What it's used for
- ADHD
- Narcolepsy
Read about: ADHD
How it works: Blocks dopamine and noradrenaline reuptake, boosting attention and impulse-control networks.
Common side effects
- Reduced appetite
- Sleep problems
- Raised heart rate and blood pressure
- Headache
- Anxiety
Tapering considerations
- Usually no physical dependence; main effect of stopping is return of ADHD symptoms.
- Some people feel tired or low for a few days.
For prescribers & facilitators
- Monitor height/weight (children), pulse and blood pressure.
- Controlled drug — misuse potential.
Sources
- 01Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: diagnosis and management (NG87)
NICE Guideline, 2018
- 02The Maudsley Deprescribing Guidelines
Horowitz & Taylor, Wiley-Blackwell, 2024