Fake Adderall Pills: Can Counterfeit Pills Lead To Overdose?

Health officials at universities across the country, including Ohio State University, have issued warnings about counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl, as the practice of buying ADHD medications illicitly has grown among college students.

According to Dr. Shivers and the Columbus Public Health, counterfeit Adderall pills have been found to contain the highly potent synthetic opioid fentanyl — a main driver in the nation’s overdose deaths.

National trends show, it’s not just in Ohio where this is occurring. Lab testing shows fake pills marketed as amphetamines often contain powerful substances that could cause fatal overdose.

What Are Fake Adderall Pills?

Fake pills, also known as counterfeit pills, are drugs that are sold on the street as prescription medications. For instance, illicit attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) pills.

Fake Adderall may be manufactured to look like its legal counterpart. However, this does not mean the pills contain the same ingredients as the prescription medication.

What Are The Dangers Of Fake Adderall Pills?

Buying Adderall on the street can be dangerous in part because illicit pills often contain toxic ingredients and additives.

This can also be a sign of Adderall misuse or addiction. Misusing this medication can pose some moderate to severe health risks, both in the short term and over time.

However, one of the biggest concerns associated with fake Adderall pills at this time is increasing reports of these pills containing fentanyl.

What Causes Counterfeit Pill Overdose?

Overdose broadly occurs when you take too much of one or more drugs.

What’s believed to be currently driving counterfeit pill overdose, however, is the addition of drugs like methamphetamine and fentanyl to pills.

Unfortunately, fentanyl overdose can occur very easily, and after taking even a small amount, if you don’t have an existing tolerance for opioids.

Signs Of Fake Adderall Pill Overdose

If you or someone you know buys Adderall on the street, knowing the signs of a drug overdose can be life-saving.

Signs of an overdose may include:

• difficulty breathing
• slow, shallow, or stopped breathing
• clammy skin
• unresponsiveness
• pinpoint pupils
• unusual changes in heart rate or blood pressure
• loss of consciousness

Actual overdose symptoms may vary, depending on the types of drugs the pills contain, as well as the amount taken and other factors.

Call 911 immediately if someone is showing symptoms of an overdose. Hospitalization may be required.

What Can Prevent Counterfeit Drug Overdose?

Counterfeit pill overdose is a serious concern, particularly among college students who obtain Adderall illicitly to improve focus or academic performance.

According to health experts, there are several ways to help prevent accidental overdose:

Avoid Buying Illicit Pills

According to 2023 DEA laboratory testing, approximately 7 in 10 counterfeit pills seized contained a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl, up significantly from earlier estimates.

Illicit Adderall use carries with it several dangers and should be avoided when possible.

Never buy Adderall sold on the street, and talk to your doctor before attempting to replace Adderall with an alternative.

Drug Testing

Fentanyl test strips are a tool that can test drugs to see if they contain fentanyl.

Fentanyl test strips are now legal in the majority of U.S. states, following a wave of legislative changes between 2022 and 2024. They are available at many pharmacies, harm reduction organizations, and public health departments. A small number of states still restrict their use, so make sure to check your state’s current laws.

Sme public health departments, law enforcement agencies, and harm reduction organizations also distribute the test strips.

Naloxone

Having naloxone on hand is another way to help prevent fatal overdose. Naloxone, also known as Narcan, can reverse an opioid overdose when administered quickly.

As of September 2023, naloxone nasal spray (Narcan) is available over the counter at most pharmacies without a prescription.

Drug Education

Educating on the potential risks and dangers of illicit Adderall use, as well as the increasing presence of fentanyl-contaminated drugs, can help prevent overdose.

Never Use Alone

Having someone present who can call 911 and administer naloxone significantly increases survival odds in the event of overdose.

Getting Help For Drug Addiction

The use of illicit pills can be a sign of drug misuse. If this is the case, getting help as soon as possible is highly recommended.

The worse a drug problem grows, the greater your risk of encountering serious health problems down the road.

Find Help For Substance Use Disorder Today

Our team of specialists at AddictionResource.net works every day to help connect people with addiction treatment options for themselves or loved ones.

Call our helpline for more information about fake Adderall pills or how to find a treatment program for prescription drug misuse today.

Written by the Addiction Resource Editorial Staff