Higher Dosage of ADHD Medications Linked to Psychosis Risk

Higher doses of commonly prescribed ADHD medications may increase the risk of psychosis, a new study has found

High doses of commonly prescribed medications for ADHD have been linked to an increased risk of psychosis, a new study has found.

The “odds of psychosis and mania were increased for individuals with past-month prescription amphetamine use compared with no use,” said researchers, whose study was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry.

The study looked at patients aged 16–35 who were hospitalized at Mass General Brigham’s mental health facility, McLean Hospital, for incident psychosis or mania between 2005 and 2019.

“We are seeing college students coming in being prescribed stimulants who didn’t have much of a psychiatric history developing new onset psychosis," lead study author Dr. Lauren Moran, a psychiatrist and researcher at McLean Hospital, told NBC News.

Related: Mom Transfers Son's ADHD Medication to Clear Pills — and Makes Alarming Discovery About Dosages (Exclusive)

The stimulant medication they looked at includes commonly prescribed ADHD medications like Adderall and Vyvanse as well as generic amphetamines, NBC News reported.

The study found that those who took 40 milligrams of Adderall, 100 mg of Vyvanse or 30 mg of dextroamphetamine were 5.3 times more likely to develop psychosis than patients who didn’t take any stimulants, the outlet reported.

Patients taking 20 mg to 40 mg of Adderall, 50 mg to 100 mg of Vyvanse or 15 mg to 30 mg of dextroamphetamine had a 3.5 times higher risk of psychosis.

During psychosis, ”there has been some loss of contact with reality,” the National Institute of Mental Health says. “During an episode of psychosis, a person’s thoughts and perceptions are disrupted and they may have difficulty recognizing what is real and what is not.”

Related: ADHD May Triple Dementia Risk in Adults

As the Cleveland Clinic explains, “Amphetamines are stimulant drugs that speed up messages between your brain and your body.”

When given to children with ADHD, amphetamines are shown to decrease impulsive behavior, while improving attention span and focus, the Cleveland Clinic says.

However, the study concludes that “caution should be exercised when prescribing high doses of amphetamines, with regular screening for symptoms of psychosis or mania.”

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

In a statement to PEOPLE, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Vyvanse, said:

"Takeda believes it is important for patients to take our medicines in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved labeling guidance and in consultation with their prescribing health care provider. It is also important to note that according to the FDA-approved label for brand name Vyvanse® (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), the maximum daily dose should not exceed 70mg.

The statement continued: "Full prescribing and safety information, including details on reported adverse events and warnings about potential risks, such as psychiatric-related symptoms like psychosis, are available in the FDA-approved label for brand name Vyvanse. As with any medication, decisions regarding the management of patients, including the risk/benefit assessment, must be made by the treating health care provider."

Teva Pharmaceuticals, the maker of Adderall, has not responded to PEOPLE's request for comment.

If you or someone you know needs mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

For more People news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on People.