A new study published by the American Journal of Psychiatry indicates that high doses of ADHD medications such as Adderall and Vyvanse could increase the risk of psychosis.Adderall, Vyvanse, and other amphetamines are commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).Now, some research suggests these medications could increase the chances of developing psychotic symptoms.In the study, researchers examined the records of patients hospitalized for mental health issues.They found that patients taking high doses of amphetamines—more than 40 milligrams of Adderall, 100 milligrams of Vyvanse, or 30 milligrams of dextroamphetamine—were more than five times more likely to develop psychotic symptoms.Dr. Margaret Canter, a clinical psychologist with the Department of Pediatrics at UAB, specializes in the treatment of ADHD.”Generally, when starting ADHD medication, they’re going to start with the lowest dose to see if there’s any adverse side effects,” Canter said.”And then if it’s not effective enough, then they’ll try increasing the dosage to kind of maximize the benefits of the medication to address the symptoms.”According to Canter, most patients are never prescribed a high dose.”In fact, only about six percent on ADHD medication take what’s considered a high dose,” Canter said.”And even then, if you’re going to develop symptoms of psychosis, we usually see it like pretty quickly, like when these things happen.””So if someone’s been taking this medication and doesn’t have these side effects, then I don’t think that that’s something that they should all of a sudden start to kind of panic about.”In addition to dosage, Canter says family history plays a role in the risk for negative side effects.”Whenever someone has a history of like serious mental illness in their family, that’s something that everyone’s going to be like very cautious about and like monitor their symptoms,” Canter said.”And it might impact what medication a provider chooses.”Canter emphasizes that the biggest risk is for those not taking the medicine as instructed.>> WVTM 13 ON-THE-GO: Download our app for free”I think it’s really dangerous, just like taking any drug recreationally,” Canter said.”Amphetamines are something that people can get addicted to. So I think, you know, in a sense, like if people were doing it recreationally and at, you know, a dosage that was not prescribed to them, I think it could become that.”The facts according to Canter: ADHD medication is not something to fear, but always remember to take the medicine as it’s prescribed and have regular check-ins with your doctor.
A new study published by the American Journal of Psychiatry indicates that high doses of ADHD medications such as Adderall and Vyvanse could increase the risk of psychosis.
Adderall, Vyvanse, and other amphetamines are commonly used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Now, some research suggests these medications could increase the chances of developing psychotic symptoms.
In the study, researchers examined the records of patients hospitalized for mental health issues.
They found that patients taking high doses of amphetamines—more than 40 milligrams of Adderall, 100 milligrams of Vyvanse, or 30 milligrams of dextroamphetamine—were more than five times more likely to develop psychotic symptoms.
Dr. Margaret Canter, a clinical psychologist with the Department of Pediatrics at UAB, specializes in the treatment of ADHD.
“Generally, when starting ADHD medication, they’re going to start with the lowest dose to see if there’s any adverse side effects,” Canter said.
“And then if it’s not effective enough, then they’ll try increasing the dosage to kind of maximize the benefits of the medication to address the symptoms.”
According to Canter, most patients are never prescribed a high dose.
“In fact, only about six percent on ADHD medication take what’s considered a high dose,” Canter said.
“And even then, if you’re going to develop symptoms of psychosis, we usually see it like pretty quickly, like when these things happen.”
“So if someone’s been taking this medication and doesn’t have these side effects, then I don’t think that that’s something that they should all of a sudden start to kind of panic about.”
In addition to dosage, Canter says family history plays a role in the risk for negative side effects.
“Whenever someone has a history of like serious mental illness in their family, that’s something that everyone’s going to be like very cautious about and like monitor their symptoms,” Canter said.
“And it might impact what medication a provider chooses.”
Canter emphasizes that the biggest risk is for those not taking the medicine as instructed.
>> WVTM 13 ON-THE-GO: Download our app for free
“I think it’s really dangerous, just like taking any drug recreationally,” Canter said.
“Amphetamines are something that people can get addicted to. So I think, you know, in a sense, like if people were doing it recreationally and at, you know, a dosage that was not prescribed to them, I think it could become that.”
The facts according to Canter: ADHD medication is not something to fear, but always remember to take the medicine as it’s prescribed and have regular check-ins with your doctor.