1 of 2 Maria Luiza Silveira talks about drug addiction Photo: Reproduction/YouTube Maria Luiza Silveira talks about drug addiction Photo: Reproduction/YouTube
The medicine Vyvansewhich led model Maria Luiza Silveira, wife of actor Paulo Vilhena, to addiction, poses serious health risks such as neurological and heart problems if not taken as prescribed by a doctor.
It is indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and binge eating, and is often used as a stimulant by people who want to have more energy and energy even those who do not have this diagnosis.
This was the case with the model who opened up about her addiction on the “Take Your Shoes Off” podcast. In the interview she says that it was them six years of addictionaged 20 to 26 years.
“I spoke with great pride [que tomava]. It's the best thing in the world. I loved. It's good, but it comes at a price. And the price is too high,” he said. “If I hadn't stopped, I probably would have died.” I took a dose that made my heart beat faster and slower. I would have had a cardiac arrest,” he said.
It all started when she had to juggle law school and an internship. “I found myself in a situation where I needed something to cheer me up. It is a pill that puts you in an unusual mood. It's magical, but it comes at a price“.
Luli, as she likes to be called, said that medicine had transformed her into a “miracle woman, much more sociable, more human, almost with superpowers.”
💊 And Venvanse (lisdexamfetamine) really has that “power”. The drug derived from amphetamine is one Central nervous system stimulant and psychostimulant.
“The molecule significantly increases levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with wellbeing and reward. It has a direct effect on the feeling of rewardbrings a lot Strength, spirit and energy” explains psychiatrist Anny de Mattos Barroso Maciel, eating disorder specialist from USP and interpersonal therapist from Unifesp.
A reference in the fields of neuroscience, neuropsychology and cognitive behavioral therapy, psychiatrist Nina Ferreira emphasizes that lisdexamfetamine increases the availability of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain.
It's like the brain is working super hard. However, these excess neurotransmitters are very harmful to the brain and the entire body.
— Nina Ferreira, psychiatrist
Psychiatrist Anny Maciel warns that Vyvanse It is usually not the first treatment option for treating attention deficit disorders precisely because it is very effective..
“We start with less effective medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin). We go from least effective to most effective. In addition, we also provide a “vacation” from medication. In other words, if the patient is not overwhelmed. “For example, if there is no time limit for proof, he does not need to use it,” adds the psychiatrist.
It is also necessary to pay attention to contraindications such as:
- Patient with a history of recent hypertension or hypertensive crisis;
- Patient with arteriosclerosis disease, with hardening of the arteries;
- Patient sensitive to the molecule;
- Patient with a history of drug abuse;
- Patient with a history of major depression; It is
- Thyroid changes, such as: B. Hyperthyroidism.
“It is not a harmless molecule. It significantly improves performance, cognitive response, and even secondary anxiety symptoms. When indicated to the patient, the hyperactivity really improves. However, this medication must always be used under medical supervision.“warns Anny Maciel.
2 of 2 Venvanse is indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Photo: G1 Venvanse is indicated for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Photo: G1
And who uses it without instructions?
The risks depend largely on each organism and the disposition of each individual, says Nina Ferreira.
“Like any medication, taking it without an indication carries a number of risks. It can lead to an increase in blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias and brain damage because the amount of neurotransmitters needed in the brain can be exceeded, leading to drug dependence.” are the most common risks, but this depends on each individual “ warns the psychiatrist.
🚨 And that The risk of death is real, he warns. “It is a drug that is taken in excess or without indication, without medical assessment, without monitoring examinations, It can actually endanger a person's life. Not to mention injuries to the brain and entire body.“.
➡️ The psychiatrist reminds us that the drug is excellent and safe when the indication is good.
In the chat, Luli explained the entire process to get rid of Venvanse addiction.
“It's very difficult to get off drugs. My mother had to stop working so she could stay home with me. You don’t know who you are anymore.” The period of abstinence was the most difficult phase of my life. I was in the hospital for a week and then in home care. The drug was taken away overnight because there was no way to reduce it, I was at a level I couldn't reach. I couldn't leave the house for six months.
The ones from g1 warn that The drug can cause chemical dependence. Therefore, medical monitoring is required EXTREMELY necessary.
Christiane Ribeiro, psychiatrist and member of the Study and Research Committee on Women's Mental Health of the Brazilian Psychiatric Association (ABP), explains that Vyvanse ultimately creates tolerance, This results in the person needing higher and higher doses to achieve the same effect.
“We know that higher doses of Amphetamines They can cause rhabdomyolysis (a breakdown of muscle) and lead to hepatitis. It can even cause memory and attention to deteriorate an effect that is contrary to what the person desires. In addition, withdrawal symptoms may occur and the person may become excessively sleepy if they do not take the medication.“, it says.
The model said that she increased the dosage of the drug on her own and even took 150 mg of Vyvanse (the normal range is about 30 mg to 70 mg).
“This increase can lead to overloading of the heart. Patients who already suffer from hypertension may not even think about taking this medication because it increases heart rate and increases blood pressure. Those who abuse these drugs can also have cardiovascular problems,” he adds. Christiane Ribeiro, who has a master's degree in molecular medicine from UFMG.
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