Precautions
In high amounts, the drug can be considered neurotoxic, as the dopaminergic system is damaged by the drug’s disruption. The journal Molecular Psychiatry warns that prolonged exposure of the brain to the amphetamine contained in Adderall can have neurotoxic effects.
Is Adderall a neurotoxic drug?
Typically, a person who takes Adderall as prescribed for ADHD by a physician will not develop heart problems. Even people who have taken Adderall or similar stimulant medications to treat ADHD since childhood, and continue into adulthood, are not at risk for developing heart problems.
Can Adderall cause heart problems?
Adderall Is A Controlled Substance In 1970, the Drug Enforcement Administration began enforcing what is known as The Controlled Substances Act. Medications fall under one of five classifications, known as “Schedules”. These schedules show the potential for abuse and the safety of a medication.
Is Adderall a controlled substance?
Adderall contains two medications, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Adderall is the brand name of one of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD, and has also been prescribed in the treatment of narcolepsy. Medications like Adderall stimulate the central nervous system which helps people to concentrate.
What is Adderall and how does it work?
What is Adderall made of?
How to monitor Adderall?
When was Adderall XR approved?
Do you need an ECG before prescribing stimulants?
Is Adderall safe for children?
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Can Adderall cause heart problems?
“Because stimulants such as Adderall can increase heart rate and blood pressure, they may cause cardiovascular problems such as heart attack and stroke, especially in people with preexisting heart issues or high blood pressure,” says Drugwatch.
Is Adderall hard on your heart?
In the short term, Adderall can raise your blood pressure and heart rate, and cause you to breathe harder. If you take too much of it, you could put your heart and your health at risk. To be on the safe side, doctors usually don't prescribe Adderall to people with: Serious heart problems.
Is heart damage from Adderall reversible?
Cardiomyopathy associated with amphetamine use is a serious and potentially lethal condition. With early diagnosis, identification of the cause, and treatment, cardiomyopathy may be reversible.
Can ADHD meds damage your heart?
THURSDAY, Oct. 28, 2021 (HealthDay News) -- ADHD medications are increasingly being prescribed to older adults, and they may cause a short-term spike in the risk of heart attack, stroke and arrhythmias, a large new study suggests.
What are the long term effects of taking Adderall?
If used for a long time, Adderall may lead to some serious side effects. These include addiction, heart problems, mental health problems, and slowed growth in children. Many people also wonder if Adderall can cause less-studied side effects, like sexual side effects and dementia.
Can you get cardiomyopathy from Adderall?
According to the manufacturer's prescribing information, “Isolated reports of cardiomyopathy have been associated with chronic amphetamine administration.”2 Relevant cardiovascular adverse reactions reported for Adderall include: palpitation, tachycardia, elevation of blood pressure, and isolated occurrences of ...
Does Adderall prematurely age you?
Research Shows that Amphetamines Accelerate the Aging Process. Amphetamines are a class of stimulants which include illicit substances like methamphetamines and cocaine as well as prescription drugs like Adderall and Vyvanse.
Why does my heart hurt after taking Adderall?
Adderall Increases Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Patients who develop chest pain, unexplained dizziness or other symptoms of heart problems should seek medical attention and be evaluated.
Does Adderall affect an EKG?
Thankfully, review of the scientific data does not suggest a substantial effect on ECGs in patients who are receiving ADHD stimulant medication.
Do amphetamines damage your heart?
Amphetamines may contribute to heart attacks by increasing heart rate and blood pressure and by causing inflammation and artery spasms that limit blood to the heart muscle. Young adults who abuse amphetamines may be at greater risk of suffering a heart attack, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers have found.
Can Adderall cause arrhythmia?
Adderall's Long-Term Effects on the Heart In addition to the possibility of a heart attack that can result in damage to the heart, there are several other problems that can develop over time due to Adderall use or misuse, including: Developing heart palpitations. Developing a fast or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
How do stimulants affect the heart?
