Common Side Effects Of ADHD Medication
A common treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, often abbreviated as ADHD, is prescription medication. Most medications have side effects, and it’s up to you and your doctor to decide which are the best fit for you.
Side effects are secondary and usually undesirable or adverse effects that may occur when you are taking a new drug or undergoing medical treatment.
According to the FDA, side effects are "unwanted or unexpected events or a reaction to a drug. Side effects can either be minor, like a runny nose, to critical situations, such as a higher likelihood of a heart attack."
Treatment options
As of the writing of this article, there is no known cure for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. There are only different types of treatment to learn how to manage your symptoms so that they do not negatively affect your life.
If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, the first step to getting treatment is receiving an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Treatment plans for ADHD generally involve a combination of therapy and medication.
Understanding different medications
Different medications for ADHD work via different mechanisms. There are two types of medication categories for ADHD medication:
1. Stimulant ADHD Medications: Stimulant medications work by increasing levels of certain neurotransmitters (special chemicals that help brain cells communicate with each other) responsible for attention and focus. Stimulants are the most common ADHD medication prescribed, because they’ve shown to be effective in managing ADHD symptoms, like hyperactivity and disruptive behavior, in as much as 70% of adults and between 70 and 80% of children.
If stimulants cause unwanted side effects, your doctor may want to change your medication dosage or try a different medication. Stimulants are considered controlled substances, because they may cause addiction if misused.
2. Non-stimulant ADHD medications: If stimulant medicine doesn’t work to improve someone’s ADHD symptoms, their doctor may recommend a non-stimulant medication. Non-stimulant medications work by targeting a different neurotransmitter in order to help manage ADHD symptoms. Non-stimulants are not considered controlled substances, and may be recommended for people who experience side effects with stimulants or people with a history of drug abuse.
Before taking any medication, ask your doctor, healthcare professional, or pharmacist about the possible side effects. Remember that the effects of a drug are different for every person and may affect you differently than a friend or a family member.
Finding the right dosage is an important part of minimizing the side effects of ADHD medication. When beginning medication, you or your child may need to try different dosages in order to find what works best. Some symptoms, like headache, may subside after a few weeks, while other symptoms, like moodiness or irritability, may indicate that you need to try a different dosage or a different medication. Below, we’ll outline a few of the most common side effects of ADHD medication.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease
Stimulants increase blood pressure and heart rate, possibly placing patients at a higher risk of developing chronic high blood pressure in the future. Studies show that long-term stimulant medication use may increase the risk of developing heart disease, including high blood pressure. While, in the past, researchers believed that long-term used of stimulant medications in children put them at risk of experiencing sudden cardiac death (sudden death), a recent meta-analysis of three studies with nearly two million subjects shows that this is not true.
Sleep problems
Some people may have difficulty sleeping when taking ADHD medication. If you or your child are taking short-acting stimulant medications and having difficulty sleeping at night, you may be taking the second or third dose of your medication too late in the day. Sleep issues may resolve over time as you or your child adjust to the medication.
Moodiness and irritability
Some people may become moody or irritable when taking stimulants. If this happens, your doctor may recommend a different stimulant medication, a different dosage, or trying a non-stimulant medication.
Below is a short list of some ADHD medications and their side effects. While this list is not exhaustive, it includes some of the more common ADHD medications and their most widely known side effects:
Adderall XR (Amphetamine):Loss of appetite, insomnia, abdominal pain, weight loss, emotional lability, vomiting, nervousness, dry mouth, anxiety, agitation, dizziness, diarrhea, asthenia, urinary tract infection.
Adderall may be the most common and well-known medication for ADHD, but that does not mean any alarm should be raised if you are prescribed another.Concerta (Methylphenidate): sleep disruption, dry mouth, decreased appetite, dizziness, increased sweating, headache, stomach ache, nausea, anxiety, irritability, weight loss, slowing of growth in children, seizures, eyesight changes, priapism, blurred vision, and the ability to drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
Concerta can also create new or exacerbate existing mental health issues or behavioral problems, as well as increased risk for heart-related problems, especially if it is already embedded within the patient’s medical history.
If the patient has circulation problems, it can also cause coolness, pain in your extremities, numbness, sensitivities to temperature, and skin color changes.Dexedrine (Amphetamine): tremors, dizziness, irregular heartbeat, headache, decreased appetite, upset stomach, weight loss, dry mouth, seizures, slowed growth in children, inability to operate machinery, drive, or perform other dangerous tasks.
If you are a patient with mental health issues, circulation issues, or cardiac issues, this medication can also create or exacerbate the problem, especially if you have a medical or family history of these symptoms.
Evekeo (Amphetamine): trouble sleeping, dizziness, headache, nervousness, unpleasant taste, decreased appetite, stomach ache, itching, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, mood swings, constipation, and dry mouth.
In addition, there can be seizures, eyesight changes, slowing of growth in children, blurred vision, and the inability to drive, perform potentially dangerous tasks, and operate machinery. Many of these side effects are similar to those from Adderall.
5. Focalin XR (Methylphenidate): sleep disturbances, stomachache, nausea, dry mouth, anxiety, headache, and dizziness.
There may be serious side effects related to this drug as well, including seizures, eyesight changes, slowing of growth in children, blurred vision, serious allergic reactions, and priapism. Once again, any history of heart issues, circulation problems, health issues, or blood pressure problems should be reported to your doctor since this medication can exacerbate the situation.
In addition, this medication may impair your ability to drive, perform potentially dangerous tasks, or operate heavy machinery.
