Help CenterWhat are stimulants? Stimulant medicines include:
- dexamfetamine (dexamphetamine),
- lisdexamfetamine (lisdexamfetamine, Vyvanse®)
- methylphenidate (Ritalin®, Concerta® or Ritalin LA®).
They affect how the brain controls impulses and regulates behaviour and attention. They stimulate the central nervous system, increasing the activity of certain brain chemicals.
Stimulants treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), narcolepsy, depression, acquired brain injury and binge eating disorder.
Prescribing and supply
The prescribing and supply of stimulant medicines are restricted by law as they have a high risk for abuse and diversion.
In Western Australia, stimulants may only be prescribed by specialist medical practitioners. Approved specialists include psychiatrists, paediatricians, neurologists, and thoracic, respiratory and sleep or rehabilitation physicians.
The Department of Health must also authorise all specialist prescribers.
An authorised specialist can nominate a general practitioner (GP) to assist with prescribing (a co-prescriber). A co-prescriber can’t alter the drug or dose.
For daily doses over a specific limit or where there are high-risk medical conditions, the specialist must first seek permission to prescribe.
The prescription must specify how often the stimulant can be dispensed, and the pharmacist must follow these directions.
Prescriptions must also be kept at the one pharmacy.
Information collected
The Department of Health collects information on stimulants to meet legal requirements, ensure quality prescribing, and identify trends and problems. Not providing this information may affect your ability to access stimulant medicines.
The specialist must complete a notification form when commencing treatment for each patient. The notification includes the patient’s name, address, date of birth, Medicare number, weight (for children), treated condition, and the stimulant prescribed.
Occasionally your doctor may request a urine drug screen to meet the conditions of the Stimulant Regulatory Scheme. You might need to consent to supply the results to the Department of Health.
Information collected is kept private. It is not shared with any other part of the Government and is not accessible to public hospitals, private doctors or community pharmacists. No one else can access your information.
More information
For more information on stimulants, visit the Department of Health website at:
ww2.health.wa.gov.au/stimulants
www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/stimulant