Adderall is a prescription medication classified as an amphetamine, primarily used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).[1] It works by stimulating activity in the central nervous system, which helps users focus and pay attention.[2] While Adderall is beneficial for millions of people, it also has the potential for abuse and misuse.[3] This abuse can put users at risk of experiencing an overdose.

In this blog, you will learn about the causes of an Adderall overdose, the symptoms associated with an overdose, and whether it can be fatal.

Can You Overdose on Adderall?

Yes, if you misuse Adderall by taking more than prescribed, it is possible to overdose.[4]

Adderall misuse can occur if you:[5]

• take your next dose too close to the last dose
• double-up your doses (due to missing a dose)
• use a higher milligram than prescribed for your body weight
• use someone else’s Adderall prescription in addition to your own
• use Adderall in a way other than prescribed (such as snorting or injecting it)

An Adderall overdose, also called Adderall toxicity, can cause you to become incoherent and unable to communicate. Therefore, if you’ve taken more Adderall than prescribed, or you suspect someone you love has taken a toxic amount, contact poison control right away. If they are unresponsive, call emergency services immediately.

How Much Adderall Causes an Overdose?

Taking more than the prescribed amount of Adderall can be dangerous and even life-threatening. It’s important to note that the risk of overdose varies based on individual factors such as age, weight, and metabolism. While the exact dosage that leads to an overdose differs from person to person, studies indicate that exceeding 40 mg in a day significantly increases these risks.[6]

In fact, research published in the Topics in Companion Animal Medicine suggests that as little as 1.5 mg/kg can be lethal in humans.[7] Therefore, to avoid an overdose, users should stay within the recommended dosage.

What Are the Symptoms of Adderall Overdose? 

The symptoms of an Adderall overdose will occur soon after taking the toxic dose or mixing it with a contraindicated drug.

These symptoms range in severity and include:[8]

• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion
• Fast breathing
• Tremors
• Exaggerated reflexes
• Chills with or without fever
• Difficulty urinating ( or no urine output)
• Chest pain
• High heart rate
• Paranoia (including hallucinations or delusional thinking)
• Extreme agitation, aggression, or violence
• Seizure
• Heart attack
• Coma
• death

A person who overdoses on Adderall multiple times may be struggling with an addiction. If you or someone you know uses more Adderall than prescribed or uses it despite no longer needing it, you may need help quitting.

Contact Engage Wellness Acton to learn about our treatment options for Adderall addiction. We can help you get your life back on track. 

Why Does Adderall Addiction Increase the Risk of an Overdose?

Individuals who use Adderall long-term or abuse high doses (substance abuse) can develop tolerance to its effects. According to the Merck Manuals, people who have a tolerance to Adderall will need an even higher dose to feel the original effects.[9] These users may, unfortunately, develop troubling side effects such as confusion, anxiety, psychosis, and paranoia.

Experiencing these effects may cause the person to abruptly stop taking Adderall, leading to amphetamine withdrawal. This condition can last anywhere from five days to four weeks and includes symptoms such as insomnia, suicidal thoughts, depression, and restlessness.[10] Unfortunately, during this period, they may re-initiate use to stave off withdrawal, unintentionally ingesting a toxic amount.

Can Adderall Overdose Be Treated?

An Adderall overdose is dangerous and requires prompt emergency care. Although many prescription stimulants have antidotes to reverse their toxic effects, Adderall isn’t one of them. Treatment consists of supportive measures and life-saving techniques to treat the symptoms of the overdose.

A standard Adderall overdose treatment protocol includes:[11]

• Observation and monitoring
• Initiating IV fluids to support hydration
• Providing sedatives to help the person relax
• Using an antidote like Naloxone (Narcan) to reverse the effects of an accompanying opioid
• Using medications to lower a dangerously high blood pressure
• Administering medications to reduce a high temperature
• Providing intravenous benzodiazepine to treat extreme agitation or seizures
• Providing dopamine to treat psychiatric disorders
• Offering antidepressants to treat depression
• Providing psychiatric care to treat suicidal ideations

After treating an overdose, additional care is often needed to reduce the risk of future occurrences. This includes cognitive behavioral therapy and attending peer support groups.[12]

Long Term vs Short Term Effects of an Adderall Overdose 

The effects of Adderall overdose are classed as short-term and long-term. Most people experiencing an overdose will have short-term effects that make it impossible to function without medical care. Long-term effects stem from the complications of these short-term effects.

Common short-term effects include:[9]

• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Heightened anxiety and paranoia
• Trouble concentrating
• Experiencing delusions and hallucinations
• Lack of appetite
• Rapid heartbeat
• Difficulty remembering

Long-term effects usually impact the individual’s mental health and can include:[9]

• Anxiety disorder
• Depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Psychosis
• Memory loss
• Confusion (can last for months)

Can an Adderall Overdose be the Sign of an Addiction?

An overdose can indicate a substance use disorder (SUD), which often arises from the abuse of prescription or street drugs.[13] If left untreated, this condition can lead to addiction. To address Adderall addiction, dual-diagnosis treatment programs are effective as they tackle both the substance use disorder and any underlying mental health conditions that may contribute to it. These programs also incorporate medication-assisted treatment, helping individuals safely and comfortably wean off Adderall while minimizing the risk of future overdoses.

Can Adderall Abuse Cause an Overdose?

Not only is taking too much Adderall life-threatening, but it increases the risk of Adderall abuse. People who abuse Adderall can behave erratically, endangering their lives and the lives of those around them. They may also struggle to stop the use of Adderall despite no longer wanting to take it.

Additional signs of Adderall abuse include:[14]

• Believing they can drive despite being impaired
• Attempting to swim or use gym equipment
• Taking risks without thinking them through
• Using other substances such as alcohol or illegal drugs while under the influence of Adderall

How to Minimize the Risk of an Overdose 

Taking Adderall as prescribed is the best way to avoid suffering an overdose. However, there are other actions you can take to reduce the risk of taking a toxic amount.

They include:

• Notifying your physician of any changes in your prescription medications.
• Avoiding alcohol while taking Adderall.
• Not mixing medications with Adderall to “enhance” its effects.
• Not taking your friend’s Adderall if yours runs out. (It is illegal, and they may need a higher dose).
• Letting your doctor know if your current dose isn’t as effective as before.

How to Know if I Have an Adderall Addiction?

You may have an Adderall Addiction if you are using Adderall despite no longer wanting to and experiencing cravings when you stop.

However, the criteria for a substance use disorder is someone who exhibits at least two of the following symptoms over the last 12 months:[15]

• you take more Adderall than prescribed
• you experience Adderall cravings
• your Adderall use causes conflict with your loved ones
• you are unable to keep up your obligations due to Adderall use
• you are preoccupied by your use of Adderall
• you spend a lot of money on Adderall
• you have attempted to quit but relapsed
• you need more Adderall than usual to feel its effects
• you continue using Adderall despite developing psychological or physical health problems
• you experience withdrawal symptoms when you quit

If you have experienced two or more of these signs, you may have an addiction to Adderall. Rehab can help you understand why you developed this addiction and assist you in treating it.

Some individuals avoid rehabilitation because they prefer not to stay at the facility. The good news is that substance use disorder (SUD) treatment programs are available in various formats, not just on an inpatient basis. Some people participate in day treatment, attending rehab for a few hours each day before returning home, while others may stay in nearby accommodations to receive care.

To learn more about treatment programs for Adderall addiction and the various levels of care available, contact Engage Wellness Acton today.

Frequently Asked Questions