Concurrent use of amphetamine stimulants and antidepressants by undergraduate students

Undergraduate students were recruited to participate in an online survey to report their use of amphetamine stimulants and other drugs. Significant differences were found between students reporting (n=79; 4.0%) and not reporting (n=1,897; 96%) amphetamine-stimulant use in the past month - in terms o...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Patient preference and adherence 2015-01, Vol.9 (default), p.161-172
Main Authors: Vo, Kim, Neafsey, Patricia J, Lin, Carolyn A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antidepressants, Tricyclic
Central nervous system agents
college students
Complications and side effects
depression
Diarrhea
Dosage and administration
Drug therapy
Original Research
Patient outcomes
self-medication
stimulant use
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Summary:Undergraduate students were recruited to participate in an online survey to report their use of amphetamine stimulants and other drugs. Significant differences were found between students reporting (n=79; 4.0%) and not reporting (n=1,897; 96%) amphetamine-stimulant use in the past month - in terms of race/ethnicity, class standing, residence, health symptoms, self-health report - in addition to alcohol, tobacco, pain-reliever, and antidepressant use. Health symptoms reported more often by stimulant users included depression, diarrhea, difficulty sleeping, fatigue, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, and nicotine craving. Health care providers of college students should query these patients about symptoms that could be related to depression and amphetamine use. In particular, they should provide education at the point of care around the risks of amphetamine use in general and the specific risks in those students who have symptoms of depression and/or are taking antidepressant medication. Prevention programs should also target the risks of concurrent use of amphetamines, antidepressants, and other drugs among college students.
ISSN:1177-889X
1177-889X
DOI:10.2147/PPA.S74602