Abnormalities of Brain Chemistry and Microscopic Pathology Caused by Stimulants

Abnormalities of Brain Chemistry and Microscopic Pathology Caused by Stimulants 

Studies show that methylphenidate and amphetamine bind to receptors throughout most of the forebrain, including the basal ganglia and frontal cortex (Unis et al., 1985). Many studies confirm amphetamine-induced persistent abnormalities in biochemical structure and function (Robinson et al., 1998). 

Because it is a common drug of abuse that is almost always obtained illegally, there is more research exploring methamphetamine-induced brain 

Methamphetamine has been demonstrated to be irreversibly neurotoxic. Given the biochemical and clinical similarities to amphetamine and methylphenidate, this gives cause for grave concern. 

Dextroamphetamine, or simply amphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall), is another FDA-approved drug for treating behavioral problems in children. Yet the existence of amphetamine neurotoxicity has also been documented for more than 30 years (Huang et al., 1997). 

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