Stimulants may make these synaptic connections more efficient in transmitting information which in turn affects behavior. General practice is to wait a short time and give the other medication a trial. The positive effects of Ritalin and Dexedrine should be evident within hours, and these medications are generally out of the system within a day. Cylert takes longer to produce a clinical result and may be in the system for several days. It is important for school personnel to help administer and monitor the medication effectiveness, chart results, and give feedback to medical resources on the impact so potential changes can be made.
All medications have side effects.
Penicillin can cause allergic reactions that can result in death, and common aspirin can cause severe stomach hemorrhaging. Most of the side effects of stimulant medications are less severe and have been studied for years. Rebound irritability includes tearfulness, fidgeting, and irritability which can be particularly difficult for parents. The rebound effects last one to two hours and occur approximately four hours after the medication has been given and is wearing off. The good news is that most short-term side effects generally decrease or disappear one to two months after the medications are started.