Prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin are commonly used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. When these medications are used as prescribed, they are generally safe and may help improve focus. However, they carry a risk of misuse. In 2023, about 3.9 million people over the age of 12 in the U.S. misused prescription stimulants. Misuse may lead to dependence or addiction and cause physical side effects.
It’s possible for your use of stimulants to shift without even realizing it. At Groups, we are here to support you. We can help you work through the challenge and improve your well-being. Let’s explore the risks of misusing prescription stimulants, so you know when it’s time to reach out for help.
5 possible side effects of misusing prescription stimulants
If you’re using Adderall, Ritalin, or another stimulant as prescribed, the risk of the following side effects is lower. Taking higher doses, not knowing potential issues, or combining them with other substances may seriously impact your health. If you’ve experienced any of the following side effects, you can reach out to your health care provider for help managing them.
1. Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Stimulants can cause your heart rate and blood pressure to rise temporarily. When these medications are not taken as prescribed, they make the heart work harder. This strain may lead to artery damage, heart attack, or stroke.
If you’re taking these medications, you can regularly check your heart rate and blood pressure to make sure they’re not elevated. If needed, your provider can determine if you need a smaller dose or another medication. They can recommend a safe and effective way to protect your heart.
2. Sleep disruption
Stimulants can make it more difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. Taking a higher dose of them can lead to chronic insomnia. As your body becomes more alert on these medications, it may become harder to get enough quality sleep. This can impact your mood, focus, and overall health. Some people turn to higher doses to fight the fatigue.
If you’re not sleeping well, talk to your provider. They can modify your medication to help you sleep more easily.
3. Mood swings
Taking stimulants in a way that differs from your prescription can affect your brain chemistry. These medications increase dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters that work together to regulate mood. Sometimes, people become irritated as stimulants wear off. Misusing stimulants can lead to more severe mood swings.
If you’re noticing that you’re going through rapid mood shifts, talk to your provider about adjusting your medication. A lower dosage or another medication may be better for helping you feel emotionally balanced.
4. Anxiety
When used as prescribed, stimulants can help you focus. Taking a high dose can heighten your body’s fight-or-flight response, leading to anxiety.
Symptoms include:
- Nervousness
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Jitteriness
- Rapid breathing
Talk to your provider if you’ve been experiencing these signs. It can also be helpful to avoid additional stimulants, like caffeine, because they can make these side effects worse.
5. Malnutrition
Stimulants can decrease your appetite, leading to weight loss. When taken in high doses or without food, they can be associated with malnutrition and increase the risk of eating disorders like anorexia.
If you’ve been losing a lot of weight since taking stimulants, talk to your provider. They can adjust your medication to help you keep more balanced eating patterns.
How prescription stimulant use and other substance use can be connected
Sometimes, prescription stimulant use can occur with other substance use. One national study found that among adolescents who misused prescription stimulants in the past year, 53% reported alcohol use disorder and 48% reported cannabis use disorder. If you are using more than one substance and want support, Groups can help you.
Groups can help you with prescription stimulant recovery
Prescription stimulants can be safe and effective when you follow your provider’s instructions. However, misuse may lead to heart problems, sleep disruption, mood swings, anxiety, and/or malnutrition. Identifying these warning signs can help you know when to reach out to your provider. They may decide to adjust your medication to help protect your health and well-being.
Whether you’re experiencing stimulant use disorder on its own or with another condition, Groups is here to help you. We create a judgment-free, supportive space for you to work through your challenges and recognize what you’re capable of achieving.
While we currently offer support for stimulant use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and cannabis use disorder in Iowa only, we can recommend treatment options near you. We also currently offer treatment for opioid use disorder at all of our locations and are working to expand our services. No matter where you live, you can feel free to reach out to us for support. We can help you find helpful resources in your area to help you on your path to recovery.
Give our Recovery Support Coordinators a call today at 888-858-1723 for more information or to begin your recovery. We provide treatment across the country — and we’re always expanding. See if we offer care in your state, either online or at one of our 130+ local offices. If Groups doesn’t offer treatment in your area, you can locate other treatment options here.
