One of the first uses of stimulants was to bring relief to people who had asthma or other breathing difficulties. This is because stimulants helped to widen air passages and make breathing easier.

As new, safer medications became available, the doctors or other healthcare professionals began to use these medications instead of stimulants for asthma.

Today, there are a limited number of conditions that are treated with stimulants and doctors need to supervise their patients very closely when stimulants are used.

Prescription stimulants are used to treat conditions such as these:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD
• Attention-Deficit Disorder (ADD)
• Narcolepsy — a type of sleep disorder

Stimulants and some other prescription drugs have known effects and side effects. Three of these effects occur normally even when these medications are taken properly. Tolerance and physical dependence, for example, can develop in people taking these medications. If the medication is reduced or stopped abruptly, withdrawal symptoms can be experienced.

Prescription stimulants, when used appropriately under the care of a doctor or other healthcare professional, are safe and effective with relatively few side effects. If you are prescribed one of these medications to treat a condition, be sure to talk to your parents and your doctor or other healthcare professional if you experience any side effects.

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