Stimulants are drugs that increase your heart rate, breathing rate, and brain function. Some stimulants affect only a specific organ, such as the heart, lungs, brain, or nervous system. Epinephrine is a stimulant. It is given during cardiac arrest to make the heart beat.
Why does my heart hurt after taking Adderall?
Adderall Increases Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Patients who develop chest pain, unexplained dizziness or other symptoms of heart problems should seek medical attention and be evaluated.
How does Adderall affect heart rate?
People with an Adderall addiction may take the drug for a very long period of time, and that also can be dangerous. A doctor interviewed for ADDitude reports that increases in blood pressure and heart rate caused by stimulants can build up.
Can I take Adderall if I have heart palpitations?
Adderall And Your Heart If you have been prescribed the stimulant, you need to speak with your doctor immediately for heart palpitations. This is because it will raise your heart rate and blood pressure.
How much does Adderall increase your heart rate?
Adderall may increase a person's blood pressure by 2–4 millimeters of mercury and heart rate by 3–6 beats per minute. Some people may observe larger increases in their blood pressure and heart rate. People who already have high blood pressure or a fast heart rate should exercise caution when taking Adderall.
How long does Adderall stay in your system (urine drug test)?
It would take just over 2 days for a dose to be out of your system. You should allow for longer (7 days) if you have taken Adderall frequently and...
Adderall vs Vyvanse - What's the difference between them?
The main difference between Adderall and Vyvanse is that Adderall is a mixture of four different kinds of amphetamine salts (one of which is dextro...
How long does Adderall last?
When taken as prescribed, the effects of Adderall last for about 4 to 6 hours. The effects of Adderall XR last for up to 12 hours because this bran...
Does Adderall help with anxiety and depression?
Although Adderall is only FDA-approved for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, it has been used rarely...
The Truth Behind Adderall and Heart Problems
A dderall is an amphetamine-based prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine is very effective for those with diagnosed ADHD, when combined with therapy, in reducing symptoms of the condition.However, because it is an amphetamine drug, it is prone to abuse.
How To Lower Blood Pressure While On Adderall | DrugAbuse.com
how to lower blood pressure while on adderall, ... . Adderall is an oral medication prescribed by a physician who will normally start a patient on a low dose ... . Since Adderall is a stimulant, it plays a major role in: Increasing your blood pressure. Increasing your ...
Is it common to take Adderall with high blood pressure medicine?
I've been prescribed Adderall for some time now and have recently noticed much higher blood pressure readings. I'm seeing my doctor soon for this, but I wanted to see if in the mean time if it is common and safe to take Adderall along with high blood pressure medicine (If I have to go that route).
Heart Problems and Adderall: What the Research Shows
The prescription drug Adderall is used to help people with Attention-deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) enhance their sense of focus. For people who have ADHD, Adderall can mean the difference between completing tasks throughout their day or struggling to fight distractions that seem irresistible.. Since 1990, sales of prescriptions like Adderall have risen 400 percent, according to an ...
Adult ADHD Medications and Their Cardiovascular Implications
1. Introduction. Adult ADHD affects an estimated 3% to 5% of adults worldwide. It is seen in 4.4% (62% male, 38% female) of the US adult population [].CNS stimulants, namely, amphetamine based stimulants, methylphenidate, dextromethamphetamine, dextromethylphenidate, and modafinil, are the first line of treatment for ADHD.
How Does Adderall Affect The Heart?
At high doses, Adderall increases the risk of heart problems, high blood pressure, and stroke. People who have underlying cardiovascular problems are at a greater risk from consuming stimulants, including prescription stimulants overseen by a physician.
What is dderall used for?
A dderall is an amphetamine-based prescription medication used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine is very effective for those with diagnosed ADHD, when combined with therapy, in reducing symptoms of the condition. However, because it is an amphetamine drug, ...
Can you take stimulants after a stroke?
Taking a stimulant after damage has been done to the circulatory system increases the risk of stroke, blood clots, heart attacks, and heart failure.
