If individuals take their medication as prescribed, the potential for addiction to methylphenidate or amphetamine is fairly low. Methylphenidate is absorbed into the brain much more slowly than a compound like cocaine. This is why methylphenidate does not produce the high experienced in drugs of abuse. Still we are cautious about prescribing stimulants to individuals who are abusing drugs. Injecting stimulants intravenously, inhaling them or mixing them with illegal drugs can lead to further substance abuse.
Many individuals take stimulants with few side effects.
Others experience mild problems and some are unable to tolerate stimulants. Often we can treat annoying side effects so the individual can continue to take the stimulant. It may improve after several weeks or months. In some cases we resign ourselves to a eating a large breakfast and supper along with a small lunch. Some people who take short acting methylphenidate or amphetamine experience irritability or depression for an hour as the stimulant wears off.