How might medications such as Adderall or Ritalin impact brain development? What are the potential consequences of prescribing these medications?

Question

How might medications such as Adderall or Ritalin impact brain development? What are the potential consequences of prescribing these medications? 

Answer 1

Prescription stimulants, like Adderall and Ritalin, increase the activity of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. This increase contributes to alertness, attention, and energy. However, too much of any medication can become dangerous and even deadly. Short-term side effects include increased heart rate and higher blood pressure, decreased blood flow, and increased breathing patterns. Severe long-term effects of misuse may include impaired judgement, psychosis, intense episodes of anger, and paranoia. Misusing any medication can lead to increased tolerance, meaning the individual will have to take more of the medication to achieve it's desired effect. In these cases, a substance abuse diagnosis may be evident.