Short-Term Effects
Stimulant use can have side effects, even when prescribed by a doctor. Misusing them can be especially dangerous. Taking high doses of a stimulant can cause:
- increased blood pressure
- irregular heartbeat
- dangerously high body temperatures
- decreased sleep
- lack of interest in eating, which can lead to poor nutrition
- risk for seizures and stroke at high doses
- if drugs are injected, there is an increased risk of HIV, hepatitis, and other infectious diseases from shared needles
Long-Term Effects
Over time, prescription stimulant medications can cause:
- heart problems
- psychosis (having false thoughts or seeing or hearing things that aren’t there)
- intense anger
- paranoia (feeling like someone is going to harm you even though they aren’t)