What to Expect and NOT to Expect from Stimulant Medication
Understanding the Pros and Cons of Stimulant Medication
Many parents who use stimulant medication may be uncertain about what outcomes to anticipate. They could have unrealistic expectations and conclude that the medication is ineffective. Alternatively, they might grow accustomed to the medication’s benefits and believe it has stopped working.
The following list outlines what you can generally expect from stimulant medications. Remember that individual reactions and sensitivities to medication vary, so some people may experience more noticeable benefits than others.
A highly positive response to stimulant medication often leads to:
- Enhanced attention span, such as reading or listening for longer periods while maintaining focus.
- Decreased distractibility, allowing you to remain focused despite surrounding distractions.
- Increased ability to refocus on tasks after interruptions.
- Improved working memory, e.g., recalling multiple items you intended to retrieve.
- Greater ease in initiating and completing tasks.
- Reduced feelings of stress and being overwhelmed.
- Decreased irritability and over-reactivity.
- Lessened restlessness or hyperactivity.
- Diminished impulsiveness, leading to fewer interruptions and more thoughtful decision-making.
However, as Dr. William Dodson notably stated, “Pills don’t build skills.” You shouldn’t expect stimulant medication to directly help you organize files, enhance study skills, write papers, prioritize tasks, declutter, or solve problems. Instead, the medication prepares your brain to more effectively learn and develop these skills.
Ideally, stimulant medication should be paired with the support of a therapist, organizer, or coach who can help you cultivate the necessary skills for success.
