Is Withdrawal from ADHD Drugs Deadly?

Uncomplicated withdrawal from ADHD drugs is not usually deadly. However, there are certain circumstances in which it could be dangerous and one could risk serious consequences, death among them. If you think you are at risk of going through amphetamine drug withdrawal, call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) immediately: we can help you find a safe, reliable detox center to begin your recovery.

What Are the Symptoms of Amphetamine Withdrawal?

The symptoms of ADHD drug withdrawal are very similar to those caused by cocaine withdrawal. As both drugs are stimulants, a person is likely to experience the same effects, most of which are psychological in nature and sometimes difficult for others to recognize. However, they can be dangerous, so it is important for a person to seek treatment for this syndrome as soon as possible.

The common symptoms associated with this syndrome include:

• Agitation
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Hypersomnia (or sleeping for long periods of time)
• An increase in appetite
• Anhedonia (or an inability to feel pleasure)
• Malaise
• Discomfort
• Intense dreams and nightmares
• Depression
• Psychosis
• Cravings

Most of the early symptoms of withdrawal from ADHD drugs are similar to a crash one is likely to experience after taking a large dose of these drugs and then coming down. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, “When binge episodes end, the abuser ‘crashes’ and is left with severe depression, anxiety, extreme fatigue, and a craving for more drugs.” Then, over time, withdrawal becomes mostly the struggle of dealing with depressed moods and cravings.

What Are the Possible Deadly Effects of Amphetamine Withdrawal?

Unfortunately, though, a person could experience deadly effects associated with this syndrome. These can include:

Depression

• A person can become severely depressed as a result of amphetamine withdrawal. While this is not immediately life-threatening like some other symptoms associated with other syndromes can be, the individual could experience suicidal thoughts, and if they are not properly treated, they could possibly act on these thoughts.
• Every individual undergoing amphetamine withdrawal must be tested for depression and any other severe mental disorders for their safe treatment and recovery. This is absolutely necessary, as the result could be deadly if clinicians do not act.

Cravings

• Again, cravings themselves are not deadly, but the cravings associated with stimulant withdrawal are some of the most difficult to resist. A person could be likely to relapse as a result of these cravings, which has a much higher chance of causing overdose at this point, as the individual’s tolerance is likely to reduce during detox.
• If you believe you can go through withdrawal by visiting a treatment center frequently and receiving help from friends and loved ones, this is a possible option. However, if you believe your cravings will be too severe and you will be tempted to relapse, it may be safer for you to go through detox in a controlled environment like an inpatient center.

Psychosis

• Psychosis is another possibly deadly result of ADHD medication withdrawal. In fact, the US Department of Veteran Affairs states, “Psychosis is induced more commonly by amphetamine than by cocaine, perhaps because it is difficult to maintain high chronic levels of cocaine in the body.”
• The temporary psychosis sometimes caused by amphetamine withdrawal can create a number of effects, many of them extremely dangerous. These include:
  • Auditory, visual, and tactile hallucinations
  • Violent or aggressive behavior
  • Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
  • Delirium
  • Paranoia
  • Hostility
  • Severe anxiety

 

Though it is not as likely in ADHD medication withdrawal than in other types of withdrawal syndromes, severe symptoms can occur. And if one is not tested and given the appropriate treatment for the effects listed above, amphetamine withdrawal can possibly be deadly. Therefore, one must seek treatment for this issue, even if it is to avoid the possibility of intense cravings leading to relapse (National Library of Medicine).

Find Treatment for Withdrawal from ADHD Drugs Today

Withdrawal can be one of the hardest periods of stimulant abuse and addiction recovery. Without treatment, it is very likely that a person will return to substance abuse, and as illustrated above, other symptoms can create deadly effects as well. If you have been abusing these drugs, let us help you find the right treatment for your needs, starting with detox. Call 800-816-1059(Who Answers?) today.