Do stimulants cause ADHD?
Adults make up a reported 32 percent of all stimulant prescriptions, and many of these individuals may not have ADHD. Instead, the prescriptions may be given to treat off-label conditions, including: Narcolepsy. Weight management. Fatigue due to depression.
Can Adderall cause a heart attack?
Additionally, a racing heart, panic attack, or other cardiovascular event may be a sign of an Adderall overdose. Elevated body temperature from large doses of this amphetamine can also damage the heart, along with other internal organs.
What other drugs will affect Adderall?
Ask your doctor before using a stomach acid medicine (including Alka-Seltzer or sodium bicarbonate). Some of these medicines can change the way your body absorbs Adderall, and may increase side effects.
What is the purpose of Adderall?
Adderall is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
How should I take Adderall?
Take Adderall exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
What is the difference between Adderall and Vyvanse?
The main difference between Adderall and Vyvanse is that Adderall is a mixture of four different kinds of amphetamine salts (one of which is dex troamphetamine) while Vyvanse only contains one type of amphetamine salt, called lisdexamfetamine.
How long does it take for Adderall to go out of your system?
It would take just over 2 days for a dose to be out of your system. You should allow for longer (7 days) if you have taken Adderall frequently and at high doses. Continue reading
What is the number to call for Adderall overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of Adderall could be fatal.
What are the symptoms of allergic reactions to Adderall?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Adderall: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
What is Adderall Neurotoxicity?
Abuse of Adderall can be highly dangerous, as the drug can have neurotoxic effects. Adderall neurotoxicity is damage to the nervous system, and in the case of Adderall, it refers to neuron and nerve damage caused by high levels of dopamine.
What is the physical dependence of Adderall?
Physical dependence occurs when the brain is used to the way the drug interacts with the central nervous system and the way it influences its chemical makeup. Natural levels of norepinephrine, a form of adrenaline, as well as mood-regulating neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine are disrupted by the presence of Adderall. ...
What are the side effects of Adderall?
Additional side effects of Adderall neurotoxicity use include: 1 Significant weight loss. 2 Impulse control issues. 3 Cardiovascular complications. 4 Suicidal thoughts and actions. 5 Difficulties thinking and learning. 6 Depression. 7 Hypertension (heightened blood pressure). 8 Anxiety. 9 Sleeping problems. 10 Stunted growth in children. 11 Peripheral vasculopathy (a disorder of blood vessels in the arms and legs). 12 Cardiovascular complications. 13 Reynaud’s syndrome (feelings of numbness or hot and cold in the fingers and toes). 14 Raised risk for stroke and heart attack. 15 Kidney failure and organ damage from elevated body temperature. 16 Restlessness. 17 Mania. 18 Seizures. 19 Blurred vision. 20 Hyperactivity. 21 Dry mouth. 22 Itching, rash, and skin sores. 23 Teeth clenching. 24 Dizziness. 25 Breathing difficulties.
How to stop Adderall withdrawal?
When Adderall dependence or addiction is a concern, a medical detox program is the ideal method for stopping the drug and allowing it to process safely out of the body. Trained professionals may set up a tapering, or weaning, schedule to slowly lower the dosage over a set period of time instead of stopping the drug suddenly. This can help to ease some of the potential withdrawal symptoms. Additional symptoms of withdrawal can be controlled with medications, such as mood stabilizers and sleep aids, during detox.
How long does it take for Adderall to heal?
However, as is the case for another amphetamine derivative methamphetamine, or meth, some of the Adderall neurotoxicity effects on the brain may take a year or more to fully repair themselves, NIDA explains.
How to recover from Adderall?
It can take the brain some time to recover from the effects of Adderall neurotoxicity and for levels of dopamine to return to normal without the drug. A comprehensive drug addiction treatment program that includes behavioral therapy, relapse prevention programs, and recovery support can help. For more information about Adderall addiction and the methods used to treat it, give us a call at 662-638-0015.
