Adderall Study Database
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Mortality among people with regular or problematic use of amphetamines: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Mortality in amphetamine users: a review and meta-analysis
September 8, 2024
author
Stockings E, Tran LT, Santo T Jr, Peacock A, Larney S, Santomauro D, Farrell M, Degenhardt L
journal
Addiction
Date Published
2019 Oct
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Study Summary
🔬
What They Studied
The study aimed to estimate the mortality risks for people who use amphetamines regularly or are dependent on them, looking at both all-cause and specific causes of death.
💡
What They Found
The study found that individuals with regular or dependent amphetamine use have a higher risk of dying from various causes, including drug poisoning, cardiovascular disease, suicide, accidental injuries, and homicide.
📚
What This Means
The findings show a significant increase in mortality risk among amphetamine users compared to non-users, particularly aligning with current evidence suggesting elevated mortality rates linked to substance use.
Study Summary
Study Overview
The study looked closely at people who regularly use amphetamines to see how it affects their chances of dying. Researchers found that these individuals have a higher risk of dying from issues like suicide and violence. There’s a push for better treatments for amphetamine use disorders, which could help lessen these deadly outcomes.
Abstract: background
Amphetamines are the second most commonly used class of illicit drugs. We aimed to produce pooled estimates of mortality risks among people with regular or dependent use of amphetamines, with a focus upon all-cause mortality as well as specific cause...more
Study's Scope
"To our knowledge, this is the most detailed and comprehensive systematic review of mortality among people with regular or dependent amphetamine use conducted to date."
Findings on Risks
"This review clearly found that people with regular or problematic amphetamine use are at elevated risk of several important causes of death, including suicide, homicide and injuries, as well as cardiovascular mortality."
Need for Interventions
"Interventions that effectively address amphetamine use disorders may therefore have the attendant benefits of reducing not only direct harms of acute drug overdose, but also of other causes of death that appear to be causally related to use."
Study Summary
Methods
Researchers conducted a thorough review and meta-analysis of existing studies on people who regularly use or are dependent on amphetamines. They screened over 4,000 papers, ultimately focusing on 30 that provided relevant data.
The data included mortality rates and causes of death, with the researchers using statistical methods to pool results across different studies. They examined these results to identify patterns and explore possible reasons for differences between studies.
The data included mortality rates and causes of death, with the researchers using statistical methods to pool results across different studies. They examined these results to identify patterns and explore possible reasons for differences between studies.
Abstract: methods
Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohorts of people with problematic use or dependence on amphetamines with data on all-cause or cause-specific mortality. Of 4,240 papers, 30 were eligible, reporting on 25 cohorts that measured all-cause mortali...more
Study Summary
Results
The study found that people who regularly use or are dependent on amphetamines face a higher overall risk of death, with a mortality rate of 1.11 per 100 person-years. This means that out of 100 people, more than one might die each year.
The research also highlighted specific risks, such as drug poisoning and cardiovascular disease, showing that users are far more likely to die from these causes than the general population.
The research also highlighted specific risks, such as drug poisoning and cardiovascular disease, showing that users are far more likely to die from these causes than the general population.
Abstract: results
Twenty-three cohorts contributed data for the pooled all-cause CMR: 1.11 per 100PY (95%CI 0.90-1.37). Pooled cause-specific mortality rates were: drug poisoning, 0.14 per 100PY (95%CI: 0.06-0.34); cardiovascular disease, 0.13 per 100PY (95%CI: 0.06-0...more
Study Summary
Conclusions
The findings underscore the serious dangers associated with regular or dependent amphetamine use. People who use amphetamines, whether known as speed or Adderall, face significantly higher risks of dying from various causes.
These include not just drug-related deaths but also those from cardiovascular issues and violent causes like homicide.
These include not just drug-related deaths but also those from cardiovascular issues and violent causes like homicide.
Abstract: conclusions
People with regular or dependent amphetamine use are at elevated risk of a range of causes of mortality compared with people without regular or dependent amphetamine use.
Professional Guide
Expert Opinion: Mortality in amphetamine users: a review and meta-analysis
Amphetamines carry a complex risk profile, particularly relevant given the findings on mortality rates.
FDA approval supports their therapeutic use for ADHD in both adults and children, emphasizing their clinical utility.
However, associated risks such as severe cardiovascular events highlight the need for caution in treatment.
Concerns over misuse have led to the consideration of formulations like lisdexamfetamine, which limits abuse potential.
Close monitoring is necessary to manage risks such as serotonin syndrome and growth deficits, especially in pediatric populations.
FDA approval supports their therapeutic use for ADHD in both adults and children, emphasizing their clinical utility.
However, associated risks such as severe cardiovascular events highlight the need for caution in treatment.
Concerns over misuse have led to the consideration of formulations like lisdexamfetamine, which limits abuse potential.
Close monitoring is necessary to manage risks such as serotonin syndrome and growth deficits, especially in pediatric populations.
Evidence Summary
Balancing Amphetamines: Mental Health Benefits and Risks
The research reviews a range of studies addressing how amphetamines may affect mental health. It highlights both positive and negative effects, underscoring the dual nature of these substances. Using amphetamines medically can have varied mental health impacts, stressing the importance of monitoring. By linking to existing research, it underlines necessary vigilance in medical contexts regarding amphetamine use.
The focus on monitoring where they reveal the importance of careful oversight aligns with the detailed analysis of mortality risks, which demands similar careful consideration in understanding the full scope of these drugs' effects.
The focus on monitoring where they reveal the importance of careful oversight aligns with the detailed analysis of mortality risks, which demands similar careful consideration in understanding the full scope of these drugs' effects.
Evidence Summary
Examining Cardiovascular Risks of ADHD Medication in Adults
The exploration centers on methylphenidate, a medication frequently used for managing ADHD in adults. There's a prevailing concern regarding whether this drug affects heart health negatively. The analysis reviews various studies to uncover potential cardiovascular risks linked to its use. This assessment helps clarify how methylphenidate might influence the cardiovascular system specifically in adult users.
Evidence Summary
Comparing Aripiprazole and Methylphenidate for Amphetamine Dependence
Aripiprazole and methylphenidate are tested to see how well they help those struggling with amphetamine dependence. By comparing these two medications, researchers aim to find out which one is better at cutting down amphetamine use and boosting treatment success.
The evaluation dives into clinical trial data, offering insights into each drug's effectiveness in reducing amphetamine use and improving outcomes for users faced with dependence challenges.
The evaluation dives into clinical trial data, offering insights into each drug's effectiveness in reducing amphetamine use and improving outcomes for users faced with dependence challenges.
