Ever wonder if those medications you take to stay focused could mess with your head? Adderall is great for concentration, but it can also cause wild hallucinations and delusions. We’re talking full-on psychosis, where you lose touch with reality.
Who’s at risk, and what does it feel like when Adderall makes you psychotic? Let’s explore the dark side of concentration medications, whether they can trigger schizophrenia, and how to stop an Adderall-induced mental break.
Jump to Section
What is Psychosis?
Psychosis refers to a loss of contact with reality. When someone experiences psychosis, they have trouble telling what’s real and what’s not. During a psychotic episode, you may hear voices or see things that aren’t there (hallucinations). You might become paranoid or have false beliefs (delusions) that you can’t let go of, even when presented with evidence that contradicts them. Your thoughts and speech may become disorganized or nonsensical. You may behave oddly or seem out of touch with your surroundings.
Psychosis can be a symptom of a mental health condition like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or severe depression, as well as substance abuse, brain injury, or certain medical conditions. Recreational drugs like Adderall can also trigger psychotic episodes in some people, especially if misused or taken in high doses. Those with a family history of psychosis or schizophrenia are most at risk.
Adderall psychosis will usually go away once the drug leaves your system. However, psychosis can be a frightening experience and may require medical care. Treatment options such as antipsychotic medications and comprehensive therapies are available to address the underlying condition and mitigate the risk of future episodes. Looking ahead, promising advancements like neurofeedback offer hope for symptom alleviation with minimal side effects.
What Are The Risk Factors and Dangers of Adderall Psychosis?
Adderall, a prescription medication primarily used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, can potentially increase the risk of psychosis in some individuals. While it is rare, there have been reported cases of psychosis associated with the use of Adderall.
Several factors can contribute to this risk, including:
- Individual Susceptibility: Some people may be more prone to experiencing psychosis due to their biology or predisposition to mental health conditions.
- Dosage: Taking higher doses of Adderall, especially beyond prescribed levels or in ways other than directed by a healthcare professional, can increase the risk of adverse effects, including psychosis.
- Pre-existing Mental Health Conditions: Individuals with a history of mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychosis are at higher risk when using Adderall. It can exacerbate existing symptoms or trigger new episodes of psychosis.
- Substance Abuse: Concurrent use of Adderall with other substances, particularly stimulants or drugs that affect the central nervous system, can elevate the risk of psychosis.
- Length of Use: Prolonged or chronic use of Adderall may increase the likelihood of adverse effects, including psychosis.
The Link to Schizophrenia
Psychosis induced by Adderall is typically temporary. However, if episodes persist or recur over time, it could indicate an underlying condition such as schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder. The best way to avoid Adderall psychosis is by taking the medication only as prescribed, being aware of the risks, and monitoring yourself for any concerning changes.
If you experience symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations, delusions, or notable changes in mood or behavior while using Adderall, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Only a doctor can accurately assess whether your symptoms might be linked to a more serious issue.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms of Psychosis?
Before experiencing an Adderall psychosis episode, you may notice warning signs such as:
- Decline in self-care or personal hygiene
- Decreased performance at work or school
- Difficulty concentrating
- Impaired thinking abilities
- Suspiciousness or paranoid thoughts
- Discomfort around others
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy
- Communication difficulties or confused speech
- Sleep disturbances, such as insomnia or oversleeping
While each person may experience these warning signs differently, Adderall psychosis symptoms and indicators could include:
- Hallucinations: Seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not real. This may involve hearing voices, seeing objects or people that aren’t there, or feeling sensations on the skin without any external cause.
- Delusions: Holding false beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary. These beliefs can be paranoid (feeling persecuted or targeted), grandiose (having inflated self-importance or abilities), or bizarre (believing in something implausible).
- Disorganized thinking: Difficulty organizing thoughts or making logical connections between ideas. This can result in incoherent speech, rapid or tangential speech patterns, or jumping from one topic to another unrelated one.
