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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by TheOutsider on March 11, 2004, at 8:36:14
I was wondering whether stimulents such as dexedrine and ritalin exibit neurotoxicity in the normal dose ranges.
I was told by a Pdoc, that stimulents caused "long term damage". I thought this was probably nonsense (Pdocs in the UK are usually very ignorant). But I could be wrong.
I was also wondering if there are any studies I could pressent him with, that prove that stimulants are not neurotoxic unless absused.Any imput welcome!
Posted by SLS on March 11, 2004, at 9:35:58
In reply to Are Stimulents Neurotoxic? Need info and opinions!, posted by TheOutsider on March 11, 2004, at 8:36:14
> I was wondering whether stimulents such as dexedrine and ritalin exibit neurotoxicity in the normal dose ranges.
This is a question of huge importance. It has been a while since I looked into this, but as I remember, it was methamphetamine specifically that was most apt to be neurotoxic. Supposedly, this is a result of its ability to promote the release of serotonin (5-HT). MDMA (methylenedioxymethamphetamine) is similar in these regards.
- Scott
Posted by zor on March 11, 2004, at 15:12:16
In reply to Are Stimulents Neurotoxic? Need info and opinions!, posted by TheOutsider on March 11, 2004, at 8:36:14
> I was wondering whether stimulents such as dexedrine and ritalin exibit neurotoxicity in the normal dose ranges.
>
> I was told by a Pdoc, that stimulents caused "long term damage". I thought this was probably nonsense (Pdocs in the UK are usually very ignorant). But I could be wrong.
> I was also wondering if there are any studies I could pressent him with, that prove that stimulants are not neurotoxic unless absused.
>
> Any imput welcome!------------
Just my opinion. I have ADD (very severe) and although Adderall was a Godsend beyond belief--after some time at moderate doses (30mg) I was burnt out and never responded again. I would get paranoia, heart palpitaions and typical side-effects. That's just me! Maybe I wasnt 'wired' in such a way that they would be good for me. However, some respond well without long-terms problems.One man's miracle may be anothers poision!
Posted by TheOutsider on March 12, 2004, at 14:08:01
In reply to Re: Are Stimulents Neurotoxic? Need info and opinions!, posted by zor on March 11, 2004, at 15:12:16
Mmmm perhapse stimulant safety is not as clear cut as I thought, but is there any evidence to say ay or nay?
Posted by Viridis on March 13, 2004, at 1:31:17
In reply to Are Stimulents Neurotoxic? Need info and opinions!, posted by TheOutsider on March 11, 2004, at 8:36:14
People have been using amphetamines for decades, and I'm not aware of any evidence that those who need them (at prescribed doses) suffer any harm. Recreational use is a different story -- but the doses are much higher and purity is an issue. Others can correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I know, these are very safe meds if used under a doctor's supervision.
Posted by interject79 on March 14, 2004, at 23:34:26
In reply to Are Stimulents Neurotoxic? Need info and opinions!, posted by TheOutsider on March 11, 2004, at 8:36:14
Neurotoxicity is doubtful unless you're dealing with methamphetamine, which is rarely prescribed now, or very high dosages of Adderall or Ritalin. There are concerns with significantly increased dopamine/norepinephrine for a prolonged period of time, however, like paranoia/thought disorders, increased irritability, personality changes over time, compulsions/tics, and decreased restorative sleep resulting in a number of problems. Med holidays and keeping dosage low often prevents most of these problems.
And today, neuroscientists are more skeptical of 'long-term damage' claims, probably for good reason. It's possible that stimulant use results in changes in the brain with prolonged use, but those changes needn't be deemed permanent or disabling in any way. I believe a good course of treatment for AD/HD and many neurological conditions may be a bit of (stimulant) medication and a LOT of productive effort (i.e., brain training).
This is the end of the thread.
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