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).
poster:interject79
thread:323178
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040313/msgs/324462.html