Abstract
Objective: To observe the profile of methylphenidate and related use (MFC) among medical students at PUC Goiás and to evaluate variables related to sleep quality and physical activity. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out with 180 medical students from PUC Goiás via online form in May 2020. For data analysis, the X2 tests and Fisher's exact test were used, using the Past 4.03 software. Results: The prevalence of MFC use was 23.3%, with 38.9% (n = 16) being male and 61.9% (n = 26) being female. It was observed that 57.1% (n = 24) had a medical diagnosis with equivalent prescription of any of the drugs, while 42.9% (n = 18) used it without prescription. The commercial drugs mentioned were: Ritalina®, Venvanse®, Concerta® and Adderal®. The main adverse effects reported were insomnia (62.1%), tachycardia (58.6%), anxiety (51.7%), changes in appetite (51.7%), stress (41.4%), tremors (41.4%), dry mouth (34.5%) and abstinence (17.2%). Conclusion: It is concluded that the use of brain psychostimulants without medical prescription was high. Due to the adverse reactions of these drugs, there is a risk to the health of students who use them.