Key takeaways:
- Adderall is a stimulant and Schedule II medication for ADHD and narcolepsy.
- Is Adderall bad for your heart? Yes, Adderall can cause hypertension and heart attack.
- Heart attack risk increases if you use Adderall recreationally or have a history of heart issues.
- Signs of heart attack include chest pain and upper body pain.
- Call 911 right away if you think you may be having a heart attack.
Is Adderall bad for your heart?
Yes, Adderall can be bad for the heart if it is abused. Although many people take Adderall responsibly, it’s also used socially. Teens use Adderall to ‘let loose’ at parties, athletes use it to help them perform better during competitions, and students use it to help them concentrate and score better on exams.
If you’re using Adderall, it’s important to understand the risks so you can be aware and take action to lessen the dangers. This article will discuss what Adderall is, the side effects of the drug, and, primarily, will answer the big questions of: Does Adderall increase heart rate and does Adderall cause heart problems?
What is Adderall?
Adderall is a medication classed as a Schedule II stimulant and prescribed to treat ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and narcolepsy. The drug contains two main ingredients- amphetamine and dextroamphetamine- both which speed up the central nervous system (CNS). It is effective as an ADHD medication because it increases the level of neurotransmitters, including dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain.
People who are prescribed Adderall by a licensed, competent doctor, are monitored regularly for their weight, pulse, and blood pressure to identify and treat any potential complications.
Side effects of Adderall include mood swings, loss of appetite, insomnia, vomiting, loss of coordination, and hyperactivity.
Does Adderall raise blood pressure?
Yes, Adderall can make blood pressure spike. This is because Adderall is a central nervous system stimulant, which means that it speeds up the organs that are part of the central nervous system - including the heart.
Your blood pressure is the amount of force needed for your blood to flow through your arteries. The ideal blood pressure reading for a regular adult is 120/80 mm Hg, and anywhere from 130 – 139/80 – 89 mm Hg is considered elevated and poses a health risk to the heart. So, Adderall and high blood pressure are closely linked.
What is Adderall hypertension?
Adderall hypertension is when Adderall causes dangerously high blood pressure that poses a risk of cardiovascular disease, heart attack, stroke. If you’re taking Adderall- whether prescribed by a doctor or not- you may be wondering, can Adderall cause hypertension? The answer is yes, people using Adderall are at risk of hypertension.
Common symptoms of hypertension include shortness of breath, numbness, back pain, blurry vision, chest pain, general weakness, and difficulty speaking. If you’re on Adderall and your heart rate is over 100, and you’re experiencing some of the above symptoms, speak to your doctor right away.
Who is at risk of Adderall hypertension?
Anyone taking Adderall is somewhat at risk of experiencing heart issues, especially when it is taken long-term. There is also a real risk when Adderall is used recreationally - for two reasons. Firstly, since the drug was not prescribed, they aren’t monitored to see if their heart is functioning properly. Secondly, people using Adderall recreationally often take high dosages and more frequently than is safe.
Additionally, people suffering from any sort of chronic heart disease, or people whose parents or grandparents struggled with heart issues, should be extra cautious with the drug. It’s best to eliminate the drug completely, either by switching to Ritalin or a different medication if you have ADHD or narcolepsy, or tapering off it completely if it’s being used recreationally.
What is the Adderall heart attack dosage?
There is no research that provides an exact amount of Adderall that can cause a heart attack. Additionally, it depends on whether or not the person taking Adderall is at risk of heart issues or a heart attack.
For example, someone whose family has a history of heart issues might be at greater risk of a heart attack. Additionally, people who are monitored by a doctor while taking the medication are less at risk than those who use the drug recreationally and in irresponsible amounts.
Signs and symptoms of heart attack:
If you’re taking Adderall or have a loved one who is, it’s worthwhile to know the symptoms of a heart attack so you can identify it right away.
- Adderall chest discomfort- This could be squeezes in the chest, pressure, or even pain. The discomfort can last for a couple or minutes at a time, or it can come and go.
- Adderall heart palpitations- It could be a pounding heart, a racing heartbeat, too little or too many heartbeats, a fluttering sensation, or a flip-flopping in the heart area.
- Upper body discomfort- Some of the areas that could feel pain or discomfort include the jaw, neck, arms, back, and stomach.
- Nausea and vomiting- Although not as common as the other symptoms, some people experiencing a heart attack may feel nauseous or vomit.
- Dizziness- Some people feel lightheaded and dizzy when going through a heart attack.
What to do if you’re experiencing a heart attack:
If you’re feeling some of the symptoms above and are taking Adderall, there’s a reasonable chance you may be having a heart attack. The first thing you should do is call 911 so you can get the fastest, possibly life-saving, treatment. If you think that your local doctor or friend who is a medical professional can help you faster, rather call or approach them -although an EMS is the best.
During a heart attack, every second makes a difference, so calling for emergency services right away is crucial. If you have a loved one who is taking Adderall and seems to have some or all of the symptoms above, call 911 right away and have them sit down until emergency services arrive.
Adderall addiction treatment:
Adderall addiction is a common substance use disorder (SUD), but a highly treatable one. It doesn’t matter how or why you became addicted to Adderall- once a person is addicted, it’s almost impossible to stop abusing the drug on your own. At Avenues Recovery, we’ve helped countless people begin their recovery journeys.
Addiction can make you feel isolated, frustrated, and hopeless, but with the right care, you can find serenity, empowerment, and sobriety. We have compassionate, experienced mental health professionals and a personalized, holistic treatment plan waiting for you at all of our Avenues Recovery locations across the United States.
Reach out today so we can help you along your journey to sobriety!