Ask the Experts

Stimulants: Short-Term Fix? Or Lifelong Drug?

“Are stimulants generally taken for just a short period, or will I take this pill for the rest of my life?”

Stimulants do not “cure” ADHD; they reduce symptoms temporarily.

You should take medication whenever impulsivity, hyperactivity, or inattention interferes with what you need to do at home, at work, or in social situations. If you take medication to cover your entire day, you will probably need to do so for the rest of your life. If you take medication only for the workday, you may be able to take it less frequently after you retire.

Stimulants: Not Quite an Epidemic