Usually indicated to enhance alertness and focus in patients with hyperactivity disorder, the amphetamines benzedrine and dexedrine may increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
Researchers followed and studied data from more than 66,000 people between 1964 and 1973, then in 1995. In total, some 1,154 people had Parkinson’s disease at the end of the study.
Scientists have observed that patients who received the amphetamines in question were 60% more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, compared to those who did not consume this type of medical specialties.
“If other studies confirm these results, the potential risk of developing Parkinson’s disease from these types of amphetamines should be considered by doctors before prescribing these drugs,” conclude the lead authors of the study.
