Safe prescribing of all medications is considered a core competency of all CPSBC registrants. CPSBC recognizes that prescribing opioids, sedatives, antimicrobials and stimulants can cause potential harm to patients.
There are risks in prescribing stimulants because of:
- patients' overvaluation of their benefits
- potential for dependence and addiction
- diversion of these drugs for non-medical use
- their popularity in popular culture and social media
While CPSBC cannot address these risks directly as a regulator, it has a duty to advise registrants to navigate these issues cautiously to reduce the potential harm to patients and the public.
CPSBC has updated its website to include an overview of prescribing stimulants for ADHD, a resource section and a new report available to registrants. Note: The report draws no conclusions regarding the appropriateness of prescribing or adherence to clinical guidelines and scientific literature. It is intended to serve as supplemental information to assist registrants in optimizing their approach to prescribing and enhancing the overall care provided to patients.
CPSBC’s drug programs endeavour to support registrants in prescribing safely throughout their careers. Registrants who are licensed for independent practice are encouraged to request a personalized stimulants for ADHD prescribing report here. Registrants can subscribe to receive a quarterly report automatically.