Is Your ADHD Medication Turning You ‘Mad’? Let’s Dive In
Hold onto your hats, folks. We’ve got news that’s about to ruffle some feathers. Imagine taking your usual ADHD medication and ending up experiencing psychosis. Yeah, it sounds like a wild plot twist, straight out of a soap opera, but a recent study says it’s a real risk if the dose is high enough.
A groundbreaking study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry has linked high doses of common ADHD medications to an increased chance of developing psychosis. The lead researcher, Dr. Lauren Moran, a psychiatrist from McLean Hospital, stated that even college students with no significant psychiatric history were showing up with new onset psychosis after their drug prescriptions.
The devil is in the details. The study targeted young patients aged between 16 and 35 who had been hospitalized for episodes of psychosis or mania. Curious about the specifics? Researchers found people who took a hefty dose of Adderall (40 mg), Vyvanse (100 mg), or dextroamphetamine (30 mg) were 5.3 times more likely to have an episode of psychosis than those who didn’t take any stimulants. Even lower doses weren’t exactly safe; taking 20-40 mg of Adderall, 50-100 mg of Vyvanse, or 15-30 mg of dextroamphetamine upped the risk by 3.5 times.
Never experienced psychosis? Consider yourself lucky. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it involves losing touch with reality, where distinguishing what is real and what isn’t becomes an impossible task. Sounds like a nightmare, right?
The Cleveland Clinic tells us that amphetamines are heaven-sent for those with ADHD, helping control impulsive behavior and improving attention spans. But if the dosage isn’t right, you might be on a swift ride to Psychosis Land.
So, what’s the takeaway? The study suggests exercising caution, especially when prescribing high doses of these stimulants. Regular screening for symptoms of psychosis or mania is a must to keep things in check.
And if you’re contemplating upping your dose on your own, dear reader, stop right there! Pharmaceutical companies like Takeda (maker of Vyvanse) and Teva (maker of Adderall) emphasize following FDA-approved guidelines. The golden rule: consult your healthcare provider.
Remember, there’s no shame in seeking help. As always, if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 and get connected to a certified crisis counselor.
Mary’s Take: A Penny for Your Thoughts?
So, here’s my two cents. It’s a balancing act, people. Find the sweet spot where your medication helps without sending you to the loony bin. Consult those docs, pay attention to the warning signs, and take care of your noggin!
