Why are amphetamines increasingly prescribed with other medications? Elizabeth Tracey reportsWhy are amphetamines increasingly prescribed with other medications? Elizabeth Tracey reports
Alcohol And Drug Abuse – Johns Hopkins Medicine Podcasts
Polypharmacy is the term used to describe use of multiple medications, and it’s usually seen as people age and develop more health problems. Now a Johns Hopkins study shows that amphetamines are increasingly being used along with a range of … Why are ...
1:03•15 May 2023
Amphetamines and Polypharmacy: Unpacking the Risks in Modern Medicine
Episode Overview
- Polypharmacy and its implications on adults aged 19 to 64
- The concerning trend of amphetamine use alongside multiple medications
- Insights into the prescribing cascade and its potential dangers
- Highlights from the Johns Hopkins study on polypharmacy
- Lack of guidance from professional groups on the risks of medication combinations
“One of our concerns is what we call the prescribing cascade. Suppose a patient gets an antidepressant drug, but one of those side effects could be too much sedation. So a stimulant, such as amphetamines or Adderall, gets added to the combination.”
Ever wondered why more adults are being prescribed amphetamines along with other medications? This episode of the Johns Hopkins Medicine podcast dives into the growing concern of polypharmacy, where multiple medications are used simultaneously. The spotlight is on a recent study by Thomas Moore, which reveals a troubling trend among adults aged 19 to 64. Moore discusses the 'prescribing cascade', a phenomenon where the side effects of one medication lead to the prescription of additional drugs, creating a risky cycle.
This episode raises important questions about the lack of professional guidance on managing these complex medication regimens. If you're interested in understanding the potential dangers of combining medications and their impact on health, this episode offers crucial insights.

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