Signs of Evekeo (Amphetamine Sulfate) Abuse

What Is Evekeo (Amphetamine Sulfate)?

Evekeo is a prescription stimulant drug. The generic name is amphetamine sulfate. Evekeo was only approved by the FDA for the treatment of ADHD a few years ago. Evekeo can be used in children as young as three years-of-age for ADHD treatment. As a stimulant, Evekeo speeds up certain functions of the central nervous system, like the heart rate and breathing. Evekeo is also believed to help treat ADHD symptoms by changing the amount of certain neurotransmitters available in the brain, like dopamine and norepinephrine. The DEA has classified Evekeo as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse, addiction, and dependence. When Evekeo is used as prescribed, the risk of addiction is lower than for people who recreationally abuse the drug.

Symptoms of Evekeo Abuse

Evekeo is abused because it affects “feel-good” brain neurotransmitters like dopamine, which can result in a euphoric high. This high is particularly pronounced when someone abuses large doses of Evekeo. People may also abuse the drug in order to work or study for long periods of time, to stay awake, or to lose weight. Amphetamine abuse is especially prevalent among teens and college students. These drugs are widely available since they are so often prescribed to young people. They’re sometimes abused by teens who want to study or party for long periods of time. Symptoms of Evekeo abuse can include:

• Talking fast
• Seeming to be more social than normal
• Staying awake for long periods of time
• Dilated pupils
• Increased sweating
• Concentrating on something for long periods of time
• Seeming aggressive or irritable
• Seeming very excited
• Nervousness
• Increased energy
• Decreased appetite

Along with physical symptoms of Evekeo abuse, there may be lifestyle changes as well. Someone is considered to be abusing Evekeo if they’re taking large doses. Other signs of Evekeo abuse are using it without a prescription or using it more often than prescribed. Some people will crush Evekeo tablets in order to snort or inject the drug. This causes a more rapid and more potent high. Evekeo abuse doesn’t necessarily mean that someone is addicted to the drug, but abuse can lead to addiction and dependence.

Side Effects of Evekeo Abuse

Along with the potential for addiction and dependence, there are other side effects of Evekeo abuse that can occur. Some can be severe or even deadly. First, stimulant use has been linked to stroke, heart attack and sudden death in some people. This is especially true in people who have a history of cardiac issues or high blood pressure. Amphetamine abuse can also cause changes in mood or behavior, or new or worsening psychosis. The risk of these mental side effects is the highest in people with a history of bipolar disorder, depression or mental illness. Common side effects of Evekeo abuse can include:

• Gastrointestinal symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting
• Weight loss
• Sleep disturbances
• Changes in mood
• Dry mouth
• Nosebleeds
• Increased heart rate
• Headaches
• Sexual problems
• Elevated body temperature

When people abuse Evekeo, they will also experience a crash, in many cases. A crash from a stimulant drug occurs as the effects wear off and the brain tries to regain a sense of normalcy, even when certain neurotransmitters are depleted. Signs of an Evekeo crash can include depression, loss of motivation, anxiety and fatigue. This is different from amphetamine withdrawal because it can occur even when someone has used the drug only once.

Evekeo Addiction

Evekeo affects brain neurotransmitters, brain function and neural pathways. These effects make it an addictive substance. Someone with an Evekeo addiction may feel like they can’t function without it. The person may feel like they can’t work, study or be in social situations unless they are using Evekeo. Evekeo addiction is defined as the compulsive, continued and out-of-control use of the drug. Someone with an Evekeo addiction may try to stop using it or cut down their usage, but they’re usually unsuccessful. Evekeo addiction symptoms can also include continuing to use it even when there are negative effects. Evekeo addiction often leads a person to put their use of the drug ahead of all other priorities in their life. Someone with a drug addiction will tend to have problems at school, at work, and in relationships as a result of their preoccupation with the drug. Evekeo addiction may also be accompanied by addictions to other substances as well. For example, people addicted to stimulants like Evekeo will frequently use depressants as well. The depressants can help them come down from the stimulant high.

Evekeo Long-Term Effects

The use of drugs like Evekeo and other amphetamines over the long-term can be extremely dangerous. Long-term use of Evekeo can cause psychiatric side effects like paranoia and hallucinations. Someone who has abused the drug for a long time may display aggression or violent behavior. Evekeo abuse can lead to convulsions, cardiac damage and damage to the brain and other organs. The longer someone uses Evekeo, the higher the dose they are likely to take because they develop a tolerance. This can put them at risk for an amphetamine overdose. Someone who has chronically abused Evekeo may experience extreme weight loss or malnutrition, and they are at a greater risk of having a stroke. Over time, it also becomes difficult for the brain to make certain neurotransmitters on its own, such as dopamine. People who struggle with Evekeo addiction may feel low moods or depression, as a result.

Related Topic: Amphetamine overdose treatment

The Recovery Village is here now to talk and to help you take the next step toward treatment for yourself or your loved one.