Adderall Overdose: Symptoms, Signs, & Treatment

Adderall is a prescription drug used to manage ADHD and narcolepsy [1]. While it can be helpful when taken as indicated, taking too much Adderall can lead to dangerous consequences, including overdose. Misusing Adderall or taking more than prescribed can put your health at serious risk.

This guide to Adderall toxicity explores the signs and symptoms of an Adderall overdose, how much is too much, and what to do if someone takes an unsafe amount. Understanding these risks is beneficial for anyone using Adderall, especially those who may be misusing it.

Can You OD on Adderall?

For those wondering, “Can you overdose on Adderall?”, it is possible to overdose on this prescription medication. Adderall is a stimulant that affects the CNS (central nervous system) and taking too much can overwhelm your body [2].

An overdose can happen if you:

• Take a higher dose than prescribed
• Use Adderall without a prescription
• Mix Adderall with other substances like alcohol

Symptoms of an overdose can range from mild, such as nausea and restlessness, to severe, including seizures, heart problems, and death. If you think someone is overdosing on Adderall, seek medical help immediately. 

How Much Adderall Is Too Much Per Day?

The amount of Adderall that is considered too much varies for each person but taking more than your prescribed dose can put you at risk for overdose. 

The normal Adderall dosage for adults ranges from 5mg to 40mg per day, depending on their condition. Taking more than this amount, especially without medical advice, can provoke dangerous side effects, such as an increased heart rate, anxiety, or serious heart problems. Follow your physician’s instructions carefully and never take more than prescribed 

Adderall Max Dose for Adults

For most adults, the maximum Adderall dose in 24 hours is 40mg to 60mg, depending on whether it’s for ADHD or narcolepsy. For adults, the maximum Adderall XR dose in 24 hours is 60mg. That said, some people might need higher doses under strict medical supervision. Exceeding the maximum dose without a doctor’s approval can be harmful and increase the risk of overdose, leading to symptoms like confusion, hallucinations, and severe heart problems. Stay within the prescribed dosage to avoid serious health risks.

Adderall Dosage for Adults by Weight

Adderall dosage can sometimes be adjusted based on a person’s weight, especially for children and younger people. The dosage for adults is more commonly adjusted according to how well their body responds to the medication. Doctors start people on a lower dose and gradually increase it until the desired effects are achieved. Taking too much, especially without considering body size, can increase the risk of overdose. Always follow your doctor’s guidance to take a safe and effective dose. 

Can You Take 90mg of Adderall a Day?

Taking 90mg of Adderall a day is not considered safe and is much higher than the usual prescribed dose for most people. For adults with ADHD or narcolepsy, the highest recommended daily dose is usually between 40mg and 60mg. Exceeding this amount can lead to dangerous side effects, including anxiety, high blood pressure, and risk of overdose. 

Only a doctor should decide if a higher dose is necessary and taking more than prescribed without medical supervision can put your health in grave danger.

What Is a Lethal Dose of Adderall?

A lethal dose of Adderall varies from person to person, but it generally occurs when someone takes a large amount that overwhelms their body. In some cases, as little as 44mg to 55mg per pound of body weight can be deadly, especially if combined with other drugs or alcohol. For example, someone weighing 155 pounds might experience life-threatening effects at doses over 1,400mg. Even lower amounts can cause fatal reactions if taken improperly, which is why it’s imperative to stick to prescribed dosages.

What Happens if You Take Too Much Adderall?

If you take too much Adderall, you may experience a range of harmful symptoms. Mild effects include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. More serious symptoms can involve heart problems like rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, or even seizures. In extreme cases, an overdose can cause hallucinations, paranoia, or a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome [3]. Taking too much Adderall can also lead to long-term damage to your heart and brain, so seek medical help if an overdose is suspected. 

Adderall Overdose

An Adderall overdose happens when someone takes more of the drug than their body can handle. This could be from taking too much at once or using it in ways not prescribed, such as crushing and snorting the pills. Adderall is a CNS stimulant, and an overdose can cause serious health problems, especially with the heart and central nervous system. Overdosing on Adderall is more likely if the drug is mixed with other substances like alcohol or other medications. Seek help immediately from 911 if an overdose occurs. 

