Shocking New Study: High-Dose Adderall Linked to 5-Fold Increase in Psychosis Risk!
How Online Prescriptions Are Fueling a Dangerous Trend
A recent study led by Dr. Lauren Moran, a pharmacoepidemiology researcher at McLean Hospital, has revealed important findings about the risks associated with high doses of prescription amphetamines like Adderall. Here are the key points from the research:
Study Findings
Individuals taking high doses of amphetamines face a more than 5-fold increased risk of developing psychosis or mania compared to those not taking the medication.
The highest risk was observed in patients taking 30 mg or more of dextroamphetamine, which corresponds to approximately 40 mg of Adderall.
Among people who take prescription amphetamine, 81% of cases of psychosis or mania could potentially have been prevented if they were not on the high dose.
No significant risk increase was seen with methylphenidate (Ritalin) use.
Study Details
The research analyzed electronic health records from Mass General Brigham hospitals between 2005 and 2019.
The study focused on adults aged 16 to 35, examining 1,374 cases of first-episode psychosis or mania and comparing them to 2,748 control patients hospitalized for other psychiatric conditions.
Researchers accounted for other factors, including substance use, to isolate the effects of stimulants.
Adderrall is similar to the street drug known as “meth” or “speed.” Adderall and methamphetamine (meth) are both amphetamines, but methamphetamine has an additional methyl group in its chemical structure. This slight difference allows meth to cross the blood-brain barrier more quickly.
The rise of online mental health platforms like Cerebral has raised concerns about the ease of obtaining prescriptions for controlled substances like Adderall. While these services have increased access to mental health care, they have also been linked to potentially dangerous outcomes.
One notable case is that of Elijah Hanson, a 21-year-old from Tacoma, Washington, who died after obtaining an Adderall prescription through Cerebral. Hanson had previously been denied a stimulant prescription by one Cerebral provider, but was able to create a new account and obtain the medication from a different prescriber on the platform. This case highlights the potential risks of online prescribing practices, especially for controlled substances with high abuse potential.
The increased availability of Adderall prescriptions through telehealth services has coincided with a 15% rise in Adderall prescriptions for adults aged 22-44 from 2020 to 2021. As a result, there are growing calls for stricter regulations and oversight of online mental health platforms to prevent misuse and ensure patient safety.
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