Author: John Carter
Adderall and cardiovascular risk: A therapeutic dilemma PMC
Maintaining a regular routine can help with the withdrawal. Using Adderall without a prescription can lead to misuse or dependence, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) database for prescription and nonprescription drugs. Adderall has a boxed warning for the risk of drug misuse and dependence. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
It is likely that in coming years increasing number of unhealthy adult ADHD population is going to be exposed to CNS stimulant treatment. Definite conclusions regarding the overall cardiovascular safety of these agents cannot currently be made for patients at varying risk for cardiovascular disease or in relation to chronic treatment exposure. At present, there is less data available to guide and inform clinical practice in many patients with adult ADHD and concomitant cardiovascular disease and/or risk factors. Adults with ADHD are possibly at higher risk for developing unhealthy lifestyle and cardiovascular risk factors, such as smoking and obesity, and have a greater probability of chronic substance misuse.
Ritalin Abuse Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
Her father died of ‘an abnormal heart rhythm’, and she has heard that sustained-release ADHD medications are not safe for children with a family history of heart disease. Before taking Adderall, be sure to tell your doctor about any heart-related conditions you have, including high blood pressure. This includes having a family history of heart problems or high blood pressure. Your doctor can help determine whether Adderall is safe for you. They can also recommend other treatments for your condition.
Other CNS stimulants such as modafinil and methylphenidate have also been rarely reported to cause frequent premature ventricular contractions [26]. Zhang et al. showed that long QT syndrome patients especially males, when treated with ADHD medications, had higher risk of unfavorable cardiac events during follow-up. The stimulant drugs did not significantly change average QTc interval. Small proportion of individuals in the study cohort however did have increment in QTc by 30–60 milliseconds to above 470–500 milliseconds [27].
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurobiological disorder exhibited by difficulty maintaining attention, as well as hyperactivity and impulsive behavior. Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are the first line of treatment for ADHD. With the increase in number of adults on CNS stimulants, the question that arises is how well do we understand the long-term cardiovascular effects of these drugs. There has been increasing concern that adults with ADHD are at greater risk for developing adverse cardiovascular events such as sudden death, myocardial infarction, and stroke as compared to pediatric population. We present a unique case of AMI in an adult taking Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) and briefly discuss the literature relevant to the cardiovascular safety of CNS stimulants for adult ADHD. He did not have other symptoms or signs suggestive of pheochromocytoma or hyperthyroidism.
Dexedrine Abuse Signs, Symptoms, and Addiction Treatment
Males also experienced sexual side effects in clinical trials. These included erectile dysfunction (an inability to have or maintain an erection) and frequent or long lasting erections. If you develop serious side effects while taking Adderall, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think it’s a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. It is intended for general informational purposes and is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact a doctor or emergency medical services immediately.
- Even without a perfect heart, you may still be able to take Adderall for ADHD.
- Taking Adderall under the supervision of a doctor and with a valid prescription generally does not result in brain damage or substance abuse.
Loss of appetite and weight loss are possible side effects of Adderall. Because of these side effects, some physicians prescribe Adderall off-label for weight loss, and some people acquire the drug illegally for the same purpose. However, Adderall is not approved by the FDA as a weight-loss medication and can have serious side effects that outweigh the benefits of weight loss. Maintaining open communication with healthcare suppliers is fundamental. They can alter medicine measurements in fundamental cases or investigate elective medications based on the person’s reactions and needs.
ADHD medication dosing is not related to an adult’s height or weight. The Adderall dosage of another adult your age, weight, and/or height is irrelevant. Clinicians, however, typically start adults at a low dose (usually 5 mg), and then adjust as needed. Adderall has been linked to serious side effects, including heart attack and stroke, in people with heart defects. Adderall is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
Side effects like loss of appetite and weight loss can also occur while taking Adderall. Before taking Adderall, talk with a doctor about any preexisting physical or mental health problems you have and list all other prescription and over-the-counter medications you take. Certain other medications may interact with Adderall and cause serious side effects. Adderall is the brand name for the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It’s a prescription stimulant used primarily to treat ADHD or narcolepsy (daytime sleepiness). However, Adderall treatment may cause growth delays in children taking the drug long term (over an extended period of time).
This may not be a complete list of possible drug interactions with Adderall. A fatal overdose is often preceded by convulsions and coma. If an overdose is suspected, call a poison helpline or go to an emergency room.
Adderall and cardiovascular risk: A therapeutic dilemma
In some cases, they may advise to stop taking Adderall and recommend a different drug for your condition. If you have questions about sexual side effects during Adderall treatment, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Adderall can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks.
Even in patients with preexisting cardiovascular conditions, close to 80% of all ADHD medications initiated were stimulants. The knowledge of preexisting cardiovascular conditions did not significantly reduce the likelihood of stimulant treatment [3]. Adderall dosing – and all ADHD medication dosing, for that matter – is opaque and variable. Adult ADHD is significantly impairing and the use of CNS stimulants among adults is on the rise.
Heart and brain damage have been well-documented in people abusing amphetamines over a prolonged period but have not been well-studied in people taking amphetamines at therapeutic doses. There is some concern that long-term therapeutic use of amphetamines may be a “gateway” to illicit drug use, but the evidence is not conclusive. Taking Adderall under the supervision of a doctor and with a valid prescription generally does not result in brain damage or substance abuse. Side effects of Adderall are usually temporary, and they often go away with consistent use of the medication or when the medicine is discontinued. Some severe side effects such as heart-related problems could lead to life-threatening events like heart attacks and strokes.
Due to this risk, doctors will not typically recommend breastfeeding while taking Adderall. If you’re planning on breastfeeding and take Adderall, talk with your doctor. It isn’t known whether Adderall is safe to take during pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or can become pregnant while taking Adderall. Together, you can weigh the risks of taking the drug with the benefits it provides. You can also ask about other treatment options or review this list.