A new study published in BMJ Open reveals that an increasing number of US adults are taking stimulant medications, such as Adderall, along with other drugs that target the central nervous system, including opioids, antidepressants, and anti-anxiety medications. The study, conducted by researchers at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Medicine, highlights the potential dangers of this trend. Amphetamines and methylphenidate, the stimulants in question, have a high potential for abuse and physical or psychological dependence, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration. In addition, the authors note that stimulants are often being used “off-label” to treat conditions they were not approved for.
The study found that 45.5% of the 276,223 adults who used a schedule II stimulant in 2020 were also taking a central nervous system drug. Almost a quarter (24.3%) were taking two or more of those drugs simultaneously. The drugs most commonly taken with stimulants were antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and opioids. There isn’t much research examining the risks of these drug combinations, and it’s unclear what the benefits might be. Experts warn that stimulants should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest period possible and monitored closely by a healthcare professional.
The complexity of these prescribing regimens is a concern for patients like Lizzy P., a 77-year-old retired nurse from Delaware who takes Adderall along with five other medications. She finds it confusing to keep track of all the pills she takes, and she’s not sure they’re helping her depression and anxiety as much as she’d like. She plans to consult with her psychiatrist to see if the regimen can be simplified. Experts agree that more research is needed to understand the clinical contexts that lead to these combinations and their effectiveness and safety.
