Stimulants
Articles tagged with Stimulants
Prenatal opioid exposure in babies doesn’t predict future classroom performance
A new study finds that prenatal opioid exposure in babies does not predict future classroom performance. Despite previous research suggesting a link between NAS and adverse developmental outcomes, this study found no significant differences in standardized test scores between students with and without a history of NAS.
Stimulant ADHD medications work differently than thought
A study found that prescription stimulants primarily affect brain's reward and wakefulness centers, rather than attention circuitry. This leads to improved focus through increased motivation and reduced sleep deprivation effects.
Sharp rise in ADHD stimulant prescriptions in Ontario, research finds
A new study found a significant rise in ADHD stimulant prescriptions in Ontario, with a 157% increase from 2015 to 2023. The study calls for better clinical guidance to ensure medications are prescribed appropriately and prevent adverse health effects.
Population-level trends in ADHD medication prescribing
A repeated cross-sectional study found a significant increase in stimulant prescribing for ADHD, with the largest acceleration observed among female adolescents and young adults aged 18 to 64. The study's findings are consistent with prior research but provide new insights into population-level trends.
Polysubstance involvement in youth opioid overdoses increases with age
Among youth aged 15-24, polysubstance-involved opioid overdose deaths rose steadily with age, driven by fentanyl and synthetic opioids. By age 21, polysubstance involvement surpassed opioid-only fatalities, primarily due to stimulants like methamphetamine and cocaine.
Nonmedical use of prescription ADHD drugs among teens has dropped
A recent University of Michigan study found that nonmedical use of prescription ADHD drugs among adolescents has dropped from 10% in 2005 to 6% in 2023. Lifetime medical use also increased slightly during the same period, but overall trends suggest a decrease in misusing these prescriptions.
Trends in medical and nonmedical use of prescription stimulants among US adolescents
Among US adolescents, current medical use of prescription stimulants for ADHD increased from 2005 to 2023, while nonmedical use decreased. Lifetime nonmedical use was more prevalent than medical use in early cohorts but shifted to being less prevalent in recent cohorts.
Increasing contingency management incentives will help more patients recover from addiction
A JAMA Psychiatry study recommends increasing contingency management incentives to improve opioid addiction recovery outcomes. The research team suggests using evidence-based incentive amounts, such as $128 per week for vouchers or $55 per week for prizes over 12 weeks, to effectively reduce stimulant and/or opioid use.
New ‘designer drugs’ pose growing threat to road safety in the US
A new study found that new psychoactive substances (NPS) are a significant concern in roadway crashes in California. NPS, also known as ‘designer drugs’, were detected in the blood of 17 patients, with most frequent being designer benzodiazepines and fentanyl analogs.
Researchers find that, overall, prescribing ADHD medications via telehealth does not alter risk of substance use disorder
A study of 7,944 ADHD patients found that telehealth-based relationships did not increase the risk of substance use disorder. However, patients aged 26 and above who received initial stimulant prescriptions during telehealth appointments were at higher risk.
New study investigates effects of ADHD medications on the heart
A new study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that ADHD medications have small but significant effects on blood pressure and heart rate. While there were concerns about the side effects of these medications, the study suggests that their benefits outweigh the risks.
Prescription stimulant use, misuse, and use disorder among US adults ages 18 to 64
A recent study found that nearly one-tenth of US adults using prescription stimulants have a prescription stimulant use disorder. Additionally, one-fourth of users reported misuse, suggesting potential progress in addressing the mental health care gap for middle-aged women.
Does getting ADHD drugs via telehealth increase addiction risk?
A study found that starting stimulant medications via telehealth increases substance use disorder (SUD) risk, particularly among young adults aged 26-34. Ongoing screening and monitoring are crucial to mitigate this risk.
WVU research reveals adults with disabilities misuse prescription drugs at high rates
Research reveals nearly 10% of individuals with disabilities misused prescription drugs in the past year, compared to 4.4% without disabilities. Young adults and those with cognitive disabilities are particularly vulnerable to prescription drug misuse.
Co-prescribed stimulants, opioids linked to higher opioid doses
A study analyzing millions of U.S. prescriptions over 10 years found that co-prescribed stimulants and opioids are associated with escalating opioid intake. Patients taking both stimulants and opioids had a higher average monthly intake of morphine milligram equivalents (MME) compared to those taking only opioids.
