THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THE INDISCRIMINATE USE OF LISDEXAMFETAMINE AND METHYLPHENIDATE BY UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Abstract

Entering higher education is a period marked by high cognitive and emotional demands, leading many university students to turn to psychostimulant substances—such as lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate—in an effort to improve academic performance. Although indicated for the treatment of ADHD, these medications are increasingly used indiscriminately by individuals without a clinical diagnosis, exposing them to significant risks of dependence, anxiety, insomnia, and cardiovascular issues. This study aimed to highlight the risks and implications of the misuse of these substances among university students. It was an integrative literature review conducted using the SciELO, VHL (BVS), and PubMed databases, employing keywords related to stimulant misuse and covering publications from 2020 to 2025. The analysis followed the PRISMA method, ensuring rigor in data selection and synthesis. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 studies were selected for the review. The results demonstrated that the indiscriminate use of lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate is associated with an increased risk of dependence, tolerance, cardiovascular changes, sleep disorders, anxiety, irritability, and other physical and mental health impairments; furthermore, there is no consistent evidence of improved academic performance in individuals without an ADHD diagnosis. It is concluded that the unsupervised use of these medications constitutes a significant public health issue, underscoring the need for educational initiatives, oversight of prescribing and dispensing practices, and institutional strategies aimed at promoting mental health and the rational use of medications within the university environment.