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Stimulant (Psychostimulant) Medications (Main Menu)

Below are links to the MANY articles on this website about STIMULANT (PSYCHOSTIMULANT) MEDICATIONS. 

All the other MAIN MENUS on this website can be found by clicking HERE, or on *MENUS* at the top of any page on this website.


Stimulants—General Articles

Consider the many possible benefits of treating ADHD with stimulant medications 

Tips for prescribing ADHD medications

Converting stimulants: Equivalent doses

Tips to help patients with ADHD who struggle in the morning

How are methylphenidate and amphetamines metabolized?

Combine a stimulant and atomoxetine?

Pros and cons of short-acting preparations of psychostimulants

What if you refuse an early refill of a stimulant medication?

Stimulant “holidays” (breaks) in adults with ADHD?

How to re-titrate stimulant medications after an interruption

How to get full-day coverage with stimulants

Options for steady, full-day coverage with just one pill of stimulant medication

Laws about prescriptions for psychostimulants

Are stimulants useful after traumatic brain injury?


Stimulants—Abuse Potential

Tips for managing the abuse potential of medications for ADHD

Eight tips for reducing the risk of  abuse/diversion of stimulants

Does lisdexamfetamine really have lower abuse potential?


Stimulants—Methylphenidate-Based 

Methylphenidate preparations: Index and links

Converting from OROS methylphenidate to amphetamine is a two-step process

Should we combine methylphenidate and guanfacine? 

Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Ritalin SR®, Ritalin LA®): Basic information

Can the use of more than 72 mg/day of OROS methylphenidate be justified?


Should we prescribe dexmethylphenidate (Focalin) rather than methylphenidate (Ritalin)?

Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin®, Focalin XR®): Basic Information


Serdexmethylphenidate and dexmethylphenidate (Azstarys®): Basic information

Does serdexmethylphenidate+dexmethylphenidate (Azstarys®) have a significant advantage?

What doses to use when converting to or from serdexmethylphenidate-dexmethylphenidate (Aztarys®) 


First ADHD medication to be taken at *bedtime*–Why? How?



Stimulants—Amphetamine-Based 

Amphetamine preparations: Index and links

Pros and cons of dextroamphetamine versus levoamphetamine

Does lisdexamfetamine really have lower abuse potential?

Amphetamine (Dynavel-XR®) extended-release oral suspension: Basic information

Amphetamine extended-release orally disintegrating tablets (Adzenys XR-ODT): Basic information

What is the maximum dose of mixed amphetamine salts?

Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®): Basic Information

Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse®): Basic Information

Mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall®, Adderall XR®): Basic Information

Mixed salts of a single-entity amphetamine product (Mydayis®): Basic information

Triple-bead preparation of mixed amphetamine salts (Mydayis®)

Ketogenic diet and amphetamines

When prescribing an amphetamine, warn patients about anti-acid medications



Stimulants—Side Effects

Which side effects are associated with non-adherence to ADHD medication?

Tips on managing loss of appetite due to a stimulant (in adults)

Stimulant medications and irritability in children with ADHD

Effects of different stimulants on irritability in children with ADHD

How to manage stimulant-induced hypertension

Can psychostimulant medications cause or worsen Raynaud’s phenomenon?

What to look for in stimulant withdrawal (including a physical sign that is little known)



Stimulants—Drug Interactions

Important interactions when using two medications for ADHD

Vitamin C if on a stimulant?

What to recommend for nasal congestion in patients on stimulant medications

When a stimulant and an antipsychotic are used together and then the stimulant is stopped

What could happen when changing from an antipsychotic to a stimulant?

Can a dopamine agonist (pramipexole, ropinirole) and a stimulant be combined?

Ketogenic diet and amphetamines

When prescribing an amphetamine, warn patients about anti-acid medications

How to think of drug-drug interactions


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Disclaimer: The material on this website is provided as general education for medical professionals. It is not intended for patients or other laypersons, nor is it a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding their diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare professionals should always check this website for the most up-to-date information.

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