Stimulants (methylphenidate-class)
- First-line ADHD stimulants
- Methylphenidate + dexmethylphenidate
- Many IR/ER delivery systems
- Appetite loss, insomnia, ↑HR/BP
- Often tried if amphetamine AEs are limiting
- Schedule II; misuse/diversion still matters
- Match formulation to needed coverage
Class at a glance
- First-line ADHD stimulants
Practical pearls
- Methylphenidate + dexmethylphenidate
Members / distinctions
- Many IR/ER delivery systems
- Appetite loss, insomnia, ↑HR/BP
Other member distinctions
- Often tried if amphetamine AEs are limiting
- Schedule II; misuse/diversion still matters
- Match formulation to needed coverage
Pearls
- Psychosis risk lower than with amphetamines
- Start low; titrate every 5–7 days; dose needs vary widely
- Monitor HR and BP; routine ECG not required
- Caution with history of mania, psychosis, or substance use
- Long-term childhood use may modestly reduce adult height
Self-check
- Which drug class is first-line for ADHD stimulants?
Stimulants (methylphenidate-class). - When are methylphenidate-class drugs often tried instead of amphetamines?
When amphetamine adverse effects limit use.
Drugs in this class (3)
Stimulants (methylphenidate-class) prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, ADHD meds (1938–2026). Methylphenidates highlighted from 1955.
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