Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the use of psychostimulants among medical students in a higher education institution in the Western Amazon. Methods: This is a descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach, conducted with 265 students from the first to the sixth grade, over 18 years old, by completing questionnaires covering questions related to the use of psychostimulants. The data obtained were analyzed with the aid of the Microsoft Office Excel program. Results: According to the sample, 66.4% were female and 33.5% male. The average age was 19 to 23 years. Regarding the use of psychoactive, 65.2% said they use some psychostimulant, and 45.6% reported regular ingestion and 19.6% reported use only in the evaluation period. Among the main reasons cited for consumption were: 57.7% due to routine and 24.1% due to increased cognitive ability. More than 57% consider the use of psychostimulants to improve their academic routine, as well as helping to increase cognitive capacity and compensate for sleep deprivation. Conclusion: It is concluded that the use of psychoactive drugs is frequent in the routine of medical students, mainly during the testing period.