What it does

Prescription stimulants raise dopamine and norepinephrine to improve focus and wakefulness. Used as prescribed for ADHD they are effective and generally safe; used outside a prescription they carry the same cardiac and dependence risks as other amphetamines.

Safer-use principles

• —Take only your own prescription at the dose prescribed. Sharing is illegal and unpredictable.
• —Do not crush, snort, or inject extended-release pills — the delivery system exists to protect your heart.
• —Eat and hydrate. Stimulants suppress appetite and thirst signals.
• —Sleep is non-negotiable. Repeated missed sleep is where stimulant harm compounds.

Dangerous combinations

Combining with other stimulants (cocaine, meth, high-dose caffeine) sharply raises heart attack and stroke risk. Mixing with depressants (alcohol, opioids) masks how impaired you are and is a major overdose pattern.

If something goes wrong

Chest pain, severe agitation, high fever, confusion, or seizure — call 911. Cool the person, keep them calm, stay with them.