As the host of the Huberman Lab podcast, Andrew Huberman provides listeners with insights into science and science-based tools that can be useful in everyday life. In one recent episode, he delved into the topic of stimulants, particularly those used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Throughout the podcast, Huberman covers all the fascinating and unique aspects of these drugs, including their impact on brain function, their addictive potential, and their potential to cause long-term side effects.
One of the primary topics that Huberman covers is the science behind how stimulant drugs work to improve the symptoms of ADHD. He examines how these drugs affect neurons and brain networks, allowing individuals with ADHD to focus more effectively. In particular, he answers the common question of why giving children speed, which many of these drugs are, can reduce hyperactivity. He also addresses concerns about the long-term consequences of taking these drugs in childhood or adulthood, including their potential impact on sleep, hormone health, reproductive health, and height.
Another insightful aspect of the podcast is Huberman’s discussion of the recreational use of prescription drugs like Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse. He highlights the danger of obtaining these drugs from black market sources, as they may be contaminated with fentanyl, a potent and deadly drug. Moreover, he underscores the critical distinction between using these drugs as prescribed by a physician and using them recreationally. The podcast thoroughly explains the risks and benefits of using these drugs, whether prescription or recreational.
Huberman’s podcast also delves into the latest scientific research on stimulant drugs, including studies examining the relationship between their use and addiction to other substances. He examines research findings on the addictive potential of these drugs and scrutinizes claims that they may lead to addiction to other substances.
Throughout the podcast, Huberman discusses the unique aspects of prescription drugs used to treat ADHD, including non-stimulant options like modafinil and guanfacine. He gives listeners an in-depth understanding of each drug’s benefits and potential side effects. Additionally, he underscores the critical importance of obtaining these drugs legally, through a physician’s prescription, to minimize the risks associated with their use.
In addition to providing listeners with a wealth of knowledge about the science and use of stimulant drugs, Huberman’s podcast introduces them to two of his sponsors, Maui Nui Venison and Roka eyeglasses and sunglasses, as well as even Ketone IQ. This alignment between sponsor products and podcast content underscores Huberman’s commitment to providing listeners with science-based tools for enhancing their lives.
Overall, the Welcome to the Huberman Lab podcast is an excellent resource for anyone interested in science and its practical applications. Huberman’s expertise in neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University shines through in his engaging and informative discussion of topics like stimulant drugs. Anyone curious about the science of ADHD or the intricacies of prescription drug use will find the podcast both enlightening and enjoyable.
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Summary of Transcript:
Andrew Huberman, a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine, discusses stimulants in the context of their use in treating ADHD. He talks about how drugs like Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, Modafinil, and Guanfacine work to improve the symptoms of ADHD, their addictive potential, and their potential short and long-term effects. He answers common questions about these compounds, such as their impact on sleep, hormone health, and height. He also addresses the non-prescription use of these drugs and the dangers of obtaining them from black market sources. Huberman reminds listeners that the podcast is separate from his teaching and research roles at Stanford and thanks sponsor Maui Nui Venison, Roca, and HVMN Ketone IQ. He also announces two live events 2023 entitled The Brain Body Contract, during which he will talk about tools and science related to mental health, physical health, and performance.
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Summary of Description:
The podcast episode discusses how stimulant medications such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, and others work to increase focus and treat ADHD. The role of dopamine and norepinephrine in regulating focus is explained, and the brain circuits involved in focus are described. The episode also covers the long-term effects of ADHD medications on height, cardiovascular health, hormones, addiction, and psychosis and addresses the issue of individual variation in dosage sensitivity. Additionally, the adverse side effects of the recreational use of these medications are discussed, and the medications available for ADHD treatment are reviewed. The podcast is meant to be helpful for people with ADHD, parents, individuals on ADHD medications, or anyone interested in how these medications work.
