From the Guidelines
Stimulant Administration with Food
Stimulants for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) should be taken with food to help mitigate side effects such as appetite loss.
- According to the evidence, giving stimulants with meals can help manage appetite loss, a common side effect of these medications 1.
- The pharmacokinetics of stimulants, including their rapid absorption and low plasma protein binding, suggest that administration with food may also affect their bioavailability, with both absorption and bioavailability increasing after a meal 1.
- While the primary concern is managing side effects, the evidence does not strongly support a significant impact of food on the efficacy of stimulants, but rather on the management of side effects like appetite loss.
- Starting doses of stimulants are typically recommended to be given after breakfast and after lunch, implying that administration with food is a common practice 1.
- It's essential to consider individual patient needs and potential side effects when determining the best approach to stimulant administration, including whether to take them with or without food.
From the Research
Administration of Stimulants for ADHD
- The provided studies do not directly address whether stimulants for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) should be taken with or without food 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is mentioned that variations in gastric pH and motility can alter the availability and absorption of stimulants released from long-acting formulations 3.
- Additionally, the systemic exposure to d-amphetamine following lisdexamfetamine dimesylate administration is unlikely to be affected by gastrointestinal conditions 3.
Factors Affecting Stimulant Administration
- The effectiveness of stimulants in reducing ADHD symptoms is well-documented 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Long-acting stimulant formulations have been developed to provide symptom reduction for at least 12 hours 3.
- The development of long-acting stimulants has expanded treatment options for individuals with ADHD and may improve adherence and lower abuse potential compared to short-acting counterparts 3, 5.
Considerations for Stimulant Use
- Stimulants are considered the first line of pharmacotherapy for individuals with ADHD, including college students 5.
- However, misuse of prescription stimulants has become a serious problem, and individuals with ADHD may have higher rates of stimulant misuse than those without the disorder 5.
- Characteristics such as sex, race, use of illicit drugs, and academic performance are associated with misuse of stimulant medications 5.