Stimulants

Cocaine Addiction Linked to Brain Shrinkage & Grey Matter Deficits (2024 Study)

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Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD) patients exhibit widespread gray matter atrophy, with specific brain volume deficits associated with crack-cocaine use and relapse outcomes. Highlights: Widespread Gray Matter Atrophy: CUD patients show significant gray matter volume reductions in frontal and temporal cortices, cerebellum, and subcortical structures compared to healthy controls. Route of Use: Crack-cocaine use is linked …

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rTMS of Left Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DL-PFC) May Treat Methamphetamine Addiction via Altering Cravings & Decision Making (2024 Study)

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Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) improves decision-making and reduces cravings in individuals with methamphetamine use disorder (MUD). Highlights: Improved Decision-Making: rTMS treatment enhanced decision-making abilities in MUD patients, making their choices more rational and similar to healthy individuals. Craving Reduction: Participants experienced a significant decrease in cravings for …

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Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of Nucleus Accumbens Treats Cocaine Addiction in Male Rats But Not Females (2024 Study)

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Deep brain stimulation (DBS) in the nucleus accumbens reduces cocaine seeking in male rats but is ineffective in female rats, regardless of their estrous cycle phase. Highlights: No FDA-Approved Treatments: There are currently no FDA-approved treatments for cocaine use disorder. DBS Reduces Cocaine Seeking in Males: Previous studies and the current experiment show that DBS …

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Amphetamine Salts Cause Compulsive Biting & Chewing in 32-Year-Old Female with ADHD (2024 Case Report)

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TLDR: A patient developed a compulsive chewing behavior when taking mixed amphetamine salts (MAS) for ADHD, highlighting the need to monitor for unusual side effects with stimulant use. Highlights: Patient Background: The patient is a 32-year-old woman with a history of GERD, gastroparesis, migraines, PTSD, generalized anxiety disorder, ADHD, and unspecified bipolar disorder. Medication & …

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Methamphetamine Dependence Linked to Parkinson’s Disease Risk

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New research reveals that people with a history of methamphetamine dependence face a startling elevated risk of developing Parkinson’s disease or related movement disorders later in life. Key Facts: Individuals dependent on methamphetamine had almost 3 times the rate of Parkinson’s outcomes compared to matched controls from the general population. For women with methamphetamine dependence, the risk …

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Examining the Effects of Methylphenidate, Modafinil, Caffeine as Cognitive Enhancers in Healthy Adults

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Stimulants like caffeine, methylphenidate, and modafinil have repeatedly been shown to boost cognitive abilities such as attention, focus, and memory in healthy individuals. A new study provides insight into the underlying brain mechanisms of this cognitive enhancement effect. Key Facts: All three stimulants (caffeine, methylphenidate, modafinil) enhanced performance across different memory tasks Stimulants increased functional …

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MDPV Mechanisms of Action: Neurochemical Effects of the Synthetic Cathinone

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Synthetic cathinones like MDPV emerged as drugs of abuse in the early 2010s, gaining notoriety for their powerful stimulant effects and association with bizarre intoxication and death. Despite legislation banning MDPV and its analogs, these substances continue circulating in the drug marketplace. Understanding the pharmacology of MDPV provides insight on its abuse liability, toxic effects, …

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Low-Dose Amphetamine Restores Dopamine Transporters in Cocaine Addiction, Rat Study

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Cocaine abuse leads to dysfunction of brain dopamine systems and the development of addiction. New research identifies changes in the dopamine transporter as a driving force underlying cocaine addiction, and points to a novel way to reverse these detrimental effects. Key Facts: Cocaine abuse caused the dopamine transporter to form larger complexes of multiple transporter …

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Amphetamine Sensitization Alters Brain’s Reward Circuits in Humans (Study)

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Researchers have found that repeated low doses of amphetamine can alter reward and motivation circuits in the human brain. The changes mirror what is seen in addiction and schizophrenia. Key Facts: Healthy volunteers received 4 doses of a low 20mg dose of amphetamine or placebo, spaced 2 days apart. Those getting amphetamine showed enhanced subjective …

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Modafinil & Sleep Homeostasis: Effects Determined By COMT Gene Variants

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New research reveals that the wake-promoting drug modafinil affects markers of sleep homeostasis differently depending on a person’s genetics. Key facts: Modafinil improved sustained attention in people with a certain gene variant but not others after sleep deprivation. Modafinil reduced sleepiness and theta brain waves during wakefulness regardless of genetics. Modafinil did not reduce slow …

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