Even when prescription stimulants are used appropriately under the care of a doctor or healthcare professional, side effects can occur. Because prescription stimulants alter your brain’s activity, misuse or abuse of these medications can be dangerous. When your brain becomes more active, it sends signals throughout the body that increase blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. If the wrong amount of medication is taken, these signals may cause serious problems, including, distorted thinking (or paranoia), irregular heartbeat, heart failure, seizures, or even death.

If you take prescription stimulants or any other kind of medications, be sure to follow your doctor’s or other healthcare professional’s directions to avoid harmful or deadly side effects!

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