These days, a lot of adults taking prescribed stimulants — including amphetamines (Adderall and Dexedrine), methamphetamines such as Desoxyn, and a methylphenidate (Ritalin) — are mixing them with various anti-anxiety/sedative/hypnotic medications and opioids. That's a dangerous mix.

After looking at prescription insurance claims for more than 9 million people over a one-year period, Johns Hopkins researchers found that 276,233 adults used those stimulants, and 45% of them combined the drugs with at least one more medication that affects the central nervous system (CNS).

In fact, close to half of the stimulant users were also taking an antidepressant; close to one-third filled prescriptions for anti-anxiety/sedative/hypnotic medications; and one fifth received opioid prescriptions.

It seems to happen when, for example, an antidepressant gets prescribed but causes drowsiness. So a stimulant gets added — and that leads to insomnia. Then a sleep agent is put into the mix.

The mix of medications might also be a case of the left hand (one prescribing doctor) not knowing what the right hand (a different doctor) is prescribing.

Whatever the cause, adding more and more CNS-affecting meds isn't a smart approach to managing challenges with depression, adult ADHD, or narcolepsy.

If this describes your medication regimen, talk with your doctor(s) about a less risky way to manage your primary condition and/or side effects from the medication you take for it.

There may be alternative meds and lifestyle changes — such as more meditation and social interaction, more physical activity, improved nutrition, and stopping smoking, vaping, and using recreational drugs/excess alcohol — that can help.