Preventing abuse of ADHD drugs

Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant prescribed for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is frequently abused, with students stealing supplies that are kept at schools or taking them from friends who have prescriptions.

The problem is frequently caused by school systems that don’t have a nurse dispensing the medication, keep supplies in unlocked desks and allow teen students to carry and administer their own medications.

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Diversion Control Program offers the following precautions school systems can take to ensure the safe handling of ADHD medications:

* prohibit students from carrying ADHD medication to school
* make sure ADHD medication is delivered to schools in properly labeled containers that identify the name of the med, the proper dosage and frequency of administration
* one person (preferably a school nurse) should maintain primary control of med supply
* maintain a medication inventory log to track the meds received and dispensed
* drug supply should be secured in a locked room or cabinet
* unused meds should be destroyed by the school nurse