- Disorganized or abnormal behavior: Acting in ways that are unusual or unpredictable, such as displaying agitation, aggression, or catatonia (immobility and unresponsiveness).
- Negative symptoms: These include a lack of motivation, reduced emotional expression, social withdrawal, and difficulties with personal hygiene or self-care.
- Impaired insight: Many individuals experiencing psychosis may not recognize that their thoughts or perceptions are distorted, making it challenging to accept help or treatment.
Acute psychosis duration can vary widely depending on individual factors such as the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and response to treatment. Acute psychosis typically refers to a relatively short-term episode of psychosis, which may last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. However, in some cases, acute psychosis can persist for several months before resolving or transitioning into a chronic condition.
Treating Adderall Psychosis and Using NIR Therapy
Treatment for Adderall psychosis depends on the severity of your symptoms. For mild cases, your doctor may simply have you stop taking Adderall or undergo a detox process. More severe psychotic episodes may require hospitalization and antipsychotic medications to stabilize your condition.
Once stabilized, near-infrared light (NIR) therapy has shown promise for reducing psychotic symptoms and preventing future episodes. NIR therapy exposes the brain to specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light, which can have therapeutic effects. Studies found that NIR reduced psychotic symptoms like delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking in people with schizophrenia. NIR therapy is non-invasive, has no side effects, and shows potential for effectively managing psychosis.
The light is administered via a device placed on the scalp, which provides full brain exposure. Many patients experience symptom relief after just 1-2 treatments, though multiple sessions are often needed for maximum and sustained benefit.
With proper treatment and management, Adderall can still be safely used under a doctor’s supervision. Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are crucial to track progress, adjust treatment as necessary, and address any emerging concerns or complications. However, psychosis is a serious medical condition that should not be underestimated as it develops.
Adderall FAQ
Adderall is a prescription medication commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It contains a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine, which are stimulants that affect the chemicals in the brain to help with impulse control and hyperactivity.
While uncommon, Adderall has been associated with the development of psychosis, especially in individuals with a predisposition to psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Psychosis refers to a mental state characterized by a loss of contact with reality, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.
Individuals with a history of psychiatric disorders, particularly schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or psychotic symptoms, are at a higher risk of experiencing psychosis while taking Adderall. Additionally, misuse or abuse of Adderall (especially at high doses), can increase the risk of adverse psychiatric reactions.
Psychosis is a rare side effect of Adderall use, but it has been reported in some cases, particularly when the medication is taken at high doses or for an extended period. The risk of psychosis is higher in individuals who misuse or abuse Adderall, as well as those with underlying psychiatric vulnerabilities.
Yes, psychosis associated with Adderall use can be treated with appropriate medical intervention. Treatment may involve discontinuing Adderall under medical supervision, managing symptoms with antipsychotic medications, and providing supportive care. It is essential to follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations and attend follow-up appointments for monitoring and adjustments to your treatment plan.
To reduce the risk of psychosis from Adderall use, it is essential to take the medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider and to avoid misuse or abuse. Be honest with your doctor about any personal or family history of psychiatric disorders, as this information can help inform treatment decisions. Additionally, be mindful of any changes in mood or behavior while taking Adderall and report them to your healthcare provider promptly.
Yes, there are alternative treatments available for ADHD and narcolepsy that do not involve stimulant medications, like Adderall. These may include non-stimulant medications, behavioral therapies, lifestyle modifications, and other interventions tailored to individual needs. Discuss your options with your healthcare provider to determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your condition.
Seeking Help at Northern Illinois Recovery Center
Adderall is classified as a Schedule II-controlled substance due to its addictive nature, potential for misuse, and serious side effects, including psychosis. If you suspect that you or someone you know is struggling with Adderall addiction, Northern Illinois Recovery can help provide support and resources for recovery. Remember, the sooner treatment for psychosis is initiated, the more successful it is likely to be.
Don’t let psychosis or addiction jeopardize your life. Talk to us today and learn more about our comprehensive addiction recovery programs.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
© 2023 Northern Illinois Recovery.