As the name suggests, stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy, as well as elevate blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. Stimulants historically were used to treat asthma and other respiratory problems, obesity, neurological disorders, and a variety of other ailments. But as their potential for abuse and addiction became apparent, the medical use of stimulants began to wane. Now, stimulants are prescribed to treat only a few health conditions, including ADHD, narcolepsy, and occasionally depression—in those who have not responded to other treatments.
Stimulants, such as dextroamphetamine
(Dexedrine and Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin and Concerta), act in the
brain similarly to a family of key brain neurotransmitters called monoamines,
which include norepinephrine and dopamine. Stimulants enhance the effects of
these chemicals in the brain. The associated increase in dopamine can induce a
feeling of euphoria when stimulants are taken nonmedically. Stimulants also
increase blood pressure and heart rate, constrict blood vessels, increase blood
glucose, and open up breathing passages.
The dramatic increases in stimulant
prescriptions over the last 2 decades have led to their greater environmental
availability and increased risk for diversion and abuse. For those who take
these medications to improve properly diagnosed conditions, they can be
transforming, greatly enhancing a person's quality of life. However, because
they are perceived by many to be generally safe and effective, prescription
stimulants, such as Concerta or Adderall, are increasingly being abused to
address nonmedical conditions or situations. Indeed, reports suggest that the
practice is occurring among some academic professionals, athletes, performers,
older people, and both high school and college students. Such nonmedical
cognitive enhancement poses potential health risks, including addiction,
cardiovascular events, and psychosis.
As with other
drugs of abuse, it is possible for individuals to become dependent upon or
addicted to stimulants. Withdrawal symptoms associated with discontinuing
stimulant use include fatigue, depression, and disturbance of sleep patterns.
Repeated abuse of some stimulants (sometimes within a short period) can lead to
feelings of hostility or paranoia, even psychosis. Further, taking high doses
of a stimulant may result in dangerously high body temperature and an irregular
heartbeat. There is also the potential for cardiovascular failure or seizures.Stimulants should not be used with other medications unless authorized by a physician. Patients also should be aware of the dangers associated with mixing stimulants and OTC cold medicines that contain decongestants, as combining these substances may cause blood pressure to become dangerously high or lead to irregular heart rhythms.
Cheryl DePaolo
Director of Ulster Prevention Council
845-458-7406
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