Neurotoxicity and meds
Buried in the fine print of an article in Wikipedia, I found some rather disturbing information.
A number of releasing agents, notably many of those derived from amphetamine, have been found to be neurotoxic to serotonin and/or dopamine neurons via damage to axons and dendrites, enzymes, mitochondria, DNA, plasmalemmal and vesicular transporters, and the cell membrane, ultimately causing cell death or apoptosis as a result. Examples include amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA, fenfluramine, and PCA, among others.
What this says essentially is that amphetamines can damage neurons and cause cell death. But the piperidine compounds aren’t as toxic – that’s Ritalin, Concerta and Daytrana:
In contrast, piperazine, aminoindane, and oxazoline releasing agents, as well as those from various other chemical families, are considered to be either fully nontoxic, or significantly less toxic in comparison.
Methylphenidate belongs to the piperidine class of compounds and increases the levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain through reuptake inhibition of the monoamine transporters. It also increases the release of dopamine and norepinephrine. MPH possesses structural similarities to amphetamine, and, though it is less potent, its pharmacological effects are even more closely related to those of cocaine.[1][2][3]
I’ve written here previously about Dr. Tracy Ware’s assertion that amphetamines aren’t such a good choice for our ADD brains, even if they do help our focus and concentration. And that Ritalin (methyphenadate) isn’t quite so bad. This article supports her opinion.
Darn it. Just when we found something that would at least wake up our brains a little, allow us to focus, the ultimate effect is negative. I sure don’t want cell death in my neurons. I think it’s back to caffeine for me. But in small doses so my heart doesn’t go pitty-pat in ways it shouldn’t. (sigh) Don’t you wish this was easier?
You maybe right, but some info in Wik. is accurate…simply BECAUSE people can correct it. Leaves a large margin for abuse and error, though. I checked with my husband (a doc) and he says he’s not heard that this is true but then, he’s not a neurologist.
Good point. If the ADHD Brain is dopamine deficient, the perhaps the toxicity claim is not relevant or the effect is dampened by the brain’s craving for that neurotransmitter. I am just exploring this topic and wish there was more compelling evidence on either side. Unfortunately, the research is controlled mostly by the pharmaceutical companies … which have the money to do the research. Kinda self serving, but maybe completely legitimate. Just not sure….
Were these studies conducted on people with ADHD though? If they’re only what happens to people without ADHD, they don’t mean that it’s neurotoxic for us as well, because if you take only as much as you need, your dopamine levels should be brought to within normal range, not excessive, and therefore shouldn’t interact with free radicals etc.
Hi Linda:
 Not sure that Wikpedia is the best resource for investigating ADD meds. As a former middle school teacher I became aware from my students, that an individual can actually go in and alter information that is printed on a given topic. Don’t know if that is still the case but I would not use it as a reliable source of current info.widely accecepted by the medical community treating ADHD. As far as Dr. Tracey is concerned, thanks for letting me know about her research. I will certainly look into her findings. I am interested in the source of the information about Ritalin, as I have studied quite a bit about it as it is one of the oldest medications used and has been studied in depth. Because it was found in a study that was documented in a major medical journal over ten years ago, to cause permanent damage to the cerebral cortex, plus extreme weight loss in some children, particularly boys, I was not aware that it was being widely prescribed anymore. Just wanted to share this info. as I am always trying to keep up to date on the current drug info. as a former teacher of children with ADD and an adult with ADHD. We all are constantly learning and I just wanted to encourage everyone to continue to seek out information from a variety of resource bases including the national CHADD website. Sincerely, Louise T. Seattle
Hi Linda, very interesting information. As you know, I sold Ritalin and the isomer of Ritalin, Focalin for quite some time ( no longer ). I learned about the amphetamine salts and antidepressants. My view is that someone can benefit from any one of these meds. I happen to absolutely love how Focalin XR wolks on myself and my children. In my humbel opinion, the effect of meds on neurotransmitters get really complicated when one is being treated for several different neurological conditions at the same time. Please keep the great info comming and I will keep my ears open for any additional info.
Margo Love