I became interested in this topic of ADHD medications because my boyfriend has ADHD and takes the prescription drug Vyvanse. He takes this drug out of necessity, and it helps him get through his day, but he isn’t exactly a proponent of it. He says that his medication has side effects such as memory loss, and I’ve noticed it. I never realized ADHD medications come with a lot of controversy.
However, if you do have ADHD and take medication, please do not freak out. There are also many consequences of leaving ADHD untreated, such as higher rates of depression, and anxiety, and substance dependence, according to Huffington Post. I chose to look into this because it seems to affect someone I love, but I know that Vyvanse and other prescription drugs used to treat ADHD are widely used, and that has to count for something. And as we all know too well from commercials about prescription drugs, they all come with side effects. You have to as Andrew said, examine the risk. The Huffington Post article is really interesting, however, it is Canadian, and mentions things that only pertain to Canada, as far as their drug regulating system.
Side note: ADHD medications are stimulants. They work by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This helps to increase focus. The best treatment for ADHD suggests a combination of medication and therapy, and is known as the “multi-modal”. The therapy is nothing wild. Patients will simply learn skills to better adjust to day-to-day life.
I found a very interesting FoxNews article with a flashy headline. It notes several studies, and says that they were funded by pharaceutical companies, which has a clear conflict of interest.
The best thing you can do if you have ADHD is to know the side effects to your medication so that you are aware of what is normal per se and what is not. If something occurs that is not listed, consult your doctor. My boyfriend started to ween himself to a lower dose (with his doctor’s approval). Consult with your doctor and ask if you can switch. I am going to end before I start sounding like a prescription drug commercial. Thank you.
Sources:
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/dr-kenny-handelman/adhd_b_1925852.html
http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/848240
http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/05/05/long-term-safety-adhd-medicine-still-question-study-says.html
ADHD medications like Vyvanse and Adderall have increased majorly in popularity in recent years, with many college students taking stimulants to stay awake for longer periods of time and study. What many students forget is that these drugs are exactly that; stimulants. There are many dangerous side affects associated with taking stimulants and ADHD medication, namely the potential risk to hinder the dopamine system development alongside growth delay, cardiovascular side effects, and various effects on your psych. People tend to underestimate the power of these drugs, and unfortunately I’ve seen some people have to go to the hospital for them.