Are you suffering from ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and your physician has prescribed you Adderall?
Or you use it to boost your athletic, academic or work performance?
Or you mix Adderall with alcohol because you think its cool?
Then, just tell me: How much Adderall is too much?
No idea? Then, you better get the idea of it because having Adderall in large quantities can be fatal.
But, the fellows who don’t know anything about it, let me tell you..
What is Adderall and its uses?
Adderall is a stimulant medication, a combination of two stimulant drugs – Dextroamphetamine and Amphetamine.
FDA has approved it to treat children and adults suffering from narcolepsy (a certain sleeping disorder) and ADHD.
It belongs to the central nervous system stimulants drugs family. It increases the dopamine level to stimulate the brain and puts a calming effect on ADHD patients.
It helps in improving focus and concentration of the patients suffering from ADHD. But, some jerks abuse it to improve their performance in various fields.
It comes under schedule II drugs and is also called “The Study Drug”. It simply means that it’s a controlled substance with high potential of being abused.
And I’m not the one who is saying so, a report by SATPP has confirmed that the non-medical use of ADHD drugs like Adderall is on the rise.
Common Adderall Side Effects
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Stomachache
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Trouble sleeping
- Weight loss
- Loss of interest in sex
More Serious Adderall Side Effects
- Change in vision
- Chest pain
- Seizures
- Trouble breathing
- Hallucinations or delusions
- Fainting
- Severe weakness
- Severe skin rash
- Numbness
- Uncontrolled movements or voice sounds
- Difficulty swallowing or talking
- Swelling of face, lips, or tongue
- Aggressive behavior
- Uncontrollable behavior
- Irregular heartbeat
If you have any of these more serious side effects, then run for your doctor ASAP.
How much Adderall is safe?
Adderall is a mixture of two giant drugs amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. So, it’s necessary to be careful while prescribing the dose.
The overdose or negative effect can lead to heart problems, strokes, and sudden death. Medical professionals prescribe lowest dosage to the patients and increase it with time.
The increased level of Adderall dosage depends on the tolerance, needs and health of the patient.
Adderall Dosage For Children
This drug is not recommended for children below 3 years of age.
For children from 3-5 years, start with 2.5 mg daily; the dosage can be increased in increments of 2.5 mg at weekly intervals.
In children, who are 6 or above, start with 5 mg once or twice daily; the dosage may be increased in increments of 5 mg at weekly intervals.
In rare cases, the highest dosage of Adderall is 40 mg per day.
Adderall Dosage For Adults
Adults can have 5-60 mg/day of Adderall, depending on their situation. But it can be dangerous, even at normal therapeutic doses and can cause stroke or sudden death.
As little as 30 mg of Adderall is dangerous for some people, whilst doses as high as 500 mg have been reported as safe in people with Adderall abuse.
Pregnancy and Adderall
It might be unsafe to have Adderall during pregnancy.
Therefore, talk to your doctor before starting it if you’re pregnant or may become pregnant.
Call your doctor immediately if you get pregnant while on Adderall.
Also, never take Adderall while breastfeeding as it can pass through breast milk to the baby.
Symptoms of Adderall Overdose
- Confusion
- Panic attack
- Extreme restlessness
- Extreme fatigue
- Seizures
- Aggression
- Hallucinations
- Loss of consciousness
- Rapid breathing
- Racing heart
- Fever
- Tremors
How Much Adderall Can I Intake at Once?
The reaction of Adderall overdose is unpredictable. So, always follow your doctor’s instructions while taking Adderall.
Normally, an individual can take 30mg Adderall at a single time. This amount is applicable for adults. Children and kids should avoid it.
Never take Adderall without prescription. Visit a doctor and follow the prescription to intake it. You should avoid inorganic consumption of Adderall. A heavy dose can turn into serious reactions. An oral consumption is the best one.
Adderall is the second most used drugs by college students. Many young talents are using this pill to improve their brain power.
They do it to gain excellent academic grades. Don’t spoil your precious life because it can turn into sudden death.
What about the missed dose?
Always take the recommended Adderall dosage.
If somehow, you miss a dose of Adderall, then take the dose as soon as you remember.
However, if it’s almost time for the next dose, then skip the missed dose.
Also, don’t double the dose to make up for the missed dose.
Adderall Withdrawal
If you suddenly stop the use of Adderall, you might have Adderall withdrawal symptoms, also called “Adderall crash.
Some Symptoms of Adderall Withdrawal
- Depression
- Insomnia or other sleep disorders
- Irritability
- Extreme fatigue
Adderall withdrawal can be tackled with the help of your doctor, who may advise to slowly taper off its use.
Never Use Adderall For Weight Loss
Adderall has the ability to suppress your appetite, thus a growing number of people who want desire to lose weight abuse the drug as a diet pill.
But, using Adderall or Adderall XR for losing weight can result in perilous side effects, including addiction, stroke, psychosis, cardiac arrest, and even death.
Warning – How Much Adderall Is Too Much
You must know that Adderall can increase the risk for high blood pressure, heart problems, and stroke. If you’re taking it and have a history of heart problems, then there is a risk of sudden death.
Before prescribing it to the children, doctors should check them for any heart problems.
Adderall use may also increase the risk of mental health problems, including bipolar disorder, depression, and unusual behavior including aggressive behavior.
You can become addicted to it if you take Adderall in large doses, more often, or for longer than recommended by the physician.
Adderall should not be prescribed to children younger than 3 and Adderall XR should not be prescribed to children younger than 6.
Some stimulants in Adderall may delay development and growth in children. Therefore, a doctor is needed to check your child regularly while he is on Adderall.
Experts don’t know if Adderall is safe for elderly people or not. So, if you’re above 65, ask your doctor about other drug options that are safer for you.