New research raises questions about the addictiveness of dexamphetamine
A narrative review of over 1,700 papers found only seven papers addressing dexamphetamine addiction directly. The study raises questions about the evidence underpinning its restriction by regulatory agencies. Dexamphetamine is effective in treating ADHD and narcolepsy but may have benefits in treating obesity.
Adderall shortage may be associated with increased use of alternative ADHD medication in children
A national study suggests that the Adderall shortage may have led to an increase in the use of alternative ADHD medications in children. The research found that while prescription fills for ADHD treatments among children aged 5-17 fell during the pandemic, they increased again after the shortage was announced. The study's findings high...
Barbarian warriors in Roman times used stimulants in battle
Archaeologists have found evidence that Roman-era barbarian warriors used stimulants before battle, including small spoon-shaped objects attached to their belts. The researchers believe that these stimulants may have been widely used throughout history to motivate soldiers and reduce stress and fear during warfare.
Spinal cord stimulation vs medical management for chronic back and leg pain
A systematic review and network meta-analysis found spinal cord stimulation therapies to be more effective in reducing chronic back and leg pain. These findings suggest spinal cord stimulation as a valuable option for chronic pain management.
Fentanyl, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine analyte concentrations in urine drug testing specimens
A cross-sectional study found increasing concentrations of fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine in urine specimens from 2013 to 2023, highlighting a shift in illicit substance use patterns. Heroin concentration decreased during this period, emphasizing the need for updated surveillance initiatives and treatment strategies.
A 37% drop in overdose deaths from drugs mixed with opioids – fentanyl included
A large federally funded study found a 37% reduction in overdose deaths from opioids combined with stimulant drugs other than cocaine, primarily fentanyl and methamphetamine. Intervention communities implemented evidence-based practices, including naloxone distribution and education campaigns, which led to lower death rates.
Stimulant, antidepressant, and opioid telehealth prescription trends between 2019 and 2022
Prescription volumes for stimulant and antidepressant medications rose, while opioid volumes decreased between 2019 and 2022. Telehealth prescriptions climbed across medications, with a notable increase in opioids.
Uptick in drug overdose rates is widely reported especially among young women
A significant increase in drug overdose rates was recorded in Colombia between 2010 and 2021, with a notable rise among young women. The study found that the pandemic contributed to higher levels of anxiety and mental health problems, leading to overuse of drugs, particularly tranquilizers/sedatives/antidepressants.
National Institutes of Health awards $2.4 million grant to cross-disciplinary team of researchers to study psychedelics for methamphetamine addiction
Researchers will investigate the therapeutic potential of psychedelics to treat methamphetamine addiction, with a focus on serotonin receptors and potentially leading to new treatments. The project aims to advance psychedelics as a promising option for treating stimulant use disorder.
Record number of drug overdoses in one year reported
A study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health reports a 500% increase in drug-involved overdose deaths in 2022, primarily attributed to synthetic opioids. Income protection policies have been found to have a supportive role in preventing fatal drug overdoses.
Tiny worm helps uncover long-lasting prenatal effects from amphetamines
Researchers used C. elegans to investigate the underlying mechanisms of embryonal exposure to addictive doses of amphetamine, discovering epigenetic modifications that alter gene and protein expression. This leads to increased susceptibility to amphetamine-induced behaviors in adult animals.
ADHD stimulants may increase risk of heart damage in young adults
A study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session found that young adults prescribed ADHD stimulants were significantly more likely to develop cardiomyopathy. The overall risk remained low, but researchers suggested further studies could identify subgroups at greater risk.
US heart disease deaths linked with substance use rose 4% per year between 1999-2019
Research found a significant increase in cardiovascular disease deaths related to substance use, particularly among young adults and certain racial and ethnic groups. The study highlights the need for comprehensive public health efforts to address substance use and its impact on heart health.
Researchers adapt health system COVID-19 collaboration to track near-real-time trends in visits for substance use
Researchers adapted a COVID-19 collaboration to monitor near-real-time trends in substance use-related hospital and emergency department visits. Detailed data shows large increases in methamphetamine- and opioid-involved hospital and ED visits among Native American, Black, and multiple-race populations.
Financial traders may seek better sleep by self-medicating with caffeine and alcohol to balance the effects of the stimulant and the sedative, per micro-longitudinal study
A micro-longitudinal study found financial traders use caffeine and alcohol to regulate their sleep patterns. This self-medication approach balances the stimulating and sedating effects of these substances.
