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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.

– Also see Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders (Main Menu), Side Effects (Main Menu) and Drug Interactions (Main Menu)

To use this Menu, please click on the category (or the arrow to the left of its name) to EXPAND the category and see what is included in it.

When you are done, click the category (or the arrow to its left) to COLLAPSE it.


Stimulants—General Articles

Consider the many possible benefits of treating ADHD with stimulant medications 

Tips for prescribing ADHD medications

Don’t change the stimulant medication without first asking about this

What are the closest alternatives when forced to switch a stimulant?

Converting stimulants: Equivalent doses

How to distinguish between stimulant preparations *without* using brand names

Tips to help patients with ADHD who struggle in the morning

Pros and cons of short-acting preparations of psychostimulants

What to do about stimulant medications for surgery/ procedures under general anesthesia

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

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

Do stimulants need to be titrated up again after an interruption?

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

What can we do about the shortage of stimulant medications?

Laws about prescriptions for psychostimulants

Are stimulants useful after traumatic brain injury?

Do we need to worry about stimulant medications as our patients become older adults? 

Clinical recommendations: What to do about stimulant medications in older adults

Can patients with ADHD develop tolerance to stimulant medications?

Four kinds of atypical responses to stimulant medications

How should stimulant medications be used for cancer-related fatigue?

Can I take my medication with me when I travel to another country?

What patients taking a stimulant medication must know before visiting Japan


Stimulants—Abuse Potential

Tips for managing the abuse potential of medications for ADHD

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

Stimulants for ADHD with a history of a substance use disorder?

Does lisdexamfetamine really have lower abuse potential?


Methylphenidate-Based

Methylphenidate preparations

Methylphenidate preparations: Index and links

How are methylphenidate and amphetamines metabolized?

How to choose between generic, long-acting methylphenidate/ dexmethylphenidate preparations

OROS methylphenidate extended-release (Concerta®): Basic information

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 ever prescribe methamphetamine (Desoxyn®)?


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


Dexmethylphenidate preparations

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

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

How to choose between generic, long-acting methylphenidate/ dexmethylphenidate preparations


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®) 


Stimulants—Amphetamine-Based

Amphetamine preparations: Index and links

How are methylphenidate and amphetamines metabolized?

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)

Effects of different stimulants on irritability in children with ADHD

Do psychostimulant medications cause clinically-significant increases in blood pressure?

How exactly should blood pressure be monitored in persons on stimulants

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)

Can stimulant medications either “cause” psychosis or make it worse?

How to reduce the risk of stimulants in patients with a past history of psychosis



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

Combine a stimulant and atomoxetine?

Going from Atomoxetine to an antipsychotic

Should we combine methylphenidate and guanfacine? 

Can stimulant and antipsychotic medications be used together?

Can stimulant medications be used along with buprenorphine or methadone?

Stimulants in a patient receiving ketamine/ esketamine?



To use this Menu, please click on the category (or the arrow to the left of its name) to EXPAND the category and see what is included in it.


– Also see Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders (Main Menu), Side Effects (Main Menu) and Drug Interactions (Main Menu)


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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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