Stimulants are commonly used to treat Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Symptoms of ADHD interfere with functioning at school and in daily living and may include:
- Short attention span
- Inability to stay still
- Being impulsive
Stimulants may be short acting or long acting. Short acting means that they act right away but do not last a long time. Long acting means that they take longer to act but last longer. Some children need to take a short acting and a long acting stimulant to get coverage throughout the day. Taking a short acting and a long acting stimulant together counts as only one stimulant and is not outside the Parameters.
Examples of Short Acting Stimulants
- Amphetamine (Adderall)
- Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin)
- Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Metadate, Methylin)
- Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine)
Examples of Long Acting Stimulants
- Amphetamine (Adderall XR)
- Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin XR)
- Methylphenidate (Concerta)
- Lisdexamfetamine (Vyvance)
