stimulants

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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Repeated Low Dose Amphetamine & Behavioral Sensitization in Humans

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A series of studies suggest that repeated low doses of d-amphetamine can lead to a progressively greater behavioral response in some people. This phenomenon, known as “behavioral sensitization,” has been observed in animal models and hypothesized to contribute to addiction in humans. However, few controlled human studies have directly tested this idea. A new double-blind, …

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Flakka (Alpha-PVP): Effects & Dangers of Synthetic Cathinones

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Flakka, the latest dangerous designer drug, has rapidly spread across the United States and beyond. This synthetic cathinone has powerful stimulant effects leading to delirium, aggression, dangerous health issues, and even death. What is Flakka and Why Is It So Troubling? Flakka, commonly referred to as gravel or bath salts, is the street name for …

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Amphetamine (Adderall) for Depression: Effective Adjunct Treatment?

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Major depressive disorder affects over 17 million American adults each year. For up to 30% of these patients, standard antidepressant medications fail to provide adequate symptom relief – a condition known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Now, new research suggests amphetamine-based stimulants like Adderall may be an effective augmentation strategy for TRD when other therapies have …

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New Designer Recreational Drugs & Effects on the Brain: Opioids, Stimulants, THC

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Recreational drug use is constantly evolving, with new substances emerging and old drugs being used in new ways. This can pose risks, especially for the developing adolescent brain. Key Facts: Use of designer opioids like fentanyl is skyrocketing, causing a rise in overdoses. They are extremely potent and risky. Novel versions of stimulant drugs like …

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Staying Alert in the Sky: Modafinil & Caffeine Boost Pilot Performance

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Staying awake and alert can be challenging, especially for pilots working long hours and night shifts. A new study found that the drugs modafinil and caffeine can significantly improve vigilance in pilots compared to placebo, helping them stay alert and attentive during periods of sleep deprivation. Key Facts: The study tested 32 pilots from the …

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