pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The Therapeutic Potential of Amphetamine-like Psychostimulants - PubMed

  • ️Sun Jan 01 2023

Review

The Therapeutic Potential of Amphetamine-like Psychostimulants

Bruno Pires et al. Life (Basel). 2023.

Abstract

This review delves into the therapeutic applications of amphetamine-type stimulants such as lisdexamphetamine dimesylate, mixed amphetamine salts, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), dextroamphetamine, and phentermine. These compounds have been investigated for their potential in treating a range of psychiatric disorders, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), drug dependence, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and obesity. Lisdexamphetamine dimesylate has shown promise in effectively treating ADHD symptoms in both children and adults. Additionally, it has been explored as a potential treatment for drug dependency and withdrawal, demonstrating encouraging results. Mixed amphetamine salts have also exhibited efficacy in reducing ADHD symptoms in adults. Future research should explore their potential use in treating bipolar disorder and cocaine dependence, considering the associated risks and benefits. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy has emerged as an innovative approach to treating PTSD, leading to sustained reductions in symptoms and even promoting post-traumatic growth. Furthermore, it has shown promise in managing anxiety related to life-threatening illnesses. Dextroamphetamine and phentermine have demonstrated efficacy in treating cocaine and opioid dependence, ADHD, and obesity. However, careful consideration and monitoring by medical professionals are essential due to the potential risks and benefits associated with them. In conclusion, amphetamine-type stimulants present a promising avenue for therapeutic interventions in various psychiatric conditions. Nevertheless, further research is necessary to comprehensively understand their mechanisms of action, dosage requirements, and long-term effects in different patient populations.

Keywords: amphetamines; stimulants; therapeutic.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1

Chemical structures of amphetamine and amphetamine derivatives.

Similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Busch F.N. Problem-Focused Psychodynamic Psychotherapies. Psychiatr. Serv. 2021;72:1461–1463. doi: 10.1176/appi.ps.202000887. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Cook S.C., Schwartz A.C., Kaslow N.J. Evidence-Based Psychotherapy: Advantages and Challenges. Neurotherapeutics. 2017;14:537–545. doi: 10.1007/s13311-017-0549-4. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Ray L.A., Meredith L.R., Kiluk B.D., Walthers J., Carroll K.M., Magill M. Combined Pharmacotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Adults with Alcohol or Substance Use Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Netw. Open. 2020;3:e208279. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.8279. - DOI - PMC - PubMed
    1. Barnett B.S., Morris N.P., Suzuki J. Addressing In-Hospital Illicit Substance Use. Lancet Psychiatry. 2021;8:17–18. doi: 10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30487-9. - DOI - PubMed
    1. Reiff C.M., Richman E.E., Nemeroff C.B., Carpenter L.L., Widge A.S., Rodriguez C.I., Kalin N.H., McDonald W.M. Psychedelics and Psychedelic-Assisted Psychotherapy. Am. J. Psychiatry. 2020;177:391–410. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19010035. - DOI - PubMed

Publication types

LinkOut - more resources