The Therapeutic Potential of Amphetamine-like Psychostimulants
Life November 8, 2023 Bruno Pires, Luana M. Rosendo, Ana Teresa Brinca et al. 15 citations
A review of amphetamine-type stimulants—including lisdexamphetamine dimesylate, mixed amphetamine salts, MDMA, dextroamphetamine, and phentermine—highlights their therapeutic potential for psychiatric conditions such as ADHD, PTSD, drug dependence, and obesity. Lisdexamphetamine dimesylate effectively treats ADHD in children and adults and shows encouraging results for drug dependency. Mixed amphetamine salts reduce ADHD symptoms in adults. MDMA-assisted psychotherapy leads to sustained reductions in PTSD symptoms and may promote post-traumatic growth, also showing promise for anxiety in life-threatening illnesses. Dextroamphetamine and phentermine demonstrate efficacy for cocaine and opioid dependence, ADHD, and obesity. Careful monitoring is required due to risks. Further research is needed on mechanisms, dosing, and long-term effects.