Substance Use

The Truth Behind Adderall and Heart Health

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Can Adderall Use Cause Heart Problems?

Sixteen million U.S. adults use prescription stimulants like Adderall, and abuse of these drugs is on the rise. Many people, especially teenagers and young adults, take Adderall to lose weight, study for exams, or increase their energy levels. Adderall abuse poses serious health risks, including heart-related problems like cardiovascular damage.

The facts:

  • Adderall can cause damage to the heart and cardiovascular system when someone uses it for a long time. 
  • The most common problems reported with excessive Adderall usage are high blood pressure and irregular heart rate. 
  • Someone who takes too much Adderall or uses it for too long can damage their heart and even risk their life.

This guide from Zinnia Health tells you everything you should know about Adderall and heart problems. 

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What You Should Know About Adderall and Heart Problems

Adderall is a stimulant, and it increases body temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. Repeated use of the drug can cause a heart attack or other cardiovascular problems.

Many users of the drug report problems like a tight chest, irregular heartbeat, and heart palpations. These symptoms increase when users take Adderall at a higher dosage than the one suggested by their doctor. Other physical symptoms of excessive Adderall usage include:

  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal pain
  • Insomnia
  • Tremors
  • Constipation
  • Hyperactivity
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Paranoia
  • Mood swings

Adults are at greater risk of heart-related problems than young people. However, there are concerns that even children might experience cardiovascular damage after taking Adderall for ADHD.

Healthcare experts recommend more systematic heart monitoring in clinical trials of Adderall users with ADHD to investigate the short- and long-term effects of the drug on the cardiovascular system.

There is no evidence that Adderall causes long-term damage to the heart and withdrawing from the drug might reduce any cardiovascular issues experienced by the user.

However, withdrawal can bring other unwanted symptoms, and the user should reduce Adderall intake under the supervision of a professional.

For the most successful results, Adderall users should combine detox with treatments like counseling and medical evaluations. Otherwise, the potential for relapse exists.

The three primary goals of most treatment programs are to:

  1. Address the control Adderall dependency or addiction has over a person.
  2. Identify destructive attitudes and harmful behaviors that stem from Adderall dependency or addiction.
  3. Help someone abstain from Adderall and develop a treatment plan.

If you worry about Adderall and heart problems, call Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439.

What Is Adderall?

Adderall is a drug that treats attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children and adults. It’s one of the most prescribed drugs for this condition in the United States. Adderall requires a prescription. However, many people, especially young adults, take Adderall without consulting a doctor.

Because of its stimulant effects, people use this amphetamine drug to stay up all night and prepare for exams or to increase their energy in the gym. Adderall has various side effects, ranging from mild to severe.

These side effects, including heart problems, increase with continued drug use or when someone increases the suggested dosage.

Doctors typically only prescribe Adderall for 7-14 days, but some users take the drug for much longer, resulting in dependency and addiction. Treatment can help people addicted to Adderall manage withdrawal, prevent relapse, and lead healthier lives.

Treatment programs can include medication-assisted therapies, counseling techniques, and coping methods for more successful recovery outcomes.

If you worry about Adderall and heart problems, call Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439.

What Is Adderall Abuse?

Adderall abuse happens when someone takes this drug:

  • For longer than recommended.
  • At a higher dosage than prescribed.
  • Without a prescription.

These scenarios can be extremely dangerous and lead to side effects like heart problems.

That’s because Adderall increases blood pressure and heart rate, putting users at risk of cardiovascular damage. Unfortunately, few people realize the dangers of excessive Adderall usage until it’s too late.

Even young adults with no previous cardiovascular problems can experience heart-related issues when taking this drug for long periods or at a higher dose than suggested. Younger users can develop habit-forming behaviors, resulting in dependency and addiction.

If you have an addiction to Adderall or want to help a loved one withdraw from this medication, call Zinnia Health at (855) 430-9439.

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Ready to get help?
(855) 430-9439
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