Treating amphetamine use disorder with stimulants: an encouraging new approach
A new meta-analysis suggests that high-dose prescription psychostimulants like methylphenidate and dextroamphetamine can lower cravings and reduce stimulant use in people with amphetamine-type stimulant use disorder. The study analyzed ten randomized controlled trials and found that effects may increase with higher dosage.
Overdose deaths from fentanyl laced stimulants have risen 50-fold since 2010
US overdose deaths involving fentanyl and stimulants increased 50-fold from 2010 to 2021, with stimulants becoming most common drug class found in fentanyl-involved overdoses. The trend disproportionately affects racial/ethnic minority communities, particularly Black and African American people.
The fourth wave of the US overdose crisis: fentanyl and stimulants
US overdose deaths involving fentanyl and stimulants have increased by 50-fold since 2010, with stimulants becoming the most common drug class found in fentanyl-involved overdoses. The rise poses new challenges for healthcare providers due to the complexity of treating polysubstance use.
Sahmyook University researchers identify genes associated with addiction to psychostimulant drugs
Sahmyook University researchers discovered a correlation between methamphetamine-induced behavior and the expression of specific genes in mice models lacking Period 2 gene. They identified 19 genes that were activated only in response to repeated doses of methamphetamine.
Recreational drugs detected in more than 1 in 10 cardiac intensive care patients
A French study found that recreational drug use was associated with a nearly 9-fold higher rate of death or need for emergency intervention in cardiac intensive care patients. The study detected various substances in 1 in 10 patients, with cannabis being the most frequently detected substance.
A boost in dopamine during adolescence permanently amplifies dopamine function, impulsivity, and aggression in mice
Researchers found that blocking dopamine transporters during mid-adolescence increases adult aggression, impulsivity, and the behavioral response to amphetamine in mice. Artificially stimulating dopaminergic neurons also exacerbated impulsive behavior in tasks. The study suggests potential harm from stimulant exposure in healthy teens ...
Prescribing psychostimulants for people at risk of overdose
The Canadian Medical Association Journal recommends prescribing psychostimulants to help reduce illegal stimulant use. This approach is based on growing evidence from clinical trials in Australia, Europe, and the United States. Implementing this practice can help address the ongoing unregulated drug poisoning crisis in Canada.
Treating childhood ADHD with stimulant meds not associated with increased substance use later in life, study finds
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found no evidence that prescription stimulant treatment in childhood increases the risk of substance use disorder (SUD) later in life. The study, published in JAMA Psychiatry, suggests that stimulants are an effective treatment for ADHD with few side effects.
Race- and gender-specific interventions may lower drug overdose death rates
A study by Penn State researchers found that minority communities bore the brunt of the opioid crisis, with Black men and American Indian/Native Alaskan men and women disproportionately affected. The researchers suggest that race- and gender-specific interventions may be more effective in preventing overdose deaths.
Men died of overdose at 2-3 times greater a rate than women in the U.S. in 2020-2021
A new study analyzing death records data found that men had a 2–3 times greater rate of overdose mortality from opioids and psychostimulants. The researchers noted that biological, behavioral, and social factors likely combined to increase the mortality risk for men.
School prevalence of stimulant therapy for ADHD associated with higher rates of prescription stimulant misuse among teens
A new study found a strong association between the prevalence of prescription stimulant therapy for ADHD and rates of prescription stimulant misuse among middle and high school students. Schools with higher numbers of students on stimulant therapy had significantly higher rates of misused stimulants, highlighting the need for education...
Archaeology: Evidence of drug use during Bronze Age ceremonies
Researchers found evidence of ancient drug use in Europe using human hair analysis, revealing the presence of scopolamine, ephedrine and atropine in Bronze Age containers from Menorca. The substances may have been derived from nightshade plants used in shamanic rituals.
Ontario sees big jump in amphetamine-related emergency visits
A dramatic rise in unregulated amphetamine use has been observed in Ontario's emergency departments, with a nearly 15-fold increase in ED visits between 2003 and 2020. Individuals accessing EDs for amphetamine-related concerns grew from 233 to 4,146 annually by 2020.
Psychostimulants: Cause of differences in duration and intensity of effect explored
Researchers investigated psychostimulants' effects on dopamine transporter, discovering persistent binding determines sustained effects. The study found that varying binding times between substances result in different durations and intensities of effects.
