Linda W. was looking forward to a life free of cancer after she finished her final round of chemotherapy for breast cancer. Linda started having memory and concentration problems about a year after she finished her treatment. The cancer survivor, 51, compared her difficulties to a sudden onset learning disability. “It took me twice as long to complete simple tasks like balancing my checkbook or filing papers at work. After reading something, I’d have to reread it several times as I couldn’t remember what I had read. “
Linda’s symptoms were consistent with what is known as Chemobrain. This is a cognitive decline that many cancer patients experience after chemotherapy. However, while common, the term “chemobrain” can be misleading. Many studies show a decrease in cognitive function after cancer treatment. However, experts are hesitant to blame chemotherapy alone. 1 There are many theories regarding “chemobrain”.
Tony Webster / Flickr / CC BY 2.0
There is a need for more research to understand the effects of cancer and cancer treatments on the brain. We know today that chemotherapy can cause cognitive dysfunction in some patients, but we have no concrete evidence as to its causes. Before the current research, healthcare providers dismissed mental symptoms such as memory loss, concentration difficulties, and loss of focus as emotional stress due to cancer or an effect of normal aging. The mental symptoms that patients were experiencing were not addressed. Patients still have few answers today, but some healthcare professionals are treating their symptoms with therapy and pharmaceutical drugs.
No Approved Treatments
Although there is no specific or approved treatment for cognitive impairment following cancer treatment, healthcare providers prescribe stimulants that treat hyperactivity disorder to increase focus and concentration. Linda was prescribed Buy Adderall Online, a combination of amphetamine and dextroamphetamine salts. The medication helped Linda with her focus and concentration. “I knew I couldn’t continue like this after I forgot to pick my grandson up from his baseball practice. My doctor prescribed Adderall and has helped me. I am as close as I can get to my former self. Who doesn’t struggle from time to time? “.
ADHD and chemobrain share similar symptoms. Children and adults with ADHD also experience memory problems, difficulty concentrating and loss of focus. Stimulants alter the levels of neurotransmitters, primarily dopamine and norepinephrine, in the brain. Stimulants do not cure Chemobrain or attention deficit disorder. They only relieve the symptoms. This is similar to someone taking OTC cold medicines when they have a cold. Cold therapy can alleviate symptoms like runny or coughing noses but does not cure a cold.
Some healthcare providers may not be aware of Chemobrain and are unwilling to prescribe stimulants to alleviate symptoms. While some healthcare providers recognize cognitive decline following treatment, they may not prescribe stimulants because they are controlled substances.
Side Effects of Stimulants
Your healthcare provider can prescribe a variety of stimulants. Buy Adderall Online (lisdexamfetamine dimesylate), 3 Concerta methylphenidate (HCl), Dexedrine dextroamphetamine hydrochloride, and Ritalin are the most common stimulants prescribed. The side effects of stimulants are different for each inspiration, but they can include headaches, nausea, weight loss and insomnia. The majority of healthy people can tolerate provocations at the correct dose. However, you may need to experiment with a few stimulants before finding the one that is best for you.
Who should not take stimulants?
It is not recommended that everyone take stimulants. You should not use stimulants if you have any of the following conditions:
- These medications can cause moderate to severe anxiety. Anxiety, nervousness and agitation may increase.
- glaucoma
- Overactive thyroid
- Untreated or uncontrolled high Blood Pressure
- History of psychosis, psychotic episodes or events
- Coronary artery disease
MAOIs are not stimulants and should not be prescribed to people who take them.
Warnings may be included for other medical conditions that are not listed. You should provide your healthcare provider with a complete medical history of yourself and/or your family to determine whether stimulants are right for you.
Are stimulants addictive?
Stimulants are addictive and can lead to addiction. Do not stop suddenly taking stimulants without the approval of your doctor. Withdrawal symptoms can occur if you abruptly discontinue your medication. Your healthcare provider may taper off your medication slowly to ease withdrawal symptoms.
It is recommended that people with a history of drug or alcohol abuse or a personality type prone to addiction avoid stimulant medications. These drugs are controlled substances because they can be addictive, and some can be abused.
