Stimulants (amphetamine-class)
- Highly effective ADHD stimulants
- Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine/lisdexamf.
- Often longer/stronger than MPH mg-for-mg
- Appetite loss, insomnia, ↑HR/BP
- Misuse/diversion risk; Schedule II
- Psychosis/mania possible at high exposure
- Match formulation to needed time coverage
Class at a glance
- Highly effective ADHD stimulants
Practical pearls
- Often longer/stronger than MPH mg-for-mg
Members / distinctions
- Amphetamine/dextroamphetamine/lisdexamf.
- Appetite loss, insomnia, ↑HR/BP
- Psychosis/mania possible at high exposure
- Match formulation to needed time coverage
Safety / monitoring
- Misuse/diversion risk; Schedule II
Pearls
- Overall efficacy similar to methylphenidate
- Psychosis risk higher than with methylphenidate
- Some formulations approved from age 3; most stimulants from 6
- Non-swallow options: chewable, ODT, suspension, sprinkle capsule, patch
- Monitor HR and BP; routine ECG not required
Self-check
- What can high amphetamine exposure cause psychiatrically?
Psychosis/mania. - What should guide amphetamine-formulation choice?
Needed time coverage.
Drugs in this class (4)
Stimulants (amphetamine-class) prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, ADHD meds (1938–2026). Amphetamines highlighted from 1938.
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