Consumo de estimulantes cerebrais por estudantes de farmácia de uma instituição de ensino superior da região metropolitana de Goiânia, Goiás, Brasil

Abstract

The entry into higher education is considered one of the most remarkable stages in the life of an individual and is also critical for increasing its vulnerability to the use of stimulants substances of the Central Nervous System. Individuals using these substances report increased concentration and memory capacity, accelerated thinking, and decreased nighttime sleep. Often, users of these substances only perceive that they are being harmed when they have adverse reactions associated with chronic use, such as physical and psychological dependence, withdrawal symptoms, hallucinations, heart problems (arrhythmia and hypertension), depression, seizure, insomnia, and lose weight In this way, it is necessary to know the evidences about the use of stimulants among students to carry out actions of prevention and awareness. The objective of this study was to investigate the consumption of stimulants of the Central Nervous System in a population of 125 students of the Pharmacy course of a higher education institution in the metropolitan region of Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. A descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach using a structured questionnaire. The main findings showed that sleep duration was considered higher than 6 hours by 63.2% of the students, where the quality was self-reported as good by 54.1% individuals. The use of sleeping pills was reported by 8% of academics claimed to do and 20.8% reported making use of Central Nervous System stimulants. It was observed that 68.8% of the students said they consume caffeine-based substances; 60% energy-based and 12.8% methylphenidate. In addition, 28% of academics said to use stimulants to improve concentration, 18.4% to improve academic performance and reduce discouragement. In the investigation of the effects reported through the consumption of stimulant substances it was observed that 71.6% perceived reduction of sleep and 60.6% verified improvements in concentration. The effects perceived as improvements in memory and reasoning were the main events observed by academics after the consumption of stimulants. Due to the evident effects detected by these substances, there is a difficulty in combating the use of these substances, which can be harmful to the health of the student of pharmacy. It is therefore important to detect the effects of stimulant use in order to reduce possible side effects, to investigate doses considered safe and to reduce the use of certain substances.