Posted by Mistermindmasta on January 19, 2005, at 11:26:05
In reply to Reason to be concerned?, posted by ed_uk on January 19, 2005, at 8:28:11
> Hello,
>
> Since amphetamines have the potential to be neurotoxic, should we be concerned that Adderall is being prescribed to children?
>
> Ed.
>
>In my opinion, which is only based on what I remember from my past readings about amphetamines and neurotox issues, is that in prescribed doses it won't directly cause neurotoxicity. What I'm concerned about is that it might alter a child's brain as it grows. Maybe that is what you actually meant to get at? Anyway, when the brain constantly has exogenous stimulants thrown at it, it might develop in such a way that the child would permanently need stimulants in order to feel normal. This would not happen in adults, since the brain is generally done developing. I believe there was that recent study about how rats had deficits in reward in adulthood when given stimulants as a young pup (is that the right word?) as the brain was developing; I dont think this is neurotoxicity per se, but its similar. And yes, I would be concerned if I were a parent. More research needs to be done.
poster:Mistermindmasta
thread:444135
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20050119/msgs/444196.html