Adderall Toxicity in Dogs

Adderall is a drug found in human medicine to treat certain conditions.  It belongs to the drug classification known as amphetamines which happens to also include illegal drugs like crystal meth.  If your dog ingests this medication, it is a serious condition that must be treated as soon as possible.  Symptoms of toxicity can range from vomiting, diarrhea, and panting to something more severe such as aggression, seizures and elevated heart rate.  

If you did not witness your dog ingesting adderall and are unsure of the toxicity your dog is experiencing, diagnostic lab work will need to be performed.  Treatment will include hospitalization, fluids, decontamination, and administration of medications.  Prognosis of recovery will depend on how quickly you sought treatment for your dog, the amount he ingested, and how he responds to the treatments.

If your dog ingests any amount of adderall it is considered a medical emergency.  You need to get him to a veterinarian immediately.

Symptoms of adderall toxicity in your dog may include but are not limited to:

• Drooling 
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea 
• Panting 
• Agitation
• Aggression
• Sedation
• Hypertension 
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Elevated heart rate 

The onset of your dog’s symptoms will vary depending on how much he ingested and his sensitivity to the medication.  

Types

Toxicity from adderall ingestion is considered moderate to severe.  This medication is classified as an amphetamine and is used for a variety of medical condition and illegal reasons.  Legal forms of this medication include prescription for ADD or ADHD while illegal drugs of this classification include crystal meth and ecstasy.

Amphetamines cause over-stimulation of the nervous system when absorbed by the body.  The typical body systems affected in your dog by toxicity of this medication includes the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.  If your dog is poisoned by adderall is typically accidental as a result of him being curious and getting into people’s medications.

Your veterinarian will begin by performing a full physical exam on your dog.  She will take his vitals, check his awareness and note any sensitivity anywhere in his body.  She will also want to collect a verbal history from you.  She will want to know when his symptoms started, how they have progressed, if you witnessed him ingesting anything or if you suspect he did, or anything else helpful in regards to his situation.    

If you find your dog was chewing on a bottle of medication before his symptoms began, be sure to bring the medication with you.  This will allow your veterinarian to know exactly what your pet ingested, the dosage and how many pills.  She will therefore be able to begin her treatment plan as soon as possible.  If you are unsure he ate any type of medication but suspect it, bring it will you to the veterinarian just in case.  

If your veterinarian is unsure of what is causing your dog’s symptoms, she will begin her diagnosis with blood work and additional lab work. A urine sample will be collected for a urinalysis.  This will give information on the health of your dog’s kidneys and bladder.  In regards to blood work, a complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry panel will provide your veterinarian with general information on how your pet’s organs are functioning.  Dogs with adderall toxicity typically have high urine specific gravity and evidence of myoglobinuria.  Blood work may indicate if your dog is experiencing disseminated intravascular coagulopathy.  It will also indicate if your dog is experiencing any degree of renal failure or hypoglycemia.

Additional tests may include checking the electrolyte levels and the acid-base status within your dog’s body.  Amphetamine medication can be found present in the urine, blood and saliva.  If your veterinarian needs further diagnostics, she will perform them based on your dog’s symptoms.

If your dog is experiencing toxicity from ingesting adderall, he will need immediate medical care.  Decontamination is ideal in cases of toxicity.  If it has not been too long, the veterinarian will attempt to induce vomiting to expel the drugs from your dog’s stomach.  If this is unsuccessful, she may choose to administer activated charcoal or some other form of absorbent to make the drug within his system unable to bind to the receptors within the body.  

He will also need supportive care until the drugs leave his system completely.  He will need to be hospitalized for treatment and monitoring of his situation.  An intravenous catheter will be placed in one of his front legs as soon as possible in order to begin administration of intravenous fluids.  The fluids will correct any degree of dehydration your dog is experiencing as well as correct any electrolyte imbalances.  The fluids will also support renal function and flush the toxin from his system quicker.  

If your dog is suffering hyperthermia, his intravenous fluids will be cool in order to lower his body temperature.  Your veterinarian will also place him in an area that is cool with fans on him and use cool water for baths.  If his body temperature remains elevated for too long, it can lead to a whole other series of symptoms and health concerns. 

Your companion will need to be kept in a quiet place to avoid stimulus and minimize his activity level.  Keeping him calm will prevent him from accidentally hurting himself as a result of the tremors, seizures or severe sedation.  Medications will be administered depending on what symptoms your dog is experiencing.  Additional therapies will be administered by the veterinarian as needed by your dog.

Your dog’s prognosis of recovery is affected directly by how much adderall he ingested and therefore, the severity of his toxicity.  Your dog will need immediate medical attention after ingesting the medication; the sooner you get him to his veterinarian the higher his chances at recovery. The best thing you can do for your dog is prevent him from experiencing toxicity in the first place.  Be sure to keep all medications at a high level in your home so that your dog cannot reach them, even when standing on his hind legs.