How does Adderall work?
Adderall works by increasing levels of dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine in the brain. Dopamine is one of the brain’s chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, that sends signals throughout the central nervous system, helping to regulate moods, movement, thinking, learning, and memory functions. Dopamine is directly related ...
What are the effects of Adderall?
The following are signs of Adderall neurotoxicity: Psychosis, including auditory and visual hallucinations, compulsive behaviors like skin picking or itching, paranoia, panic attacks, and delusions.
How does Adderall addiction work?
Adderall addiction is ideally managed through a comprehensive addiction treatment program that can address drug abuse and teach coping skills to minimize drug cravings and instances of relapse. Drug use needs to stop completely to reverse neurotoxicity from Adderall.
What is Neurotoxicity?
Neurotoxicity is a substance’s ability to damage or disrupt brain or nervous system function.
What is the cause of meth addiction?
The journal Frontiers in Psychology reports that neurotoxicity related to meth use is caused by neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity. All of these factors are related to the way that the stimulant drug interacts with brain chemistry. Dopamine is a chemical messenger used by the brain to regulate emotions.
How to stop taking Adderall?
If you’ve been misusing Adderall, or if you’ve used it for a long time, the first step in reversing the neurotoxic effects is to cut back or stop using the drug. Speak to a doctor about quitting, even if you’ve been using the drug illegally. Your doctor will be able to guide you through a safe detox process.
Can Adderall be used for recreational use?
Adderall can also be misused for recreational or performance-enhancing purposes. Some people may seek to use Adderall as a way to achieve a stimulating high. The drug isn’t as potent as other recreational stimulants like cocaine or methamphetamine, but it can cause some mild euphoric effects. However, Adderall and other ADHD medications are more commonly used as study drugs. Drugs that are thought to increase wakefulness and focus are often used on college campuses to increase a student’s ability to study for long hours and retain more information. However, whether the drug is misused for recreational purposes or as a study drug, Adderall misuse can lead to significant consequences.
Is Adderall more toxic than meth?
Adderall is less potent than methamphetamine, even though the two drugs have similar effects and mechanisms of action, the journal Psychopharmacology explains. Adderall is likely to be less toxic than meth and has a lower potential for neurotoxic effects. Even so, large doses of Adderall taken for an extended time can ...
Why is Adderall classified as a controlled substance?
Adderall is classified as a controlled substance because it has a high potential for abuse. The following is additional information on controlled substances and how Adderall meets the criteria for one.
How is Adderall abused?
Adderall is a substance that is abused often. Sometimes it is abused by taking too much or using someone else’s prescription. When a person abuses Adderall, they tend to feel euphoric and have extremely high energy, as well as a boost of self-confidence.
How do you know if you are abusing Adderall?
Some warning signs that a person is abusing Adderall include insomnia, weight loss, jittery, extreme energy followed by a hard crash, or running out of their prescription before the refill date.
What is Schedule 2 Adderall?
Medications fall under one of five classifications, known as “Schedules”. These schedules show the potential for abuse and the safety of a medication. Adderall and Adderall XR are both Schedule II substances, like the other stimulant medications used to treat ADHD. Schedule II Controlled Substances show a high potential for abuse, ...
What is addiction resource?
Addiction Resource aims to provide only the most current, accurate information in regards to addiction and addiction treatment, which means we only reference the most credible sources available.
Does Adderall help with ADHD?
Adderall contains two medications, amphetamine and dextroamphetamine. Adderall is the brand name of one of the most commonly prescribed medications to treat ADHD, and has also been prescribed in the treatment of narcolepsy. Medications like Adderall stimulate the central nervous system which helps people to concentrate.
What does a urine test reveal about Adderall?
The urine tests will reveal if the drug is present in your system, as well as the metabolites of the drug, which ensures you’ve been taking it daily. It is important to communicate with your doctor if you are concerned about the addictive potential of Adderall.
What is the purpose of Adderall?
