Relationship between the indiscriminate use of methylphenidate and the quality of life of medical students

Objective: To present how the indiscriminate use of methylphenidate, aimed at promoting cognitive neuroenhancement, influences the quality of life of medical students and the associated consequences. Methods: This is a narrative literature review from the LILACS, PUBMED, SCIELO and CAPES databases using articles published in the last ten years in english and portuguese on the topic in question as inclusion criteria. Results: Seventeen articles were included in the review, of which eight were cross-sectional studies and nine were systematic reviews and literature reviews. In patients diagnosed with ADHD, methylphenidate acts directly to improve cognitive performance. However, this is not observed in healthy individuals. Studies indicate that medical students are more vulnerable to mental illness and have a poorer quality of life, and they often resort to methylphenidate to reduce daytime sleep, stay awake for longer, in addition to recreational use. Final considerations: Although methylphenidate is used indiscriminately, the negative effect of adverse reactions becomes relevant, as the benefits, in addition being temporary, do not outweigh the potential harmful effects. Therefore, many of the adverse effects of methylphenidate tend to negatively impact the quality of life of medical students.