Example Stimulant Monitoring Plan

STIMULANT MEDICATIONS (for example, Adderall ® or Adderall XR®, Concerta®, Daytrana®, dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine®), dexmethylphenidate (Focalin® and Focalin XR®), Methylin®, or lisdexamphetamine (Vyvanse®)

Before starting medications review child and family cardiac history; consider ECG. To assess child’s behavioral and academic functioning obtain standardized rating scales (e.g., SNAP/Vanderbilt) from caregiver and teacher at baseline and repeat with dose titrations to desired effect as tolerated. Periodically monitor height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse; assess for the emergence of comorbid disorders and medical conditions.

Based on: Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Pliszka S; AACAP Work Group on Quality Issues. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Jul;46(7):894-921