-release capsules to swallow.
- Mixing it with alcohol or other drugs.
The common reasons people reported abusing Adderall included:
- It is taken while studying, which is why it is referred to as a study drug, and it helps increase memory, focus, and academic performance.
- To stay awake longer or increase alertness.
- To self-medicate mental health symptoms.
- To reduce appetite and help control weight.
- Using it recreationally or mixing it with alcohol or other drugs to enhance the highs.
People often assume that this amphetamine-based ADHD medication is safer than other drugs because it is prescribed by a doctor. While it can be effective for managing ADHD symptoms, misuse dramatically increases the risk of dangerous side effects, addiction, and overdose.
Can You Overdose on Adderall?
Yes, you can.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) defines an overdose as “using enough of a substance to produce a life-threatening reaction.” Between 2006 and 2011, emergency department visits involving non-medical Adderall use increased by 156%, showing that it is possible to overdose on it and that it is becoming more common.
While prescribed use carries minimal risk, misuse, especially when combined with alcohol or other drugs, can have life-threatening consequences. Even a first-time misuse can trigger severe reactions depending on the individual’s health and dosage.
The amount it takes to cause an overdose will vary from person to person. The average prescribed dose is between 5mg and 60mg a day, depending on the severity of the condition it is treating and the physical and psychological makeup of the person taking it.
Assuming a person is taking only a prescription stimulant, with no other substances, for non-medical use, the lethal dose is approximately 20 mg to 25 mg per 2.2 lbs of body weight. For example, a 130lb person could reach a fatal level at 1475 mg. Many serious side effects occur long before this point, often resulting in emergency care.
People who chronically abuse Adderall will develop a tolerance, allowing them to handle increasingly higher doses without as many adverse effects until one dose too many causes an overdose. Alternatively, a first-time user might take a standard amount of it and experience cardiac arrest from the stimulant effects.
Someone who mixes Adderall with alcohol might experience alcohol poisoning, and while that’s not a direct result of too much Adderall, it can still be fatal. Taking this medication with antidepressants can lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be deadly. The variety of ways in which this abuse can be fatal makes professional supervision essential for anyone struggling with misuse.
Because there are so many possible interactions and side effects, medical professionals will take a thorough history before prescribing this drug to anyone to avoid as many risks and complications as possible.
Preventing Relapse After Adderall Addiction
Recovery doesn’t end when treatment does. Relapse prevention is a critical component of long-term success for anyone overcoming Adderall addiction. White Oak Recovery Center emphasizes equipping individuals with practical strategies to navigate life after rehab, including techniques for managing stress, recognizing and avoiding triggers, and developing healthy coping mechanisms. Patients learn how to rebuild routines that support sobriety, strengthen relationships, and maintain accountability through consistent self-reflection and goal setting.
In addition, White Oak offers ongoing support through outpatient programs, group therapy sessions, and active alumni networks, which provide a sense of community and encouragement even after formal treatment concludes. By staying proactive and engaged in their recovery journey, individuals can reduce the risk of returning to Adderall misuse and build a foundation for lasting wellness.
Side Effects of Adderall
Adderall is a central nervous stimulant that regulates and balances chemicals in the brain, specifically serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Even people who are prescribed it to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) will experience some side effects. People abusing this drug will experience more because their body’s chemistry is already balanced and will be more affected by the chemical surge.
Side effects include:
- Increased alertness
- Dry mouth
- High blood pressure
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Restlessness
- Abdominal pain
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Anxiety
- Chills
- Sweating
- Headache
- Increased talkativeness
- Insomnia
Side effects that start as uncomfortable can quickly escalate to life-threatening. It is always better to be safe than sorry. Call 911 immediately if you believe an overdose is occurring.
Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
Many people who misuse Adderall also struggle with underlying mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, or untreated ADHD. These co-occurring disorders can complicate recovery, making it difficult to maintain sobriety if they are not addressed alongside addiction. White Oak Recovery Center recognizes the importance of integrated care, offering treatment plans that simultaneously target substance use and mental health challenges. This dual approach may include:
- Therapy: Individual, group, or family therapy sessions to address both mental health and substance use issues.
- Medical Support: Psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and ongoing monitoring of mental health symptoms.
- Lifestyle Interventions: Skills development, coping strategies, and routines designed to promote emotional stability and healthy habits.
By addressing both the addiction and the mental health condition, patients are better equipped to:
- Understand the root causes of their substance use
- Develop healthier coping strategies
- Improve overall emotional resilience
This holistic approach not only enhances the likelihood of sustained recovery but also empowers individuals to thrive in all areas of life beyond treatment.
Adderall Overdose Symptoms
An Adderall overdose, or amphetamine toxicity, can initially seem like intense side effects but will progress to physical and psychological overdose symptoms that can be fatal. Treating an overdose requires immediate medical attention.
Overdose symptoms include:
- Muscle aches
- Uncontrollable or overactive reflexes
- Blurry vision
- Vomiting
- Dark colored urine
- Increased body temperature
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
- Fast breathing or having difficulty breathing
- Aggression
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Stiff or rigid limbs
- Eyes rolling back
- Unintelligible speech
- Irregular heartbeat
- Changes in blood pressure
- Chest pain
- Seizures
- Heart attack
- Coma
Call 911 or seek emergency medical attention at the first sign of even one of these symptoms. While you wait for emergency help to arrive, try to keep the person calm and conscious. Be ready to provide any information you can about what and how many substances they’ve taken and any medical history you know.
Adderall Addiction Treatment in California
If you or a loved one is struggling with Adderall addiction, genuine, evidence-based help is available. At White Oak Recovery Center, we understand that overcoming Adderall addiction requires confronting substance abuse’s physical and mental aspects. Our comfortable and private residential treatment center offers you a fresh start with the support of a compassionate, professional, and licensed staff.
Our treatment plans are tailored to your unique needs, goals, and circumstances. We assess residents for co-occurring disorders and offer on-site medical detox to ease you through withdrawal as safely and comfortably as possible. Using a range of therapy approaches and exercises, we address the roots of addiction and help you learn the skills and confidence to overcome them and begin a life rooted in recovery.
Reach out to our caring admissions team today. We are eager to help you start your recovery journey.
Medical Disclaimer:
