The non-prescription use of Methyphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine by medical students

Abstract

Objective: To review the literature on the non-prescription use of Methylphenidate and Lisdexamfetamine by medical students. Bibliographical review: Substances capable of stimulating the brain have several properties, including increased motivation, alertness and waking time, which is why academics end up putting themselves at risk when they self-medicate with brain stimulants, believing that better results will be obtained in assessments. In the available studies, it is observed that the majority use methylphenidate or lisdexamfetamine during periods of tests and stress, however, there is a lack of studies that can establish the real prevalence of non-prescribed use of brain stimulants by medical students, which end up directly interfering in the creation of measures of public health. Final considerations: Given the growing importance of the use of non-prescribed stimulants in existing studies, it is necessary to expand this research in Brazilian universities, in order to understand the existing prevalence and carry out a diagnosis of this problem so that measures can be established for public health.