Repurposed Drugs of Abuse (Stimulants, Ketamine, and Psychedelics): Focus on Risks
Breno Souza-Marques, Ana Teresa Caliman-Fontes, Gustavo C. Leal, Igor D. Bandeira, Rodrigo P. Mello, Raíza Alves-Pereira, Lucas C. Quarantini
Bipolar Disorder January 1, 2025 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-85519-1_28 via Springer Nature
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractSome people with bipolar disorder continue to have symptoms despite available treatments, leading researchers to explore repurposing drugs of abuse—such as stimulants, ketamine, and psychedelics—as novel therapies. While clinical trials show promising efficacy for some of these drugs, concerns about their risks have emerged. This chapter examines the potential benefits and, especially, the associated risks, including addiction, worsening of psychiatric symptoms, and adverse physical and cognitive effects. It offers a balanced risk–benefit analysis that weighs these factors against the severity of bipolar disorder, alternative treatments, and the possibility of individualized risk stratification, aiming to inform clinical decisions and guide future research.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Psychedelics Drug abuse Substance use risks Mental health Addiction potential |
| Key finding | Repurposed drugs of abuse, including stimulants, ketamine, and psychedelics, show promise for treating bipolar disorder but carry risks of addiction, symptom exacerbation, and adverse effects, requiring careful risk–benefit analysis. |
Abstract
Despite the availability of many treatment options, several individuals with bipolar disorders experience persistent symptoms, necessitating the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in repurposing drugs of abuse, such as stimulants, ketamine, and psychedelics, for the treatment of bipolar disorders. While some of these drugs have demonstrated promising efficacy in clinical trials, concerns regarding their potential risks have emerged. This chapter investigates the complex relationship between repurposed drugs of abuse and bipolar disorder, examining both the potential benefits and in particular the associated risks. This will include a discussion of the potential for addiction, exacerbation of existing psychiatric symptoms, and adverse physical and cognitive effects. We will engage in a balanced risk–benefit analysis, weighing the potential benefits of repurposed drugs of abuse against the associated risks. This will involve a consideration of the severity of bipolar disorders, the availability of alternative treatment options, and the potential for individualized risk stratification. This analysis will inform clinical decision-making and guide future research endeavors in this rapidly evolving treatment field.