Important Information on "Study" Drugs

Adderall and Ritalin (in their various forms) are central nervous stimulants that are prescribed for specific individuals who have what is believed to be a special brain chemistry that results in problems with attention and concentration. For such individuals, these stimulants (amphetamines) prescribed in very specific doses may have beneficial effects by inhibiting certain neural centers in addition to the mild “speed-like” effects through the central nervous system, including increases in respiration and cardiac functioning. Because of their neurologic effects, the amphetamines are not only prescription drugs but are also on a short list of “controlled” drugs issues by the FDA. In addition, amphetamines used during periods of sleep deprivation or in the presence of other physiological stressors can result in a variety of negative outcomes including severe anxiety attacks, brief psychosis (which often cannot be distinguished from paranoid schizophrenia), hypertension, cardiac dysrhythmias, and seizures. In short, these are powerful drugs that can have very serious effects when a safe dosing range has not been determined for an individual by a licensed professional.

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