Amphetamine Overdose: Care Instructions
Overview
If you made a mistake with a medicine, think you’ve taken too much, or think you’ve taken the wrong medicine, call the Alberta Poison Centre at 1-800-332-1414 right away. Follow the advice they give about treatment.
This information is for care after you’ve been seen by a doctor, pharmacist, or have called the Poison Centre.
You have been treated for taking too much of an amphetamine. You are getting better, but you may not feel well for a while. It takes time for the drug to leave your body. How long it takes to feel better depends on the drug and how much you took.
Amphetamines are stimulants. Doctors may prescribe them to treat conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Taking too much of a stimulant can increase your heart rate and blood pressure. You may become shaky and restless. You may have chills, nausea, and vomiting. You may see or hear things that seem real but aren't (hallucinations). Or you may believe things that are not true (delusions).
When the doctor treated you for the overdose, they may have:
- Watched your symptoms or done tests to find out what kind of drugs you took.
- Tried to clear the drugs from your body by pumping your stomach or giving you medicine to absorb the drugs.
- Given you fluids to help prevent damage to your kidneys.
- Given you medicine to help make you calm.
- Treated you to help control your heart rate and blood pressure.
The doctor also watched you carefully to make sure you were recovering safely.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor or nurse advice line (811 in most provinces and territories) if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- Take good care of yourself. When you take amphetamines regularly, your body gets used to them. This is called physical dependence. If you are physically dependent on amphetamines, you may have withdrawal symptoms when you stop using them or you use less. These include drowsiness, vivid dreaming, hunger, and feeling tired and depressed. You may also feel confused and have trouble thinking clearly. To help get past these:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink lots of fluids.
- Stay active, but don't tire yourself.
- Eat healthy foods.
- Get help to stop using amphetamines. Talk to your doctor about substance use treatment programs.
- If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away or call the Alberta Poison Centre at 1-800-332-1414.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You feel you cannot stop from hurting yourself or someone else.
Where to get help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
If you or someone you know talks about suicide, self-harm, a mental health crisis, a substance use crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress, get help right away.
- Call or text Canada's suicide and crisis hotline at 988.
- Call Talk Suicide Canada: 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 (4 p.m. to midnight ET).
- Kids or teens can call Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.
- Go to the Talk Suicide Canada website at https://talksuicide.ca or the Kids Help Phone website at https://kidshelpphone.ca for more information.
Consider saving these numbers in your phone.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor or nurse advice line if:
- You need more help or support to stop.
Where can you learn more?
Go to https://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter D486 in the search box to learn more about "Amphetamine Overdose: Care Instructions".
Adaptation Date: 2/23/2024
Adapted By: Alberta Health Services
Adaptation Reviewed By: Alberta Health Services
