ADHD- Stimulant Side Effect Management

Question 1

Reduced appetite/weight loss

Answer 1

High calorie meals when the stimulant effect is low (at breakfast and HS)
Cyproheptadine HS

Question 2

Stomachache

Answer 2

Take on full stomach
Reduce dose

Question 3

Insomnia

Answer 3

Give dose earlier in the day
Lower the last dose of the day or give it earlier
Add sedating medication (guanfacine, clonidine, melatonin, cyproheptadine)

Question 4

HA

Answer 4

Divide dose
Take with food
Take an analgesic

Question 5

Rebound symptoms

Answer 5

Long-acting stimulant trial
Atomoxetine
AD

Question 6

Irritability/jitterinesss

Answer 6

Assess for comorbid condition
Reduce dose
Consider mood stabilizer or atypical APS

Question 7

Dysphoria/euphoria

Answer 7

Reduce dose
Reassess diagnosis
Consider alternative therapy

Question 8

Zombie-like state

Answer 8

Reduce dose, change stimulant

Question 9

Tics/abnormal movement

Answer 9

Reduce dose, change medication

Question 10

HTN/pulse fluctuation

Answer 10

Reduce dose, change medication

Question 11

Hallucinations

Answer 11

D/C med
Reassess diagnosis
Mood stabilizer and/or APS may be needed