Stimulant Medications

Medications such as Ritalin, Adderall, Focalin, Concerta and Vyvanse are extremely effective and safe when used properly in patients with Attention Deficit Disorder.

For the welfare of your child, we have established a policy which must be followed. We monitor each patient without exception as follows:

The physician will typically outline an initial treatment plan, starting with a low dose of medicine, which may be gradually increased during the first 4-6 weeks.
During this period, the same physician who did the initial consult will determine how often a patient must be seen to monitor efficacy and make changes.
Once a child reaches a stable daily dose, we require follow-up visits every three months to monitor height, weight and blood pressure, as well as the effects of the medication. Whenever possible, please schedule your follow-up visits with the physician involved in the initial evaluation and treatment plan.
Each child who takes stimulant medication must also have an annual check-up, preferably with the prescribing physician.

For some children, parents may choose not to give the drug on weekends, holidays or during school vacations. We can discuss how to make these decisions during follow-up visits.

Side Effects

If your child develops side effects such as motor “tics”, severe emotional ups and downs, intense headaches or difficulty sleeping, stop the drug immediately and notify us. Certain milder side effects such as recurrent stomach aches, decreased appetite or mild insomnia may require that we adjust the dosage.

Medication Refills

Stimulant medications are “controlled substances” and by law are prescribed one month at a time. We will e-prescribe a 30-day supply at the time of each follow-up visit. Provided your follow-up visits are current, we will e-prescribe refills directly to your pharmacy. This applies to out-of-area pharmacies for students who are away at school.

Medication refills are processed via telephone, during regular business hours Monday through Friday. Please call us 2-3 days in advance of your need for a refill. Our refill medication line can be reached at (203) 755-2999, extension 833. In your message, please include your name and phone number, child’s first and last name, date of birth, medication name and milligram dose, how medication is taken (1 daily, 1 two times daily, etc.), and the pharmacy name and phone number.

In general, your request will be filled by the next business day. Our office will notify you if a visit is required before refilling your prescription.