All articles tagged with #stimulant drugs
Originally Published 13 days ago — by IFLScience
New research shows that ADHD medications like Ritalin and Adderall primarily act on the brain's reward and wakefulness centers, rather than directly improving attention, which may explain their effectiveness in managing hyperactivity and the importance of sleep in treatment.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Daily Mail
The ongoing shortage of Adderall, a medication used to treat ADHD, in the United States is driving some patients to turn to methamphetamine as a substitute, according to social workers. The shortage, which began in October 2022, has persisted for over a year, leaving individuals with ADHD struggling to access their prescribed medication. Both Adderall and methamphetamine are amphetamines that help address dopamine imbalances in individuals with ADHD. The shortage has been attributed to worker and supply shortages at Teva Pharmaceuticals, a major manufacturer of Adderall. The increased demand for ADHD evaluation and treatment has also contributed to the scarcity. The reliance on meth as an alternative poses significant risks, as it is a highly addictive and dangerous substance.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Undark Magazine
As the opioid crisis shows signs of slowing down, experts warn of a potential new wave of an emerging stimulant crisis in the US. Overdoses involving both stimulants and fentanyl have increased dramatically in recent years, indicating a shift in substance abuse patterns. Methamphetamine and cocaine are the primary stimulant drugs of concern, with methamphetamine-related overdose deaths nearly tripling from 2015 to 2019. Synthetic drugs, created in labs to mimic the effects of naturally occurring drugs, pose a significant threat. Counterfeit drugs like Captagon, known as "poor man's cocaine," are already popular in the Middle East and could potentially gain traction in the US. To address this looming crisis, improved data collection, monitoring, and collaboration across public health and law enforcement organizations are crucial.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Fox News
The U.S. is experiencing a "fourth wave" of opioid overdose deaths, characterized by a significant increase in fentanyl mixed with stimulant drugs, according to experts. A study by UCLA found that the number of overdose deaths involving a combination of fentanyl and stimulants rose by over 50-fold between 2010 and 2015. Polysubstance use has become the norm, with fentanyl being mixed with various substances. The current wave began in 2015, with fentanyl mixed with stimulants becoming the dominant force in the overdose crisis. The combination of fentanyl and stimulants poses unprecedented dangers for drug users and challenges for healthcare providers. Overdose deaths involving fentanyl-stimulant combinations were highest among certain racial groups. Experts emphasize the need for increased awareness, access to naloxone (Narcan), and a concerted effort to address the ongoing crisis.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Jerusalem Post
A study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Melbourne challenges the notion that drugs like Adderall and Ritalin enhance cognitive abilities. The study involved 40 healthy participants between the ages of 18 and 35 and revealed that the usage of these drugs leads to overthinking, resulting in unstable cognitive performance. The study's findings carry significant implications for individuals without ADHD who consider using drugs like Adderall and Ritalin to enhance their cognitive abilities. Further research is needed to gain a comprehensive understanding of the effects of these stimulant drugs on neurotypical individuals.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by New York Post
A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Melbourne found that taking stimulant drugs like Adderall and Ritalin without having ADHD can make you less productive. The study tested the effects of three “smart drugs” on 40 “healthy” participants aged between 18 and 35 years old and found that the drugs had the opposite effect on some participants, causing small decreases in accuracy and efficiency while completing tasks, along with large increases in the time and effort put into the tasks. The study’s authors noted that more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of these stimulants in neurotypical people.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by PsyPost
Men in the United States face a significantly higher risk of overdose deaths involving opioids and stimulant drugs compared to women, according to a recent study examining death records. The research showed that men had 2-3 times higher rates of overdose mortality from opioids and psychostimulants. While men use drugs more frequently than women, the study highlighted that this disparity alone does not account for the difference in overdose deaths. A combination of biological, behavioral, and social factors likely contribute to the increased mortality risk for men.