It’s available in an immediate and extended-release formulation, and its primary function is to help people who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD.
Why is Adderall so popular?
Adderall use and availability have become pretty widespread because of the steep increase in the number of prescriptions written for it each year, and that’s allowed more people to have access to it without a prescription.
What happens if you get caught with Adderall?
If you are caught with a controlled substance like Adderall without a legitimate prescription, there can be legal consequences. These consequences can depend but can include a fine, or being held in prison. States vary in how they enforce controlled substances law, but the Controlled Substances Act is a federal law.
What are the two categories of drugs?
There are two primary categories of drugs, which are prescription and over-the-counter. With over-the-counter drugs, anyone can buy them, but with prescription drugs, a doctor or healthcare provider has to prescribe the drug. Within the category of prescription drugs are controlled and non-controlled substances.
How do you know if you're high on Adderall?
Signs of being high on Adderall can include euphoria, a sense of excitement or energy, self-confidence, and optimism. This all might sound great, but there are many risks of abusing Adderall. There are short-term effects of Adderall use that aren’t desirable and can include nausea, headache, anxiety, and rising heart rate and blood pressure.
Can you get high from taking Adderall?
When someone doesn’t have ADHD, and they take it, the result is different. A person without ADHD who takes Adderall will find that they feel a type of high with it, although the effects can depend on how much is taken. Signs of being high on Adderall can include euphoria, a sense of excitement or energy, self-confidence, and optimism.
Do you need a prescription for Adderall?
When someone is purchasing a controlled substance like Adderall, they need not only the prescription itself, but there are also other regulations. For example, the prescription has to be written by the health care provider, and it can be sent over to the pharmacy electronically. You are also limited to certain amounts of the drug in certain periods of time, and you have to get a new prescription every time you get it filled.
How long does it take for cardiotoxicity to develop?
Cardiotoxicity can develop during cancer treatment - or - can occur within days or months or years after cancer treatment, once patients are cancer-free. Heart damage caused by chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity can reduce quality of life and increase the risk of death from cardiac-related causes.
What does a cardiologist do if a patient develops cardiotoxicity?
If a patient starts to develop signs of cardiotoxicity during treatment, the cardiologist may treat the cardiotoxicity preventing the need to interrupt cancer treatment. In addition, the cancer doctor may alter the patient's treatment plan.
How do cardiologist and oncologist work together?
A cardiologist and an oncologist working together can determine an individual patient's risk for cardiotoxicity by clinical examination and special testing before cancer treatment starts . If a patient is at risk, the cardiologist can implement measures to decrease this risk and alert the cancer doctor who will then select the most adequate anti-cancer therapy. If a patient starts to develop signs of cardiotoxicity during treatment, the cardiologist may treat the cardiotoxicity preventing the need to interrupt cancer treatment. In addition, the cancer doctor may alter the patient's treatment plan. The goal of the collaboration of a cardiologist and an oncologist in a discipline known as Cardio-Oncology, is to maximize the treatment of cancer while preserving cardiac function.
What is a cardio oncology center?
The Cardio-Oncology Center is a specialized center involving a multi-disciplinary group of specialists, including cardiologists, oncologists, cardiac surgeons and nurses from the Miller Family Heart, Vascular & Thoracic Institute and The Taussig Cancer Center who provide a comprehensive approach to evaluating, diagnosing and treating cardiotoxicity.
What is the goal of the collaboration of a cardiologist and an oncologist in a discipline known as?
The goal of the collaboration of a cardiologist and an oncologist in a discipline known as Cardio-Oncology, is to maximize the treatment of cancer while preserving cardiac function. Learn more about The Cardio-Oncology Center.
How to treat ANT cardiotoxicity?