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Source Description
In this episode, I explain how medications such as Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse, and other stimulants increase focus and treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). I explain the brain circuits involved in focus and the critical roles dopamine and norepinephrine play in their regulation. Then I explain how stimulants such as Adderall and Vyvanse can increase focus and reduce hyperactivity in kids or adults with ADHD and how and why Ritalin and other medications (e.g., Modafinil, Guanfacine) may work better for some. I explain the long-term effects of ADHD medications on height, cardiovascular health, hormones, predisposition to addiction and psychosis, and whether these treatments can be used and then stopped. I also discuss the immense individual variation in dosage sensitivity for these medications and the adverse side effects of recreational use. This episode should benefit anyone with ADHD, their parents, those on ADHD medications, or anyone curious about how these medications work.
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Articles
Cardiovascular Effects of ADHD Therapies: JACC Review Topic of the Week: https://bit.ly/3MDbiri
Brain alterations in children/adolescents with ADHD revisited: A neuroimaging meta-analysis of 96 structural and functional studies: https://bit.ly/3WDs0ve
Impulsivity, Compulsivity, and Top-Down Cognitive Control: https://bit.ly/3MM3uUq
Dopaminergic System Dysfunction in Recreational Dexamphetamine Users: https://go.nature.com/3WDM9Bk
Modafinil enhances alerting-related brain activity in attention networks: https://bit.ly/3WLwobF.
Association of Intrinsic Brain Architecture With Changes in Attentional and Mood Symptoms During Development: https://bit.ly/3qhaaCl
Cognitive enhancement effects of stimulants: a randomized controlled trial testing methylphenidate, modafinil, and caffeine: https://bit.ly/4270EPr
Psychostimulants and Cognition: A Continuum of Behavioral and Cognitive Activation: https://bit.ly/3MHqAv6
Neural Correlates of Symptom Improvement Following Stimulant Treatment in Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: https://bit.ly/3ILu2DI
Long-term effects of stimulant exposure on cerebral blood flow response to methylphenidate and behavior in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: https://bit.ly/45CQpFu
Molecular Characterisation of the Mechanism of Action of Stimulant Drugs Lisdexamfetamine and Methylphenidate on ADHD Neurobiology: A Review: https://bit.ly/45Bsl5J
Pharmacologic treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis: https://bit.ly/3J8rEaH
Books
Stahl’s Essential Psychopharmacology (4th Edition): https://a.co/d/fJZekoD
Other Resources
Controlling Your Dopamine For Motivation, Focus & Satisfaction: https://youtu.be/QmOF0crdyRU
Leverage Dopamine to Overcome Procrastination & Optimize Effort: https://youtu.be/K-TW2Chpz4k
ADHD & How Anyone Can Improve Their Focus: https://youtu.be/hFL6qRIJZ_Y
Timestamps
00:00:00 Stimulants & Attention-Deficient/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
00:03:21 Sponsors: Maui Nui, ROKA, HVMN
00:06:35 The Brain-Body Contract
00:07:22 Attention, Prefrontal Cortex & ADHD
00:16:27 Stimulants “Sympathomimetics.”
00:21:29 Adderall, Dopamine & Norepinephrine
00:25:58 Sympathomimetics, Dopamine & Norepinephrine
00:31:05 Sponsor: AG1
00:32:20 Vyvanse is Timed-Release D-Amp
00:36:36 Ritalin, Concerta
00:40:10 Dopamine & “Noise Reduction”; Norepinephrine & “Signal Amplification”
00:45:28 ADHD: Focus, Hyperactivity & Impulsivity; Drug Selection & Dose
00:50:57 How to do Stimulants ‘Calm’ ADHD?
00:54:48 Neuroplasticity & Neuromodulators
00:58:06 Kids, ADHD Diagnosis & Treatment; Predispose Addiction?
01:04:02 Sponsor: InsideTracker
01:05:12 ADHD Medications: Individuality, Doses, Tapering & Long-Term Use
01:13:28 Medication & Long-Term Effects: Height, Cardiovascular Risk, Alcohol
01:19:32 Cortisol & Hormones
01:27:45 Psychosis & Addiction; Methamphetamine
01:38:20 Recreational Use, Addiction & Psychosis; Habituation
01:42:30 Drug Holidays; Ritalin & Long-Term Effects
01:45:35 Modafinil, Armodafinil; Side-Effects
01:53:03 Guanfacine, Alcohol
01:58:03 ADHD Medications
02:00:26 Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter
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