Drugs containing amphetamines may increase Parkinson's disease risks

New research explains that medications typically used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may actually increase Parkinson’s disease risks.

Researchers believe the nature of the medications, as they contain amphetamines with the intention of improving the ability to focus, may have potential detrimental long-term health effects.

The findings for the study were explained at the American Academy of Neurology.

For the study, researchers monitored data from at least 65,000 individuals explaining previous use of medications containing amphetamines.

Analyzing individuals after nearly 40 years from the original time medications were used, researchers discovered that those who took various medications known to have amphetamines were at a 56 percent greater chance of having Parkinson’s disease when compared to individuals who did not take the drugs. The most common drugs containing amphetamines explained in the study were Dexedrine and Benzedrine.

Experts explain that as the data was largely reported by individuals themselves, many potential flaws exist.

Additionally, other potential risk factors were not accounted for, but the study raises questions about the potential health risks of medications containing amphetamines regardless.