S8 stimulant medicines

Schedule 8 (S8) stimulant medicines include dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine and methylphenidate.

Part 3 of the Monitored Medicines Prescribing Code (the Code) outlines the prescribing conditions and requirements for S8 stimulant medicines, including:

  • when prescribers may prescribe them without authorisation of the CEO (including when part of shared-care arrangements);
  • when prescribers require written authorisation from the CEO before prescribing them.

It also details how to apply for authorisation from the CEO. 

Authorisation of the CEO

When is prior authorisation of the CEO required?

Figure 5 from the Code summarises when authorisation from the CEO is and is not required for S8 stimulant medicines.

For the purposes of Part 3 of the Code, an Approved Specialist is a medical practitioner who holds specialist registration on the AHPRA register of practitioners in a Speciality, or Speciality Field, relevant to the diagnosed condition the S8 stimulant medicine is being prescribed for (as set out in Table 3 of the Code).

Table 3: Approved specialists (AHPRA speciality or speciality field) and approved diagnoses

AHPRA speciality or speciality fields Approved diagnoses
Neurology
Paediatric neurology
Acquired Brain Injury
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Narcolepsy
Paediatric and child health  ADHD
Psychiatry Acquired Brain Injury
ADHD
Moderate-Severe Binge Eating Disorder in an adult
Depression
Rehabilitation medicine
Paediatric rehabilitation medicine
Acquired Brain Injury
Respiratory and sleep medicine Narcolepsy

Applying for authorisation

Where prescribing is not in accordance with Section 3.5 of the Code, written authorisation from the CEO is required prior to prescribing an S8 stimulant medication.

Where authorisation to prescribe S8 stimulant medication is required, an Approved Specialist must apply to the CEO for authorisation. The application must be on the application form, which must be completed in full and be accompanied by supporting documentation as outlined on the form.

 
Application form
 

Applications must include treatment rationale, evidence to support unapproved indications, urine drug screens and other materials as specified. All applications are assessed by the Stimulant Assessment Panel.

General conditions for prescribing S8 stimulant medicines
Calculating dexamfetamine dose equivalents
Stimulant induced psychosis
Notification requirements for ceasing an S8 stimulant medicine

More information

Medicines and Poisons Regulation Branch
Mailing address: PO Box 8172, Perth Business Centre, WA 6849
Phone: 9222 4424 (Monitored Medicines Prescriber Advisory Line)
Email: MPRB@health.wa.gov.au

Last reviewed: 06-12-2024
Produced by

Medicines and Poisons Regulation Branch