Medication Abuse

Careful monitoring of stimulant medication refills and use of the state pharmacy monitoring programs will help assure safe prescribing of ADHD medication. A registry of patients on stimulant medication may help medical practices predict when patients are due for refills and trigger reminders to communicate with the family about necessary follow-up appointments.

Ongoing and age-appropriate education about handling and taking stimulant medications safely is an important part of ADHD care. It is particularly important for transition planning if the patient is going off to college. Obtaining and managing stimulant medication may be further complicated if the college is in another state.