Higher Dosage of ADHD Medications Linked to Psychosis Risk

High doses of commonly prescribed ADHD drugs are associated with an increased risk of psychosis, new research suggests.

“The odds of psychosis and mania were increased for individuals who had used prescription amphetamines in the past month compared to those who had not,” said the researchers, whose study was published in American Journal of Psychiatry.

The study looked at patients ages 16 to 35 who were hospitalized at Mass General Brigham Mental Health Facility, McLean Hospital, for incident psychosis or mania between 2005 and 2019.

“We’re seeing students come in with prescription stimulants who haven’t had much of a psychiatric history and develop new psychosis,” lead study author Dr. Lauren Moran, a psychiatrist and researcher at McLean Hospital, told NBC News.

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The stimulant drugs they looked at included commonly prescribed ADHD drugs like Adderall and Vyvanse, as well as generic amphetamines, NBC News reported.

The study found that those who took 40 milligrams of Adderall, 100 mg of Vyvanse or 30 mg of dextroamphetamine were 5.3 times more likely to develop psychosis than patients who did not take any stimulants, the paper reported.

Patients taking 20 mg to 40 mg of Adderall, 50 mg to 100 mg of Vyvanse, or 15 mg to 30 mg of dextroamphetamine had a 3.5 times higher risk of psychosis.

During psychosis, “there is a certain loss of contact with reality,” says the National Institute of Mental Health. “During a psychotic episode, a person’s thoughts and perceptions are disrupted and they may have difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not.”

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The Cleveland Clinic explains, “Amphetamines are stimulants that speed up the messages between your brain and body.”

When given to children with ADHD, amphetamines have been shown to reduce impulsive behavior while improving attention span and focus, the Cleveland Clinic says.

However, the study concludes that “caution should be exercised when prescribing high doses of amphetamines, with regular screening for symptoms of psychosis or mania.”

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In a statement to PEOPLE, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Vyvanse, said:

“Takeda believes it is important for patients to take our medicines in accordance with the labeling guidelines approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and in consultation with their prescribing physician. It is also important to note that under FDA approval the product label brand Vyvanse® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), the maximum daily dose should not exceed 70 mg. The statement continues: “Complete prescribing and safety information, including details of reported side effects and warnings of potential risks, such as symptoms associated with psychosis, are available are in the FDA-approved label for the brand name Vyvanse. As with any drug, patient treatment decisions, including risk-benefit assessments, must be made by the healthcare provider.”

Teva Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Adderall, did not respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text “STRENGTH” to the text crisis line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education