There are studies out there which show that ADHD medications can negatively impact the cognitive functioning of neurotypical individuals.[1]
Anecdotally, as someone with ADHD as diagnosed by a psychiatrist who specializes in the area, taking Vyvanse makes me feel calm. I have seen people taking ADHD meds for exams/assignments become completely wired as a result of taking the drugs. YMMV and all that.
If it means that people who genuinely need it for their daily routines to operate as human beings face difficulties with getting their prescriptions, then nope, 100% shame and to hell with your bullshit startup.
With full knowledge of what could happen (because effects are often not uniform), and with the right care and support I would think it can be done ethically.
Look at the trials of using LSD/mushrooms/MDMA to help people work through serious trauma. Done well it looks to be positively life changing, done poorly and it seems to be horrifying.
Fine, so print warnings on the bottle and make me sign a disclaimer. Isn’t it more harmful to create a black market with no quality controls? Isn’t it more harmful to ruin countless lives with felony convictions?
Not analogous at all. At this point, I would say what are the ethics on preventing someone from doing what they want to themselves if it does not hurt someone else.
Yes, this is how 'upstanding members of society' get their opiates and amphetamines. It's also why drug testing isn't part of the job application process for Party members (see Orwell).