Effective management of established ANT cardiotoxicity is difficult and relies largely on pharmacological intervention with ACE inhibitors and β-adrenergic blockers to control heart failure symptoms. 350, 351 Hence, there is a great emphasis to prevent the onset of cardiotoxicity. A widely employed approach is to limit the total cumulative dose of ANT (usually below 300–450 mg/m 2 of doxorubicin). 352 Another option is to employ drug targeting strategies (such as encapsulation of the drug into liposomes), which reduces distribution of ANT into the heart and thus reduces the risk of cardiotoxicity. A lot of research has been focused on pharmacological cardioprotection. 355 Interestingly, while different natural and synthetic antioxidants have proven effective in providing protection in acute high-dose experimental cardiotoxicity models (e.g., vitamin E, acetylcysteine, or flavonoids), the treatments have largely failed in clinically relevant chronic models and in the few clinical trials that have been attempted. 355 The only drug with well-documented efficacy in both experimental and clinical settings is dexrazoxane, a prodrug that is thought to be metabolized into an iron-chelating active metabolite that then shields catalytically active iron, thus preventing ANT-induced ROS formation in the heart. 355 However, stronger and more selective iron chelators were unable to provide comparable protection in the same models. Recent data suggest that dexrazoxane inhibits and depletes Top2β in the heart, thereby preventing the onset of ANT-induced cardiotoxicity. 350, 355, 357 Current clinical use of dexrazoxane is unfortunately limited mainly because of concerns about its adverse effects. It was suggested that dexrazoxane might have some impact on anticancer effects and increase the risk of secondary malignancies. However, neither of these claims has been supported by strong clinical evidence and most of available data argues against them. 358 - 360
What are the major drug targets associated with cardiac dysrhythmias?
Besides effects on adrenergic receptors and Ca 2+ channels, the major drug targets associated with cardiac dysrhythmias are Na + and K + channels, the Na + -K + pump (Na + -K + adenosine triphosphatase), acetylcholine, and adenosine receptors. Since many channels or receptors, can under different conditions, cause both tachy- and bradydysrhythmias, the classification will be based on the mechanism/target of cardiotoxicity.
What is the mechanism of action of adenosine?
Adenosine receptors respond to the endogenous agonist adenosine. This compound has a very short half-life and is therefore sometimes used for pharmacological cardioversion of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (AV nodal re-entrant tachycardia in particular) to sinus rhythm with a very low risk of toxicity. Because its mechanisms of action are based on brief interference with AV node conduction, it is understandable that the drug is not suitable for patients with higher degree AV blocks. Other potential adverse effects in cardiovascular systems are typically short-lived and involve vasodilation (including flushing), hypotension, and chest pain. Methylxanthines, like caffeine and theophylline, are more frequently used; the later as a bronchodilator in the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/bronchial asthma and the former as the component of tea and coffee. Their mechanism of action is complex, but clearly involves antagonism at adenosine receptors. Theophylline and much less caffeine, induce catecholamine release by an unknown mechanism. 4, 343 They also block phosphodiesterases, but only in high, clinically unachievable concentrations. 344 In general, caffeine's toxicity occurs at higher concentrations when compared with theophylline, which is considered to be a drug with a very narrow therapeutic index. Theophylline overdose is potentially life threatening and affects mainly the gastrointestinal tract, the cardiovascular system, and the CNS. Sinus tachycardia can occur at therapeutic doses and various, potentially fatal dysrhythmias can appear after theophylline intoxication. The management of toxicity is mainly supportive and includes fluid supplementation, or sympathomimetics in case of hypotension and sometimes mild K + supplementation. Dysrhythmias are treated according to their type, by adenosine, lidocaine, or β-blockers. For caffeine intoxication, which is rare, the treatment is similar. Although patients with propensity to certain types of tachyarythmias (such as paroxysmal atrial fibrillation) have traditionally been advised to avoid caffeine containing beverages, recent data suggest that this restriction is not entirely justified. 345 Long-term high caffeine consumption is positively correlated with hypertension. However, mild to moderate intake of caffeine has been found to be free of any serious cardiovascular risk. 4, 5
What is the most common cause of death from intoxication?
