Tag

Stimulants

All articles tagged with #stimulants

Childhood ADHD stimulant use may lower later psychosis risk, study finds
health17 days ago

Childhood ADHD stimulant use may lower later psychosis risk, study finds

A Finnish study of nearly 4,000 children with ADHD found that sustained methylphenidate treatment (Ritalin/Concerta) before age 13 for about 3–4 years did not increase—and may reduce—the risk of developing psychotic disorders later; the overall ADHD–psychosis link may reflect shared genetics rather than medication. Experts caution that findings may not apply to older adolescents and that amphetamine-based treatments could carry higher risk, highlighting the need for more research on dosing, timing, and long-term effects.

Post-pandemic spike in adult ADHD meds prompts clinician concern
health23 days ago

Post-pandemic spike in adult ADHD meds prompts clinician concern

A Canadian CMAJ study finds adult ADHD stimulant prescriptions more than doubled since the start of the COVID-19 era, with a 2024 monthly rate of 10.4 per 1,000 people. The increase is strongest among 25–34-year-olds and women, and the time from first ADHD visit to prescription shortened, suggesting greater access via telehealth and primary-care prescribing. While this may reflect better treatment access, experts warn it could reflect overdiagnosis or rushed evaluations, underscoring the need for thorough assessment.

New Brain Research Changes Understanding of How ADHD Medications Work
health3 months ago

New Brain Research Changes Understanding of How ADHD Medications Work

A large brain imaging study reveals that ADHD medications like Adderall and Ritalin primarily affect brain regions related to arousal and wakefulness, not attention networks as previously believed. These drugs mimic the brain patterns of good sleep, effectively rescuing sleep-deprived children temporarily, but do not enhance cognitive abilities in well-rested children. The findings suggest that sleep issues may underlie some ADHD symptoms and highlight the importance of addressing sleep health.

Alarming 9,000% Rise in Fentanyl Deaths Among Seniors
health5 months ago

Alarming 9,000% Rise in Fentanyl Deaths Among Seniors

Fentanyl-related overdose deaths among seniors have surged by 9,000% over the past eight years, driven by the combination of fentanyl with stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines, highlighting a dangerous and often overlooked aspect of the ongoing opioid epidemic affecting older Americans. Experts emphasize the need for cautious prescribing, increased screening, and harm reduction strategies to address this rising threat.

Rise in senior overdose deaths linked to deadly drug mix
health5 months ago

Rise in senior overdose deaths linked to deadly drug mix

Overdose deaths among Americans aged 65 and older have surged dramatically, with a 9,000% increase in fentanyl-stimulant related deaths over the past eight years, driven by the opioid epidemic and the prevalence of illicit fentanyl mixed with drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines. Experts emphasize the need for cautious prescribing, increased awareness, and overdose prevention strategies for this vulnerable age group.

Rise in Senior Overdose Deaths Due to Dangerous Drug Mix
health5 months ago

Rise in Senior Overdose Deaths Due to Dangerous Drug Mix

Overdose deaths among Americans aged 65 and older have surged dramatically, with a 9,000% increase in fentanyl-stimulant related deaths over the past eight years, driven by the opioid epidemic and the prevalence of illicit fentanyl mixed with drugs like cocaine and methamphetamines. Experts warn that seniors are particularly vulnerable due to chronic health conditions and medication use, emphasizing the need for cautious prescribing, overdose prevention strategies, and increased awareness of the risks associated with illicit drugs.

health7 months ago

Effective Strategies for Managing ADHD

The article emphasizes that stimulant medication is the primary treatment for ADHD and often necessary to effectively implement other coping strategies. It shares personal experiences highlighting the life-changing impact of medication, discusses alternative treatments like non-stimulant drugs, and stresses the importance of professional diagnosis and tailored treatment plans. The discussion also covers various coping mechanisms, medication side effects, and the importance of comprehensive care including therapy and lifestyle adjustments.

Rising Polysubstance Use in Youth and Adults Drives Overdose Deaths
health7 months ago

Rising Polysubstance Use in Youth and Adults Drives Overdose Deaths

Drug overdose deaths involving stimulants in the US have increased since 2011, with over half of overdose deaths involving stimulants during 2021-2024, especially among certain racial groups and with co-involvement of opioids. Older individuals and those with cardiovascular disease are more affected by stimulant-only overdoses. The report emphasizes the need for expanded treatment options and targeted prevention efforts to reduce these deaths.