Safety of Stimulants
Stimulants are safe and effective in the treatment of AD.
Stimulants have been used medicinally for 50 years, so millions of doses have been taken since. The benefits and risks have been thoroughly studied in that time. The FDA has deemed them to be safe and effective to treat ADD. To date there is no verifiable reason to think that even long term use of stimulants does or would cause harm.
Potential side effects of reasonable use of the medications can be managed by working together.
Stimulants for ADDers are therapeutic
The ADDers reported benefits far outweigh any measure of negative effects they experience. It's the use of stimulants by NADDers that causes side effects. By definition ADDers chemical brain function is different (not abnormal) and therefore more benefit would be anticipated. And our experience is ADDers have fewer troublesome effects compared to the NADers, who are the ones more prone to abuse stimulants.
We encourage those with ADDness who would consider the therapeutic use of stimulants to read about the potential benefits and side effects of treatment. Consider making use of the many books and resources about ADD available on the Internet.
Safety is paramount
Our approach is that for those who closely fit the criteria of ADD, the prescribed use of stimulants is indeed safe. Careless and uncontrolled use of stimulants is dangerous. We will conduct an evaluation in good faith. We look forward to be of service to those who would benefit from our knowledge and experience. However, we are VERY likely to see through faked or false information. Suspicious behavior, inconsistencies and "drug seeking" behavior will be confronted and we have a Zero Tolerance policy.
We adhere to strict guidelines that govern the amount of medication we provide. Diversion of the medication or any other use of the medication other than for that (which) it was prescribed will not be tolerated.
Safety requires there will be no early refills for any reason to replace lost medication.
Zero tolerance policy for suspicious, inconsistent or "drug seeking" behavior
The dangers of stimulants
Stimulants can cause serious organ damage and even death. When taken in high doses or over a long time, stimulants cause psychiatric illness, such as insomnia, poor appetite, paranoia, deliriousness, sexual arousal, increased risk taking and hallucinations. Stimulant intoxication can resemble mania. The problems almost always disappear when the drugs are stopped. However, after a stimulant binge, deep depression is common. During intoxication and afterwards the rate of accidents and suicide is increased. Stimulants can be psychologically, but not physically addicting.
In high doses, stimulants can produce cardiovascular collapse, heart attack, stroke, seizures, renal failure, intestinal bleeding, and liver damage. Heart attacks, seizures, bleeding under the skull lining, and strokes may also result in death. The rate of suicide and accidents can increase during periods of toxicity and withdrawal. In high doses, prescription stimulants increase sexual arousal and disinhibition increasing the risk of exposure to sexually transmitted diseases.
"2006 FDA Advisory Committee"
"In reference to the 2006 FDA Advisory committee narrowly failed decision to suggest to the FDA that a "black box warning" be attached to the use of stimulants, we, and the vast majority of clinicians and medical researchers who study and or prescribe stimulants, disagree. The relationship between stimulants and sudden death has been thoroughly studied. The relationship if there is one is coincidental not causal".