Author: Alex Thompson

Adderall Effects, Risks, and Dangers: Short and Long Term

Drug-induced liver injury remains one of the most challenging diagnoses to make but must be considered in the differential diagnosis of any liver injury 6, 7. Additionally, DILI can result from herbal ingestions or dietary supplements 12, 13. While Adderall can be beneficial when taken as prescribed, its abuse can lead to severe consequences, particularly for the liver. In this article, we’ll explore how Adderall abuse affects the body, with a focus on liver damage, and discuss the potential for recovery.

An allergic reaction to Adderall may cause swelling in the tongue, throat, or face. This is a medical emergency and requires prompt emergency medical treatment. In this case, Adderall contains amphetamine, which raises the level of norepinephrine and dopamine and prevents these neurotransmitters from being reabsorbed. The other component, dextroamphetamine, is another version of amphetamine with slightly different molecular properties. Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Adderall only for the indication prescribed. Note that this list is not all-inclusive and includes only common medications that may interact with Adderall.

Diphenhydramine as a Cause of Drug-Induced Liver Injury

However, if the abuse has led to extensive scarring or liver failure, the damage may be irreversible, requiring long-term medical intervention or even a liver transplant. Some side effects of amphetamine / dextroamphetamine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Long-Term Risks of ADHD Medications

That’s because an increase in dopamine can interfere with growth hormone secretion. This class of drugs helps boost mood, alertness, attention, and energy by raising the levels of certain chemicals in the brain. The effects of the medication can be positive when Adderall is taken as intended, but for people who may use the drug without medical supervision, the effects can be dangerous. Adderall is the brand name for the combination of dextroamphetamine and amphetamine. It’s a prescription stimulant approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating ADHD or narcolepsy. I’ll have to get off the Adderall now and wonder how I am going to be able to function mentally.

Health Challenges

They’ll be able to help adjust your dosage or suggest alternative remedies for your concerns. In people whose levels of dopamine or norepinephrine are more typical, Adderall can overstimulate the brain. This can lead to negative symptoms like restlessness, losing your appetite, and difficulty sleeping. Taking Adderall alongside alcohol may also increase your chances of having heart problems like cardiomyopathy, according to a 2021 review. Adderall may also affect how drunk you feel, which may increase your chance of alcohol poisoning.

Family history was notable for possible statin-induced liver disease and hereditary angioedema. According to the National Institute for Health, in some cases, the liver damage may be reversible if the individual stops abusing Adderall and allows the liver time to heal. This process can take several months to a year, depending on the severity of the damage.

  1. You should only take it in consultation with a doctor as part of a prescription and never more than the amount prescribed.
  2. Acute kidney failure and rhabdomyolysis were involved in many of the fatal results.
  3. It is unclear if a predisposition for hepatotoxicity was present in this patient given his history of a balanced chromosomal translocation.
  4. But ADHD drug doses are too low for anyone to feel a “high” or to become addicted.
  5. Additionally, DILI can result from herbal ingestions or dietary supplements 12, 13.
  6. In 1996, a study was made of seven young men who died after abusing MDMA or a similar drug.

What are the symptoms of Adderall withdrawal?

Amphetamine has a high potential for abuse and misuse, which can lead to the development of a substance use disorder, including addiction. Stimulants boost the level of a chemical called dopamine in your brain to help you focus. But ADHD drug doses are too low for anyone to feel a “high” or to become addicted.

A thorough workup of liver injury ruled out viral hepatitis (including A, B, C, and E), autoimmune, toxic, ischemic, and metabolic etiologies including Wilson’s disease. A liver biopsy was consistent with DILI without evidence of iron or copper deposition. This is the first reported case of diphenhydramine-induced liver injury without concomitant use of acetaminophen.

You should refer to the prescribing information for Adderall for a complete list of interactions. Educate patients and their families about these risks, proper storage of the drug, and proper disposal of any unused drug. Once you start taking your ADHD medicine, see your doctor for regular checkups to make sure you aren’t having any bad side effects. Your doctor will examine you, and together you can create a plan that keeps you healthy and helps your focus. If you’re an adult, most of the long-term worry about ADHD meds has to do with how they affect other conditions you have.