SBIRT Initiative We Ask Everyone About Stimulant Prescriptions - IDHS 4550

State of Illinois
Department of Human Services

IDHS 4550 (pdf)

We Ask Everyone About Stimulant Prescriptions

The Illinois SBIRT Initiative Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment

Did You Know?

When taking a Stimulant RX, it's important to avoid:

  • Ingesting too much caffeine (i.e., coffee, tea, sodas, energy drinks)
  • drinking any alcohol

What to expect when cutting back or quitting using stimulant prescriptions:

  • Change takes time.
  • You may have some withdrawal symptoms.
  • You will need support.

You don't have to do this alone:

  • Contact your doctor if you are thinking about making a change.
  • Together you will set up a plan for a safe way to make a change.

How can I learn more?

Visit this helpful website: www.drugabuse.gov

Stimulant Prescriptions

Stimulant medications are prescribed to help with:

  • ADHD
  • Trouble Sleeping
  • Weight Problems

Common Stimulant RX: 

  • Dexedrine® * Concerta®
  • Adderall® * Ritalin®

Will these pills help me focus?

For people with ADHD, stimulants may calm or help them focus.

Stimulant pills can lead to more hyper or aggressive behavior for people that don't

have ADHD.

Don't Borrow or Share!

  • Using a medicine that is not yours could cause health problems.
  • ADHD pills that are bought on the street may not be the real medicine.
  • A lot of pills look the same but are many different types of medicines.
  • Not all stimulant medications have the same amount of medicine in each pill.
  • Adult doses and child doses are not equal and can be dangerous to share!

Effects of Stimulant Prescriptions

BRAIN

  • Hallucinations
  • Insomnia
  • Headache
  • Hyper alertness

LUNGS

  • Breathing fast

MUSCLES

  • Weak

FEELINGS

  • Annoyed or irritated
  • Nervous
  • Paranoia
  • Aggressive
  • Impulsive
  • Panic
  • Restless

MOUTH

  • Dry mouth or bad taste in mouth

HEART

  • Blood pressure changes
  • Rapid heart beat

Do not take stimulants if you have a heart condition!

STOMACH

  • Problems digesting food
  • Stomachache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Weight loss
  • Diarrhea

Questions to Think About:

  • Am I using the medicine the way the doctor prescribed?
  • Am I running out of pills before my prescription can be refilled?
  • Am I sharing pills with anyone?
Something to try:
Community Resources:
Behavioral Specialist:

Name ________________________________

Contact ______________________________

Name ________________________________Contact ______________________________

Useful Websites/Literature:
Thanks to the Indiana Prevention Resource Center for sharing their original brochure with us. This publication was made possible by Grant Number TI23455 from the United States Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment to the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse.

Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual or group without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs.

DHS 4550 (N-08-15) SBIRT Stimulant RX Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois. PO #15-2099 650 copies