Stimulant medications can improve attention span, decrease distractibility, increase ability to finish tasks, improve ability to follow directions, decrease hyperactivity and improve ability to think before acting. Serious side effects include muscle twitches or tics, sadness which lasts more than a few days and unusual behavior. These should be reported to your doctor immediately. Addiction is not seen in young children using this medication as recommended for hyperactivity, but may occur in adolescents or adults using it without proper supervision. For this reason, keep this medication where it will not be abused by others.
Growth usually catches up once medication is stopped.
Height and weight should be monitored regularly. This publication is generously supported by a grant from the William H. Donner Foundation and Eli Lilly and Company.