NON-PRESCRIBED USE OF LISDEXAMFETAMINE AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS: ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, HEALTH RISKS, AND ETHICAL IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

 This study investigated the non-prescribed use of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate among medical students, focusing on the motivations driving its consumption, the health risks associated with self-medication, and the ethical implications of the practice. It is an integrative literature review conducted according to the PRISMA 2020 model, covering studies published between 2020 and 2025 in the SciELO, PubMed, BVS, LILACS, Google Scholar, and DOAJ databases. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 22 studies were selected to form the research corpus. The analysis revealed a high prevalence of use among medical students—ranging from 25% to 47%—driven by motivations such as increased concentration, resistance to fatigue, and improved exam performance. The most frequently reported adverse effects were insomnia, tachycardia, anxiety, and psychological dependence. The study also noted the normalization of use among peers, a lack of preventive campaigns, and institutional inaction. The practice of self-medicating with a controlled substance by future health professionals contradicts the ethical principles of medical training and reveals shortcomings in student well-being support. The study concludes that this phenomenon is directly linked to an academic culture of hyper-productivity and a lack of adequate psycho-educational support. It recommends institutional actions focused on student mental health, ethical awareness strategies, and a review of academic demands, aiming to foster a more humanized and responsible educational environment.