Why are amphetamines being prescribed more often? Elizabeth Tracey reportsWhy are amphetamines being prescribed more often? Elizabeth Tracey reports
Alcohol And Drug Abuse – Johns Hopkins Medicine Podcasts
Among US adults with insurance, 3% of those in the 19-64 year old age group are prescribed amphetamines, often in combination with other drugs for depression or sleep, a Johns Hopkins study shows. Thomas Moore, one of the study’s authors,
1:06•15 May 2023
Amphetamine Prescriptions: Why Are They on the Rise?
Episode Overview
- Amphetamine prescriptions among US adults aged 19-64 are on the rise, often combined with other medications for depression or sleep.
- Thomas Moore discusses the potential reasons behind the increase in amphetamine prescriptions.
- Physicians may be unaware of the risks and resort to adding amphetamines to patients' medication regimens rather than adjusting doses or trying alternative treatments.
- The dangers of combining amphetamines with other drugs remain uncertain, raising concerns about patient safety.
- Gain valuable insights from this episode on the complexities of modern prescription practices and their potential impact on patient care.
“What I do think is happening is physicians who are not acutely aware of some of the risks of amphetamines are treating their patients with other drugs, let's say antidepressants. The sad fact is probably half the people prescribed an antidepressant don't get a satisfactory result. So amphetamines get added to the mix in hopes of enhancing the antidepressant effect or in hopes that they will counter some of the side effects.”
Ever wondered why more adults are being prescribed amphetamines these days? This episode of the Johns Hopkins Medicine podcast tackles that very question. Elizabeth Tracey chats with Thomas Moore, one of the study’s authors, to uncover the reasons behind this trend. They dive into the data showing that 3% of insured U.S. adults aged 19-64 are now prescribed amphetamines, often alongside other medications for depression or sleep issues.
Moore breaks down the potential risks and benefits, shedding light on the complexities of modern prescription practices. If you're curious about why doctors are turning to amphetamines more frequently and what that means for patients, this episode is a must-listen.
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