Methamphetamine & Amphetamines Q&A

Doctors are required to make a decision about whether the benefits of a drug outweigh the risks. For amphetamines, the risks are high and significant. It use as a study aid quickly leads to tolerance and the need to go higher and higher on the dose. Risks include sleep disturbance, paranoia, irritability, and irregular heartbeat. In fact, research demonstrates that amphetamines really do not do that much to improve the three symptoms of ADD: trouble paying attention, trouble controlling impulses, and excessive body movements. Higher doses give the impression to the user that they are better but in fact this is mostly a feeling, but not a fact.

Vyvanse and other amphetamine-containing medicines, and methylphenidate, have a high chance for abuse and may cause physical and psychological dependence and addiction. It is hard to determine what you determine as common. Vyvanse is a federally controlled substance (CII) for this reason. It is hard to determine how common it is, however. Although the mechanism of action of drugs indicated for the treatment of ADHD is unknown, the therapeutic efficacy of ADHD medications is likely to be dependent on their relative ability to elevate synaptic catecholamine concentrations. Both methylphenidate and amphetamine, the two types of stimulants commonly used to treat ADHD, are thought to enhance the efflux and function of both noradrenaline and dopamine in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, the increased dopamine efflux produced by stimulant medications is not limited to cortical regions. Both types of stimulants also have a rapid onset of action with no ceiling on drug effect. There are medications for the treatment of ADD that do not contain amphetamine, but you should speak with your healthcare provider about this. They include Qelbree & Strattera, as well as Intuniv & Kapvay.

Vyvanse and other amphetamine-containing medicines and methylphenidate, have a high chance for abuse and may cause physical and psychological dependence and addiction. It is hard to determine how common it is, however. Although the mechanism of action of drugs indicated for the for the treatment of ADHD is unknown, the therapeutic efficacy of ADHD medication is likely to be dependent on their relative ability to elevate synaptic catecholamine concentrations. Both methylphenidate and amphetamine, the two types of stimulants commonly used to treat ADHD, are thought to enhance the efflux and function of both noradrenaline and dopamine in the central nervous system (CNS). In addition, the increased dopamine efflux produced by stimulant medications is not limited to cortical regions. Both types of stimulants also have a rapid onset of action with no ceiling on drug effect. There are medications for the treatment of ADD that do not contain amphetamine, but you should speak with your healthcare provider about this. Can you develop a tolerance to Adderall? Yes, tolerance to Adderall is expected. There are ways to reduce the acquisition of tolerance: low doses, taken at the same time each day, taking only one dose per day. Remember, methamphetamine (crystal, speed) are very close cousins to Adderall, and if used in excess can cause dangerous side effects. Adderall has emerged as a major drug of abuse: it is used by many because they "like" it, meaning that it activates the brain pleasure system; overstimulation of the pleasure centers leads to neuroadaptation and tolerance. If Adderall, or any amphetamine, is used to get high, it will lose its effectiveness, leading to higher and higher doses. A big problem with overusing Adderall is that the user reaches a point where they can't study unless they use it, and over time, using more and more of it (they become dependent on it).

High dose alcohol will cause failure of the brain to record memories, a blackout, Ritalin users usually drink higher amounts and are more likely to have a blackout. Cough syrup contains dextromethorphan, a drug similar to ketamine. It produces “dream like” memories. If alcohol dose is high, a blackout is likely.

Natural pleasure, “simple pleasures”, are good for you. Regular instances of pleasure, including the euphoric experiences of the “runners high,” surfing, skydiving, sex, social contact, are necessary to maintain brain balance. It’s important to “exercise your pleasure muscle” to maintain it in good health, However, if the pleasure stimulus is too strong it forces the brain to neuroadapt to protect itself from overstimulation. Tolerance develops, with inevitable crashing on cessation of the too-strong stimulus. The brain goes deaf to normal pleasure. So, there is a big difference between pleasure and excessive toxic pleasure. Some medications share the risks of overstimulating brain pathways, such as Xanax, and some ADHD medications such as stimulants (Ritalin) can be overused and produce compulsive, loss of control over use. An early sign of overstimulation of pleasure centers are the appearance of boredom, lack of interest, and craving.

This is a great idea, but research shows that this strategy isn’t effective, and in fact can make meth addiction worse. “Substitution/taper” is a common protocol for helping stop drugs, and is critical to management of alcohol withdrawal and opiate withdrawal. So far, research has not found any medication for helping people stop meth.