Expert explains the indiscriminate use of psychostimulants and the impacts on health

oral health

Dental surgeon points to increase in cases of bruxism, dental erosion, and complaints from patients with chronic pain in the head, neck, shoulders and neck

From 2018 to 2022, the number of boxes of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate increased from 618 thousand to 1.4 million (data from the Pharmaceutical Producers Industry Union – Sindusfarma). The substance is the active ingredient in Venvanse, a medication that stimulates the central nervous system, indicated for the treatment of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

It is known that in regions with a greater concentration of companies, mainly in the financial market, the sale of psychostimulants is significant compared to other parts of the country. The captive audience is made up of executives who aim to enhance focus and productivity. Pre-university students are also among the users.

Chronic pain and muscle deficiency

The impact of the indiscriminate and non-prescription use of these medications has been noticed in the dental office. The dental surgeon at Ateliê Oral, Marcelo Kyrillos, points to the increase in cases of bruxism and dental erosion in executive patients.

The specialist also highlights the increase in patients with chronic pain in muscles related to chewing, in the muscles of the face and neck, and with deficiencies in chewing function and in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). According to him, the incidents are mostly diagnosed in executives who use these medications.

The neurosurgeon at Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Dr. Wanderley Cerqueira, explains the relationship pointed out by Kyrillos.

“Bruxism is one of the most common consequences of psychostimulants, when not taken as prescribed, which explains the cases reported in dental offices. With the large electrical charge, the individual sleeps poorly, or has a very light sleep. This period of suppression of REM sleep (which is the highest quality sleep) is the moment in which bruxism acts intensely. Other than that, all the stiffening of the body caused by hyperactivity leads to tightening of the facial region, triggering complaints of dental erosion and joint and neck pain observed”,

explains.

Reprogramming to save your teeth

Executive Raphael Soares (41) took Vyvanse for a few months. Since he was not diagnosed with ADHD or a similar disorder that could justify the use of the medication, its consumption – which was not daily – had the sole objective of increasing concentration and productivity. “The use heightened an already existing anxiety. I started to have tension pain in my head, neck and neck, dry mouth, migraines, and even difficulty opening my jaw, which made it click,” he says.

After a year of stopping the stimulant, Raphael continues undergoing treatments for neurofacial release, including neuromuscular deprogramming in the dental office to allow the brain to create new connections to remove the overload from the muscles of the face and neck, in addition to reprogramming nasal breathing and sleep quality.

Kyrillos points out that this type of treatment is carried out in dental offices because it is directly linked to a system called Stomatognathic “this system is related to the chewing muscles, the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), and the nerve called trigeminal, which is one of the main nerves responsible for the sensation in the face and the motor function of the chewing muscles. This system is fundamental for speech, chewing and swallowing,” he explains.

This type of treatment can minimize teeth grinding, which is bruxism itself. However, he highlights that there will be no effectiveness if the patient continues taking these stimulants indiscriminately. “Nothing that is done without medical guidance goes unharmed. The body will demand it, and it is our role to point out where these serious side effects are reaching: in our chair”, he emphasizes.

*With information from consultancy

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