The Effects of Prior Exposure to Methylphenidate on Later Methamphetamine Self-Administration

Methylphenidate is the most common stimulant drug of choice for the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. With a growing ADHD population, there is concern of overdiagnosis that may lead to the inappropriate use of stimulant medication. This study was designed to examine the impacts of MPH use in individuals who do not have ADHD. It is hypothesized that prior exposure to stimulant medication may have on later substance use, particularly illicit stimulants Research implicates that prior exposure to stimulant medication may play a role in later psychostimulant use and is effected by dose. This study demonstrates, both through experimentation and a review of the literature, how prior stimulant exposure relates to Methamphetamine self-administration. Further research is need to fully assess the impact that Methylphenidate use has in the general population regarding methamphetamine use. This work also proposes comparative studies for ADHD populations and possible age-related effects of Methylphenidate use.