Chances of death from Adderall?!


Question: Chances of death from Adderall?
Hi I'm 15 and I started seeing a specialist, Dr. Ziai, who gave me a prescription for 20mg Adderall to help with weight loss to prevent from getting Type 2 Diabetes. I know that there are chances of sudden death, heart attacks, strokes, etc. when you are taking Adderall. I don't have any heart defects, but I am wondering what the chances are of any of these effects happening. Thanks.

Answers:

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Actually there is no data that shows Adderall (mixed amphetamine salts) can cause heart attack, sudden death, or other serious problems EXCEPT in people with structural cardiac abnormalities, other serious heart problems, or people heavily abusing the drug at high doses. In theory taking an amphetamine at a medically appropriate dose can cause problems but it is just theory. The official Adderall product monograph (a 37 page document about Adderall for physicians) says, "Theoretically there exists a pharmacological potential for all ADHD drugs to increase the risk of sudden/cardiac death. Although confirmation of an incremental risk for adverse cardiac events arising from treatment with ADHD medications is lacking, prescribers should consider this potential risk."

There have been people who have died of heart attack and other problems when taking Adderall but not at a higher rate than the general population. It is also important for blood pressure to be monitored since some people experience significant hypertension from Adderall and chronic hypertension can cause cardiovascular complications. In clinical trials the only cardiovascular symptoms reported (with the %) were tachycardia (rapid heart rate)- 6% (3% placebo), hypertension (high blood pressure)- 2%, palpitation (able to feel the heart beat)- 4%, and vasodilation (widening of blood vessels)- 1%

So the risk is about zero. And keep in mind your doctor prescribed Adderall only after considering the potential benefits vs. the potential risks and clearly he feels the benefits outweigh the risks. Also developing type 2 diabetes will most certainly increase the risk of many problems.

M.D., C.M. psychiatry, internal medicine (Québec)
Hons. BSc pharmacology



Oh that's nice.

A medicine prescribed for depression that can cause suicidal thoughts or actions.

Is this the homeopathic function of mainstream medicine?

Thank you for waking up my curiosity for some western medicine.




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