Amphetamine case histories

Despite public misconceptions, there is little firm evidence that the typical and atypical antidepressants produce dependence in clinical users. A review of 21 case reports of antidepressant addiction revealed that 12 were associated with tranylcypromine, although 8 of these 12 had a previous history of substance misuse (Haddad, 1999). Tranylcypromine s structural similarity to amphetamine may account for the significant number of reports of its addictive potential, but even here the term (mild) discontinuation reaction rather than withdrawal reaction should be used to allay any concerns patients might have (Haddad, 1999). 

Stimulants are considered to be among the safest and most effective psychotropic medications prescribed. This view is based on a history of over 60 years of research and clinical use for a variety of physiological and psychiatric conditions. In a ground-breaking article, Bradley (1937) reported that D, L-amphetamine diminished motor activity, increased compliance, and improved academic performance in hyperactive children. Continuing his research throughout the next two decades, Bradley published more case reports of successful amphetamine treatments in children (Bradley and Bowen, 1941). 

You always hear stories about people taking exams on amphetamines and thinking they ve done brilliantly only to find out later that they wrote page after page of incomprehensible gibberish, I almost wish that had happened in my case. I got an A on ray history exam — as I was sure I had — and have been involved, to some extent, with amphetamines ever since. 

Shortly after its publication, however, the report was criticized for its shortcomings. One researcher noted that "in the 10 cases reported [by Campbell] all 10 men had used LSD - many of them over 20 times - as well as cannabis, and 8 of the 10 had used amphetamines. One subject had a previous history of convulsions, four had significant head injuries, and a number had used sedatives, barbiturates, heroin, or morphine. On the basis of these facts, speculative connection between cannabis use and brain damage is highly suspect."... 

Risk factors for acute dystonia include young age, male sex, previous history, substance abuse, rapid titration and high-potency antipsychotics. A case of a 24-year-old male daily amphetamine user who developed acute dystonia on low-dose risperidone resolving on olanzapine is reported [254 ]. 

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