Could stimulant medications trigger manic episodes in children and adolescents?
It appears possible, although it happens less frequently with stimulants than antidepressants. Doctors prescribe stimulants far more often than antidepressants and they see less dramatic mood swings in those patients than the ones taking antidepressants. The exceptions would be the use of cocaine, ecstasy or crystal meth in adolescents, which can trigger manic or psychotic episodes.
