Venvanse is indicated for weight loss and ADHD, but has been used as a psychostimulant. The medicine can be addictive and cause a heart attack, among other risks
A remedy initially indicated for ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) has found success among financial market executives and among young people looking for substances with stimulating effects. It is Venvanse, an amphetamine prescribed to treat concentration deficits and eating disorders. This is the trade name of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, a drug sold by Takeda Pharma and approved for sale in Brazil by Anvisa since 2010.
According to data obtained by Veja, the sale of the drug has doubled in the last two years in the country: from 66,533 to 137,468 boxes per year. And it’s not cheap: a box with 28 capsules of 50 milligrams costs around 500 reais. With a tendency towards psychostimulant use, Venvanse is often acquired in illicit ways, similar to cocaine and heroin.
Adverse effects of Venvanse
Neurologist and neurosurgeon at the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital, Dr. Wanderley Cerqueira de Lima, points out that the drug has an effect similar to that of other amphetamines. “They lead to a sense of well-being, increase energy, optimism and psychomotor agitation. But they can also lead to intoxication, severe paranoia, psychosis. Sometimes they also relieve insomnia and can give a feeling of being ‘in tuning'”, warn.
In addition, Venvanse increases blood pressure, which can lead to acute myocardial infarction, causes sleep changes, increases fatigue, causes cardiac overload and tolerance. Because it is a psychoactive substance, the drug activates reward impulses in the brain, which has the potential to cause addiction easily. “More and more you will need larger doses, whatever the purpose, for routine work, to take it creatively or to reduce appetite,” warns the doctor.
Venvanse can also cause a rebound effect, which is even more severe than other drugs. “Amphetamine leads to a longer-lasting intoxication than cocaine itself. When using these substances, mood becomes elevated, but this may be followed by apathy, drowsiness, depression, or withdrawal. Finally, using it as an appetite suppressant, the amphetamine will precede that voracious form that comes after (binge eating),” completes the doctor at Albert Einstein Hospital.
The expert reinforces the risks of taking the drug without medical need or advice. “This drug may not be used off prescription and never recreationally, thinking it will improve your job, solve your daily problems, or solve your apathy. It’s not like that. Medicine can even kill,” she warns.
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Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
