1. What are
Stimulants?
Commonly
Prescribed
Stimulants
Stimulants
Stimulants are the most
common medication
used to treat ADHD.
 Stimulants activate brain
circuits that support
attention and focused
behavior, thus reducing
hyperactivity.
 Stimulants reduce
impulsivity and improve a
child’s ability to focus, work,
and learn.
 Stimulants may also improve
physical coordination.
 Stimulants don’t cure ADHD,
but can relieve symptoms.
 Stimulants are most effective
when combined with regular
exercise, a healthy diet, and
adequate sleep.
Ritalin: The most widely
prescribed stimulant,
available in both short and
long acting forms. Dosage
depends on age.
Dexedrine: Short-acting,
peak effects within 1-2
hours, duration of 2.5 hours.
Not recommended for
children under 6, up to 40
mg/day.
Concerta: Available in long-
acting form, taken once daily
in the morning. Dosage
depends on age.
Focalin: Administered two
times daily, every 4-6 hours,
up to 20mg/day
Vyvanse: Available in
capsule form, up to
70mg/day
 
The Effective Treatment
of Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder

2. Interactions with other
medications & foodPotential Side Effects of Stimulants
* Decreased appetite, rapid heart rate,
palpitations, restlessness, insomnia, dry
mouth, constipation, nausea, diarrhea,
weight loss, and high blood pressure.
* Insomnia, or trouble falling asleep.
Sometimes, a blood pressure medication
called clonidine is also prescribed, because
it helps with sleep problems.
* Less commonly, your child may develop
tics, or sudden repetitive movements.
* Stimulants can also cause personality
changes; for example, your child’s affect
may appear flat or emotionless. This is not
common.
*A small percentage of children have
psychiatric problems, but this is also
uncommon.
* Some children report feeling “funny.”
* Preschool-aged children are more
sensitive to side effects and it may cause
slowed growth rates. Some physicians
may suggest taking a break from
medication on the weekends or over the
Monoamine OxidaseInhibitors
(MAOIs): Can cause an
increase in blood pressure
Ismeline (an anti-
hypertensive): May have
decreased effectiveness when
taken with stimulants
Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors (SSRIs): Blood levels
can be increased and their
effects may be enhanced
Yourchild should avoid
caffeine, energy drinks,
excessiveamounts of sugar,
and otherstimulants. This can
make the medicationwork
differently.
summer, for “growth catch-up.”
*Make sure your child has an initial health
as
se
ss
m
en
t
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Inability to sleep
- Hyperactivity
- Confusion
- High blood pressure
- Rapid heart rate
- Hallucinations
- Irregularheart beat
- Convulsions
- Coma
- Death
Signs& Symptoms of
a StimulantOverdose
A stimulant overdose is a medical
emergency. If yoususpect your child
has taken morethan prescribed, he or
she should be taken to the emergency
room.
Make sureyou store the medicationsin
a safe place andare responsiblefor
giving your child his or hermedicine.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed
dose. Do not double doses. Talk to
your child’s doctor if you have any
concerns about your child’s
medications.