Stimulants for ADHDFocus, safety, monitoring

0:04What stimulants are

Stimulants are the most common medicines for ADHD. Most are one of two kinds, methylphenidate or amphetamine, and each comes in shorter-acting and longer-acting forms.

They're used for ADHD in children and adults, and some are also used for narcolepsy, a sleep condition. This video is general education. Your own plan is something you and your provider decide together.

0:34How they help

Stimulants increase alertness, attention, and energy. For many people with ADHD, that makes it easier to focus, follow through on tasks, and manage impulses.

There are non-stimulant medicines too, such as atomoxetine and guanfacine. They take longer to start working, but they can also improve focus, attention, and impulsivity, and they're an option when a stimulant isn't the right fit.

Medicine doesn't teach skills, so it tends to work best alongside structure, routines, and sometimes therapy.

1:13Side effects

Common side effects include trouble sleeping, a smaller appetite, stomach aches, and headaches. Most are mild, and your provider can often help manage them.

Stimulants can also raise heart rate and blood pressure. Tell your provider about any heart problems or high blood pressure, in you or your family, and expect your blood pressure and heart rate to be checked during treatment.

Get help right away for chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting. And tell your provider promptly about new or worsening anxiety or agitation, or about seeing or hearing things that aren't there.

1:55Using them safely

Stimulants carry a boxed warning, the FDA's most serious kind. They have a high potential for misuse and abuse, which can lead to addiction, and misuse can cause overdose and death. The risk is higher at larger amounts, or when they're taken in ways other than prescribed.

So take them only as prescribed, and never share them with anyone. Most people who misuse prescription stimulants get them from family or friends, so keep yours stored safely, out of reach of others.

Tell your provider about every medicine and supplement you take, and about any past or current alcohol or drug use. Some combinations, such as with MAOIs, an older kind of antidepressant, aren't safe at all.

2:46Check-ins and refills

Expect regular check-ins. Your provider will ask how the medicine is working and about side effects, and keep an eye on your blood pressure, heart rate, and weight.

Stimulants are controlled medicines, so refills follow stricter rules. Plan ahead, and message your care team before you run low.

3:08Working together

If the medicine isn't helping, or the side effects bother you, don't change how you take it on your own. Your provider can adjust the plan with you.

If you ever feel very low or have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988, any time. Everything here is general information, not medical advice for you. Talk with your provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medicine.