What are Stimulants?
- Stimulants are drugs that increase focus, awareness, and activity. Often times, people with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and sleep disorders are prescribed stimulants.
- Examples of stimulants include:
- Adderall (dextroamphetamine & amphetamine)
- Meth (methamphetamine)
- MDMA or ecstasy/molly (methylenedioxymethamphetamine)
- Ritalin (methylphenidate)
- Cocaine
- Marijuana
- Caffeine
What Can Lead to a Stimulant Overdose?
- Taking multiple stimulants together
- Stimulants and depressants can mask each other’s effects. Because one may not feel the effects of the stimulant when taking it with a depressant (such as alcohol), they may end up taking in too much stimulant. This can result in a stimulant overdose.
What Are Signs of a Stimulant Overdose?
- Uncontrollable movements and over-activity
- Increased/abnormal breathing and heart rate
- Increased body temperature, resulting in flushed skin and sweating
- Feelings of anger, confusion, and unease
- Hallucinations
- Aches, pains, and stomach cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting and diarrhea
- Loss of consciousness
- Overdose can lead to heart attacks, seizures, strokes, and death
How Can You Help?
- Call 911 and get medical attention immediately
- Keep watch over the person, tracking heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and body temperature
- Keep the person awake and conscious until help arrives
- Bring them to a safe place and keep them calm
- If they are having a seizure, do not try to restrain them. Make sure the area around them is clear.
- Keep the person cool (such as with ice or cool compresses)
- Make sure the person is receiving enough air
- Make sure they don’t drive/bike