Episode Details

There are two kinds of clinicians—the ones who follow algorithms, and the ones who understand the “why.”

Patients know the difference. Know the WHY!

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In this episode of Pearls & Prep, we simplify the entire world of ADHD medications into five memorable clinical pearls that will completely change how you think about stimulant prescribing. Instead of memorizing dozens of brand names, you'll learn the underlying principles that make every medication easier to understand.

We cover the two stimulant families—methylphenidates (Ritalin family) and amphetamines (Adderall family)—and explain how medications like Vyvanse, Concerta, Adderall XR, Dexedrine, Focalin, Ritalin LA, Mydayis, Jornay PM, Aptensio XR, Metadate CD, Daytrana, and Xelstrym all fit into one simple framework.

You'll also learn:

• Why there are really only two stimulant molecules
• How to choose a medication based on hours of symptom coverage
• The difference between bead technology, OROS osmotic pumps, and prodrug formulations
• Practical stimulant dose conversions that actually make sense
• When to switch stimulant classes versus simply increasing the dose
• How genetics, food, gastric pH, urine pH, and metabolism influence medication duration
• The truth about afternoon "crashes," booster doses, and long-acting formulations
• Common stimulant side effects and practical prescribing strategies
• The evidence behind stimulant treatment and addiction risk
• When to transition to non-stimulant medications such as atomoxetine, viloxazine, etc.

Whether you're a psychiatric nurse practitioner, psychiatry resident, physician assistant, medical student, family medicine clinician, or simply interested in ADHD pharmacology, this episode provides a practical framework you can immediately apply in clinical practice.

If you've ever wondered "Should I choose Vyvanse or Adderall?", "Why does Concerta feel different?", "How do stimulant delivery systems actually work?", or "When should I switch classes?", this episode is for you.

Keywords: ADHD, ADHD medications, stimulant medications, Vyvanse, lisdexamfetamine, Adderall, Adderall XR, Concerta, methylphenidate, dexmethylphenidate, Focalin, Dexedrine, Jornay PM, Mydayis, atomoxetine, viloxazine, psychiatric nurse practitioner, PMHNP, psychiatry, psychopharmacology, stimulant dosing, ADHD treatment, stimulant conversions, clinical pearls, mental health education, psychiatry podcast.

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ADHD Stimulants Made Easy: The Only 5 Pearls You'll Ever Need

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