Cardiovascular symptoms might occur in very severe intoxications, but by far the most common cause of death is respiratory failure. 245, 246 Other natural toxins from the same class with similar actions are saxitoxin and zetekitoxin AB. 247.
Does smoking affect the cardiovascular system?
Simplified overview of the cardiovascular effect of cigarette smoke with separation of the effect of nicotine and other compounds generated by smoking. Nicotine stimulates nicotine receptors (N N) both in the sympathetic nervous system ganglia (1) and in the adrenal medulla (2).
Does cocaine cause aortic dissection?
Cocaine roughly doubles the risk of both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes, and seems to be a common cause of aortic dissection.
Is cardiovascular disease a determinant of mortality?
The cardiovascular toxicity of drugs and related agents attracts considerable attention from basic scientists to clinicians. Cardiovascular diseases are among the most significant determinants of morbidity and mortality in the developed countries; therefore, it is important that any negative impact of drugs or toxins on this system is not ...
What is Adderall made of?
Adderall (Shire Pharmaceuticals, Canada) is a preparation of mixed amphetamine salts made up of dextro-amphetamine saccharate, dextroamphetamine sulfate, (racemic dextro/levoamphetamine) aspartate monohydrate and (racemic dextro/levoamphetamine) sulfate in equimolar concentrations. Although the use of generic names is normally preferred, the authors elected to use the proprietary name, Adderall, in the present manuscript for brevity.
How to monitor Adderall?
Perform a cardiovascular examination on each visit. Record baseline heart rate and blood pressure before starting Adderall. Obtain repeat readings during follow-up visits (at a minimum annually). Consider reducing the dose or stopping medication if three consecutive readings on separate days are above the 95th percentile for age; alternately, consultation with a physician expert in the evaluation of children with hypertension and provision for assessments, such as 24 h blood pressure monitoring, may be considered.
When was Adderall XR approved?
The extended-release form, Adderall XR, was approved for use in Canada in January 2004. In February 2005, Health Canada suspended Adderall XR’s notice of compliance due to 20 global/international case reports of cardiac death and/or stroke in individuals being treated with Adderall that had been submitted to the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) adverse event reporting system. Fourteen of these individuals were children (1). In the group included in the FDA adverse event reports, some patients had a toxic level of mixed amphetamines salts, a family history of ventricular arrhythmia, were involved in strenous exercise and were dehydrated. Others had structural cardiac anomalies. Abnormalities described included aberrant origin of coronary arteries, idiopathic hypertrophic subaortic stenosis, bicuspid aortic valve and cardiac hypertrophy. It has been postulated that these anomalies could potentially be adversely affected by stimulant drugs.
Do you need an ECG before prescribing stimulants?
A supplementary statement (13) released in August 2008 by the American Academy of Pediatrics did not recommend getting an electrocardiogram (ECG) to screen for heart problems before prescribing stimulants. However, if the patient has suspected cardiac disease including suspected arrhythmia and/or syncope, an ECG should be obtained. The ECG should be read by a paediatric cardiologist, a cardiologist with experience in paediatric ECGs or any physician with experience in reading paediatric ECGs. If the initial assessment described above reveals any features raising concerns of cardiovascular disease in the child or family members, a referral for assessment with the cardiologist should be made before prescribing a stimulant.
Is Adderall safe for children?
The lack of a formal monitoring system makes the estimate of such death rates problematic at best (10). In adult studies (2) specifically looking at the cardiovascular effects of Adderall, it was found to be safe in patients with essential hypertension. In otherwise healthy adults, 3% (n=223) of patients experienced cardiovascular side effects including hypertension, palpitation or tachycardia; this adverse event rate is consistent with the anticipated adverse event rate of 5% associated with most cardiovascular drugs (2). The incidence of cardiac anomalies in children with ADHD is believed to approximate that of the general population and, thus, there is no a priori reason to suspect that children with ADHD are a special-risk population, with respect to having a higher rate of anomalies potentially impacted by stimulant therapy.