Adderall Overdose Symptoms

The symptoms of an Adderall overdose can range from mild to life-threatening. Early signs may include shaking, restlessness, confusion, and an irregular heartbeat. As the overdose becomes more serious, symptoms can escalate to chest pain, fever, and seizures. Some people may experience extreme anxiety, hallucinations, or even pass out. In severe cases, an overdose can lead to a coma or death.

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately.

Adderall Overdose Treatment

Treating an Adderall overdose requires prompt medical attention. Emergency responders may give medication to calm the person down, reduce their heart rate, and control seizures. In some cases, activated charcoal may prevent the body from absorbing more of the drug. Doctors might also monitor the person’s heart and use IV fluids to prevent dehydration. If necessary, they may pump the stomach to remove any remaining pills. The faster treatment is given, the better the chances of avoiding long-term damage or death. 

Side Effects of Too Much Adderall

Taking too much Adderall can cause many side effects, even if it doesn’t lead to an overdose. Common side effects include feeling jittery, having trouble sleeping, or experiencing headaches. You may also feel nervous or anxious, and your heart might race. In more serious cases, too much Adderall can cause high blood pressure, chest pain, or vision problems. Long-term misuse can lead to addiction and mental health issues like depression or paranoia. Take Adderall only as prescribed to avoid these adverse outcomes.

Adderall Overdose Death Risk

An Adderall overdose can be deadly, especially if not treated right away. The risk of death increases when someone takes a very high dose or mixes Adderall with CNS stimulants like cocaine and meth or CNS depressants like alcohol or opioids. Overdosing on Adderall can cause severe heart problems, such as a heart attack or stroke, and can also lead to seizures or coma. If the body’s systems become too overwhelmed, the overdose can result in death. Swift medical intervention can prevent fatal outcomes.

How Common Are Adderall Overdoses?

Adderall overdoses are becoming increasingly common as the drug is often misused. Many overdoses occur when Adderall is taken in large amounts or combined with other substances. While it’s difficult to know the exact numbers, stimulant-related overdoses, including those involving Adderall, have been on the rise in recent years. The risk is higher for people who misuse the drug to stay awake or perform better at school or work. Following prescribed dosages and seeking help for misuse can help prevent overdoses. 

Adderall Overdose Risk Factors

Several factors increase the risk of an Adderall overdose. One of the main causes is taking more than the prescribed dose. Some people misuse Adderall by taking higher doses to stay awake, improve concentration, or enhance performance. This is especially common among students or professionals trying to get ahead. However, taking more than the prescribed amount puts extra stress on the body, especially the heart and CNS, which can lead to dangerous health problems, including overdose.

Another risk factor is taking Adderall in a way that was not intended. Some people may crush and snort the pills or even inject them. This causes the drug to enter the bloodstream faster and in higher amounts, which greatly increases the risk of an overdose. The drug is meant to be taken by mouth in controlled doses, so using it in other ways can overwhelm the body, leading to serious side effects. 

Having a pre-existing health condition is another major risk factor. People with heart problems, high blood pressure, or mental health issues are at greater risk of overdose. This is because Adderall can make these conditions worse. For example, if someone already has a heart condition, taking too much Adderall could cause their heart rate to spike, possibly leading to a heart attack or stroke. People with anxiety or mood disorders may experience heightened symptoms like paranoia, panic attacks, or hallucinations if they take too much.

Age and body weight can also play a part in overdose risk. Younger people or those with a smaller body frame may be more sensitive to the effects of Adderall. This means that even a small increase in dosage could lead to negative side effects or an overdose. Children and teenagers, in particular, must be monitored closely to ensure they are taking the correct dose. 

Beyond this, mixing Adderall with other substances is a significant risk factor. When Adderall is combined with alcohol, other prescription medications, or illegal drugs, the risk of overdose increases. These substances can interact in dangerous ways, making it harder for the body to handle the drug and leading to more severe effects. 

