Stimulant medicines

Stimulant medicines stimulate the central nervous system (CNS) by increasing the activity of certain chemicals in the brain. Dexamphetamine, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate are all stimulant medicines.

Lisdexamfetamine may be sold under the brand name of Vyvanse^®.

Methylphenidate is available in immediate release and sustained release formulations and may be sold under the brand names of:

• Ritalin^®
• Concerta^®
• Ritalin LA^®

Stimulant medicines are used in the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (a sleep disorder). They may also be used in the treatment of depression or acquired brain injury.

Who can prescribe stimulant medicines?

In WA, stimulant medicines may only be initiated by specialists who are authorised by the Department of Health (the department), such as:

• psychiatrists
• paediatricians
• neurologists
• rehabilitation doctors
• respiratory doctors
• sleep doctors.

In certain situations, under a Shared Care Model, a medical practitioner or nurse practitioner may prescribe continuing stimulant medication for a patient however, they are not permitted to initiate treatment with stimulant medicines. You should speak to your specialist doctor about whether it is suitable for your primary prescriber to provide scripts between specialist appointments. 

What restrictions are there on the prescribing and dispensing of stimulant medicines?

In WA, the Monitoried Medicines Prescribing Code (Part 3 – S8 stimulants medicines) sets the criteria for the prescribing of stimulant medicines. To prevent the routine prescribing of these medicines, it outlines:

• who can prescribe stimulant medicines
• maximum doses that may be prescribed
• when prescribers require authorisation to manage the risk of prescribing stimulant medicines for complex patients.

Stimulant medicines have legitimate therapeutic uses, but also the potential for addiction or abuse. They are included in Schedule 8 of the Medicines and Poisons Act 2014 (external site). There are additional restrictions on the prescription and dispensing which apply to Schedule 8 medicines. 

Why is my doctor no longer able to prescribe my stimulents?

To help reduce the risk of potential harm, there are restrictions on the supply of stimulant medication. These restrictions apply if you:

• have a specified medical condition, such as psychosis, bipolar disorder, drug dependence; and / or
• are receiving medication to treat a substance use disorder
• You have been oversupplied with schedule 8 medicines.

These restrictions do not preclude you from accessing the most appropriate stimulant medication – they require your specialist to apply to the Department for permission before prescribing stimulant medication. Additionally, you may be required to perform urine drug screens. Your consent is required for the specialist to send the information to the Department.

It is best to discuss the matter with your specialist. They can get in touch with the Department who will assist them to get the best possible outcome.

What is the role of the pharmacy in dispensing stimulant medicines?

All paper-based and computer-generated repeat prescriptions for stimulant medicines must be held in the pharmacy where they are dispensed. Fully electronic stimulant repeats (with an electronic token) do not need to be dispensed at the same pharmacy.

If a transfer of your prescription is required, please speak to your pharmacist who will be able to arrange for the transfer of your prescription to a pharmacy you have nominated.

The pharmacist can not return the paper-based prescription repeat to yourself, or to an agent of the carer. The pharmacist must send the repeat prescription directly to the nominated pharmacy.

What if a repeat supply of stimulant medicine is required before the due date?

If you require a prescription to be filled before the due date, the pharmacist must contact the prescriber before dispensing for approval, to supply the repeat before the due date.

The pharmacist must ensure that the supply of stimulant medicines is appropriate for a patient and is in accordance with the prescriber’s recommendations.

Receiving supplied of stimulant medicines beyond your prescribed dose may result in your prescriber requiring authorisation to continue to prescribe and restrictions of the quantity you received from the pharmacy.

Can I get my interstate prescription for stimulants dispensed in WA?

Interstate prescriptions for stimulants can only be dispensed in any pharmacy in WA and interstate prescribers are required to comply with the prescribing requirements in WA.

Pharmacists may need to contact the prescriber to confirm the authenticity of the prescription.

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This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical care. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace advice from your healthcare professional. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified healthcare professional for a diagnosis and answers to their medical questions.