WVU study shows number of West Virginia infants exposed to drugs in the womb is 10 times higher than national rate
A new WVU study found nearly one in eight West Virginia infants had in utero exposure to opioids, stimulants, and/or cannabis between 2020 and 2022. The study showed a 40% increased risk of preterm birth among infants exposed to stimulants alone and a 70% increase with concurrent stimulant and cannabis exposures.
UMD scientists create chemical compound that can reverse effects of potentially deadly drugs
Researchers have created a chemical compound, Pillar[6]MaxQ (P6AS), which can counteract the effects of fentanyl and methamphetamine in lab experiments. The compound works as a molecular container, binding to drugs and reversing their biological properties.
Prevalence of ‘meth’ heart failure now in wide range of socioeconomic and racial groups
The prevalence of methamphetamine-associated heart failure is rising worldwide, affecting a wide range of socio-economic and racial groups. Meth users are more likely to develop severe disease, with longer hospital stays and readmissions, compared to non-users.
Brain cells identified for regulation of sleep-wake rhythm
A research team has identified a specific cell group in the brain that regulates shifts in the sleep-wake rhythm caused by psychostimulants. The hypothalamic dopamine locus is responsible for modulating circadian rhythms and gates the effect of psychostimulants, leading to increased alertness and activity.
Study by Human Brain Project researchers unravels mechanisms of psychostimulants on attention and learning
A new study by Human Brain Project researchers unravels the mechanisms of psychostimulants like methylphenidate on attention and learning. The findings suggest that dopamine enhances task-relevant cortical signals, explaining variability in drug's cognitive effects across individuals.
Coming wave of opioid overdoses ‘will be worse than it’s ever been before’
A new study by Northwestern University predicts a worsening wave of opioid overdoses globally, with no geographic distinction between rural and urban areas. The lethal combination of synthetic opioids and stimulants like cocaine and methamphetamines will be particularly deadly.
Grab a coffee before shopping? You may want to think twice
A study published in the Journal of Marketing found that drinking caffeinated beverages before shopping leads to more items purchased and increased spending, particularly for high hedonic products. The researchers also discovered that the effects of caffeine are stronger for certain types of products and weaker for others.
NIH scientists identify new brain mechanism involved in impulsive cocaine-seeking in rats
Researchers discovered that blocking certain acetylcholine receptors in the lateral habenula balances reward and aversion, making it harder to resist seeking cocaine. This finding identifies a new role for these receptors as a potential target for treating cocaine use disorder.
As drug overdose deaths climb, experts assess strategies to stem the tide
The University of Rochester Recovery Center of Excellence brings together diverse experts to discuss strategies for overcoming stigma and health inequity barriers to substance use disorder care. The summit aims to address the 'fourth wave' of the opioid epidemic, driven by synthetic opioids and multiple substances in combination.
Teens and young adults overdosing on drugs for common mental health issues
A recent study found that nearly 30% of youth with benzodiazepine or stimulant overdoses had prescribed these medications in the prior month. Physicians may need to weigh the risks and benefits of these medications more closely, particularly for youth at high risk of self-injury.
Illicit amphetamine (‘speed’) use linked to 5-fold heightened risk of psychosis
A 10-year study found that illicit amphetamine users were 5 times more likely to experience psychosis than non-users, with the risk increasing with age, number of arrests, and severity of addiction. Rehab was found to be effective in reducing this risk.
Overdose deaths caused by opioids in combination with stimulants hit Black communities the hardest
A new study finds that opioid and stimulant overdose deaths have risen significantly among Black Americans, with a 575% increase in mortality rates compared to white people. The study also reveals a major shift in the geographic trends of the opioid crisis, with a significant increase in overdose deaths in eastern states.
Up to half of kids worldwide and up to third of UK kids consume energy drinks weekly
A study found that up to half of children worldwide and a third of UK children consume energy drinks weekly, associated with poor mental and physical health. Frequent consumption was linked to self-harm, suicide, hyperactivity, and sleep problems. The evidence is weak due to limited longitudinal data.
Researchers explore efficacy of methylphenidate for mental fatigue in multiple sclerosis
A pilot study by Kessler Foundation found that methylphenidate improved 'state' mental fatigue in individuals with multiple sclerosis, but had no effect on 'trait' fatigue. The study suggests an important role for dopamine in MS-related mental fatigue.
ECL emission of methamphetamine for accurate detection
Researchers at Shinshu University developed a novel detection principle for stimulants, including methamphetamine, using electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emission. The method allows for accurate and selective screening of stimulants with high sensitivity and selectivity.