Drug Interactions

Adderall can interact with several different medications, which can make it more dangerous and increase the risk of overdose.  These include:

• MAOI antidepressants: MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) are used to treat depression, but when taken with Adderall, they can cause a dangerous rise in blood pressure [4]. This is because both drugs increase the amount of certain chemicals in the brain, which can overload the CNS.
• SSRI antidepressants: SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can also cause problems when combined with Adderall. These drugs increase serotonin levels in the brain, and when taken with Adderall, they can cause a condition known as serotonin syndrome. This can lead to serious symptoms like confusion, fever, high blood pressure, and seizures. If not treated, serotonin syndrome can be life-threatening.
• Heart and blood pressure medications: These drugs may also interact with Adderall in harmful ways. Taking Adderall with certain blood pressure medications can cause unpredictable changes in blood pressure, either too high or too low. This can put extra strain on the heart and lead to dangerous conditions like heart attack or stroke.
• Liver medications: Medications that affect the liver can increase the risk of an Adderall overdose. The liver is responsible for breaking down medications in the body, so if someone is taking a drug that slows down liver function, Adderall may build up in the body to dangerous levels. This increases the chance of overdose symptoms such as agitation, high blood pressure, and rapid heart rate.
• OTC medications: Some over-the-counter medications can also interact with Adderall. For example, cold medications containing decongestants can raise blood pressure, which, when combined with Adderall, can lead to dangerously high blood pressure or heart problems.

Check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medications or supplements while using Adderall.

Alcohol Interactions

Mixing Adderall with alcohol is extremely risky and can significantly increase the chances of an overdose. One of the reasons for this is that Adderall and alcohol have opposite effects on the body. Adderall is a stimulant, while alcohol is a depressant. When taken together, these substances can confuse the body’s signals. Adderall can make someone feel more awake and alert, even when they have consumed large amounts of alcohol. This can lead to excessive drinking because the person may not feel as intoxicated as they actually are, which increases the risk of alcohol poisoning. 

Additionally, combining alcohol and Adderall can put extra stress on the heart. Adderall speeds up the heart rate and raises blood pressure, while alcohol can cause blood pressure to drop and heart rate to slow. This tug-of-war effect on the cardiovascular system can lead to serious heart problems like arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats), heart attack, or stroke. The combination can also make someone feel dizzy or lightheaded, increasing the risk of accidents or falls. 

Another problem with mixing alcohol and Adderall is that it can impair judgment. Someone under the influence of both substances might take more Adderall than prescribed, thinking they need to stay alert while drinking. This increases the risk of overdose, as the body can only process so much of the drug at once. The more Adderall a person takes, the more likely they are to experience symptoms of an overdose, such as confusion, rapid heart rate, or seizures. 

Alcohol can also affect how the body breaks down Adderall. When alcohol is present in the body, it can slow down the metabolism of Adderall, causing the drug to stay in the system longer. This can lead to a build-up of the drug in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of overdose. The longer Adderall stays in the body, the more likely it is to cause harmful side effects. 

Avoid mixing Adderall with alcohol, even in small amounts. If someone is using Adderall to manage ADHD or another condition, they should follow their doctor’s advice about alcohol consumption. If someone is misusing Adderall and alcohol, they should seek help from a healthcare professional, as this combination can be particularly harmful and hard to manage without proper support. 

Adderall Overdose | FAQs

Is there an antidote for Adderall overdose?

There isn’t a specific antidote for an Adderall overdose. However, medical professionals can treat the symptoms and help prevent life-threatening complications. Seek emergency care immediately if an overdose is suspected. 

Can you die from Adderall?

Yes, taking too much Adderall can be fatal. An overdose can lead to severe health problems like heart attack, stroke, or organ failure, which can result in death if untreated.

Is Adderall bad for you?

Adderall is safe when taken as prescribed by a doctor. However, misuse or taking high doses can harm your heart, brain, and overall health, leading to addiction or overdose. 

Get Compassionate Adderall Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

If you need effective and compassionate addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one misusing Adderall, reach out to Renaissance Recovery.

 We treat all stimulant addictions and mental health issues in an outpatient setting at our California and Florida rehab centers.

Every addiction to Adderall is unique, so all Renaissance treatment plans are personalized, including therapies such as:

• Counseling
• Talk therapies (CBT and DBT)
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Motivational therapies
• Group therapy
• Family therapy
• Holistic therapy
• Aftercare 

Begin your journey to recovery from prescription drug addiction by calling our team today at 866-330-9449.

Sources

[1] https://www.drugs.com/adderall.html

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK576548/ 

[3] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007272.htm

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539848/