No, This is Extremely Dangerous and Not Appropriate
Intravenous administration of Adderall is never appropriate and represents a life-threatening misuse of this medication that can cause severe cardiovascular complications, seizures, hyperthermia, and death. 1, 2
Why This is Dangerous
Route of Administration
- Adderall is formulated exclusively for oral administration and contains inactive ingredients that are not safe for intravenous injection 1
- Intravenous injection bypasses normal absorption mechanisms, causing immediate and uncontrolled delivery of extremely high amphetamine concentrations to the heart and brain 2
- This route dramatically increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, stroke, seizures, and sudden death 2
Dose Concerns
- The maximum recommended daily dose of Adderall (immediate-release or extended-release combined) is 50 mg per day 1, 3
- Your described regimen of 30 mg extended-release plus 5 mg (by any route) totals 35 mg, which is within the daily maximum only if both doses are taken orally 1
- However, any intravenous use represents drug abuse and medical emergency, regardless of total daily dose 2
Life-Threatening Complications of IV Amphetamine Use
Immediate Risks
- Cardiovascular: Severe tachycardia, hypertensive crisis, myocardial infarction, stroke, and cardiac arrest 2
- Neurological: Seizures, hyperthermia (potentially fatal), tremors, and altered mental status 2
- Metabolic: Hypoglycemia and severe electrolyte disturbances 2
Clinical Presentation of Overdose
- Hyperactivity, hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnea, mydriasis (dilated pupils), tremors, and seizures are characteristic of amphetamine toxicity 2
- Intravenous administration accelerates and intensifies all of these effects 2
Correct Adderall Administration
Oral Administration Only
- Adderall extended-release 30 mg should be taken once daily in the morning, swallowed whole 1
- If additional dosing is needed for symptom control, this should be discussed with your prescribing physician who may adjust the extended-release dose or add immediate-release doses taken orally 1
- The extended-release capsule should never be crushed, as this destroys the sustained-release mechanism and can cause dangerous immediate release of the full dose 1
Dose Optimization
- If 30 mg extended-release is insufficient, your physician can increase the dose in 5-10 mg increments up to the maximum of 50 mg daily 1, 3
- Alternatively, your physician may prescribe immediate-release Adderall to supplement the extended-release formulation, with both doses taken orally only 1
Critical Action Required
If you or someone you know is injecting Adderall intravenously, this constitutes a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention:
- Stop all intravenous use immediately 2
- Contact your prescribing physician or seek emergency medical care to discuss appropriate ADHD management 1
- If acute symptoms of amphetamine toxicity are present (rapid heart rate, chest pain, severe agitation, seizures, hyperthermia), call emergency services immediately 2
Treatment of Amphetamine Toxicity
- Emergency management includes benzodiazepines for seizures and agitation, beta-blockers (such as propranolol) for cardiac tachyarrhythmias, and intravenous fluids for hyperthermia and renal protection 4, 2
- Phentolamine (5 mg IV bolus) may be used for hypertensive emergencies induced by amphetamine overdose 4
Common Pitfall to Avoid
Never attempt to enhance or accelerate the effects of prescribed stimulants by changing the route of administration. This represents drug abuse, voids any legitimate medical purpose, and creates immediate life-threatening risk 2. If your current oral regimen is inadequate, work with your physician to optimize dosing within safe parameters 1.