6. Quillivant XR (Methylphenidate): as many of the other drugs, if you have heart problems, blood pressure issues, mental health issues, or circulation issues either in your own health of your family's medical history, it is important to notify your doctor since this drug can exacerbate or create a problem in those areas.
Other common side effects include trouble sleeping, weight loss, fever, irritability, dizziness, dry mouth, decreased appetite, restlessness, stomach pain, increased sweating, mood swings, fast heartbeat, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, nervousness, agitation, shaking, blurred vision, and increased blood pressure. It can also cause seizures, eyesight changes, or the slowing of growth in children.
7. Strattera (Atomoxetine Hydrochloride): vomiting, decreased appetite, severe allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, difficulty urination, and slow growth in children.
This drug warns to report any mental health issues that exist within your medical history as well as your families, as well as any existing liver problems.
8. Vyvanse (Lisdexamfetamine Dimesylate): diarrhea, anxiety, loss of appetite or decreased appetite, dizziness, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, irritability, upper stomach pain, vomiting, nausea, and weight loss.
If you have any mental health or circulation issues, it is something that also should be discussed with your doctor beforehand.[3]
Therapy can be used to manage symptoms
In addition to medication, certain types of therapy can be effective in managing symptoms of ADHD.
While medication may be effective in some younger people with ADHD whose behavior is problematic, experts recommend that children younger than 12 years old have behavior therapy. Behavior therapy aims to discourage problem behaviors and encourage positive behaviors. Since behavior therapy is more effective when delivered by the parents, the child’s doctor may recommend parent training in behavior therapy.
Cognitive behavior therapy has been proven to be effective in managing ADHD symptoms in adults. Cognitive behavior therapy for ADHD aims to help people with ADHD identify negative thought and behavior patterns and restructure them into more positive and beneficial thoughts and behaviors.
Online therapy has proven to be very effective in the treatment of ADHD, especially for people and families who otherwise would be sitting on the waiting list of a therapist that is physically closer to them. Sites like BetterHelp can match you up with a mental health professional from their network online.
Online therapy is also generally more cost-effective than in-person therapy, especially for people who otherwise might have to take time off work, pay for transportation, or seek out childcare.
There also may be other treatment options for those with ADHD, whether it is a different type of therapy or the utilization of support groups.
Takeaway
Many of these drugs state that most people do not undergo the severe side effects, but they still must warn you. Doctors may monitor your progress with your medication and how it affects your health, especially if you are a person who has a history of circulation issues or any of the other specific problems. Each medication also warns of the possibly addictive qualities, which is why it can be even more important to check in with your doctor frequently.
Research your medications and continuously tune into your body to see if the medication is or is not working. If you keep an open conversation with your doctor, they can help you choose a medication that is the best for you and with the lowest number of side effects having any influence over your everyday comfort in your life.Frequently asked questions
Read more below for answers to questions commonly asked about ADHD treatments.
There are many ADHD medications approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Even so, ADHD medication side effects can vary greatly depending on the prescription and the individual.
Common side effects include insomnia, loss of appetite, increased heart rate, and potential changes in mood. Less common but more severe side effects may include allergic reactions, high blood pressure, or liver issues
It's crucial for individuals to discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider to monitor and manage them effectively.
The long-term effects of ADHD medication are an area of ongoing research. While some studies suggest that stimulant medications may be safe for long-term use when appropriately prescribed and monitored, it is essential to consider individual factors and potential side effects. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are crucial to assess the ongoing safety and effectiveness of ADHD medication.
ADHD stimulant medications can have different effects on individuals. It may improve focus and impulse control in those with ADHD, but the specific feelings experienced can vary. Some individuals report feeling calmer and more in control, while others may not notice any significant changes. It is important to discuss any effects or concerns with a healthcare provider. Many doctors will start patients on a low stimulant dose to test its effects.
If an individual experiences significant negative side effects from a stimulant medication, their healthcare professional may switch them to a different stimulant medication or to a nonstimulant alternative. Nonstimulant medications may have a more gradual impact on symptoms.
What are the most common effects of stimulants?
Common side effects include insomnia, loss of appetite, increased heart rate, and potential changes in mood. Less common but more severe side effects may include allergic reactions, high blood pressure, or liver issues. It's crucial for individuals to discuss potential side effects with their healthcare provider to monitor and manage them effectively.
There are three main types of medications used to treat ADHD: stimulants, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. Since stimulant medication can act as an appetite suppressant, it is typically associated with weight loss. Nonstimulant medication, like antipsychotics and antidepressants, is more commonly associated with weight gain.
It's advisable to monitor weight fluctuations while under the care of a healthcare provider.
Anxiety disorder is highly comorbid with ADHD, and while stimulant medications may exacerbate symptoms of anxiety disorder, studies have shown that some nonstimulant medications can improve symptoms related to both conditions simultaneously.
While selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like atomoxetine are not primarily indicated for the treatment of anxiety, they may indirectly help with anxiety symptoms in individuals with ADHD. However, the same tends not to be true in the other direction: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine are not typically diagnosed for ADHD, and they have not been proven to be effective for treating the condition.
In any case, specific treatment for anxiety and ADHD should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Determining the safest ADHD medicine depends on various factors, including individual health, medical history, and specific symptoms. Both stimulant and nonstimulant medications are FDA-approved and considered safe when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. The safety of a particular medication is assessed based on the individual's unique profile and needs.
Yes, as long as they are prescribed for daily use, ADHD medicines are safe to take every day — in fact, research suggests that daily intake is the best way to manage the condition consistently since symptoms tend to flare up as the medication wears off.
It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and schedule and to communicate regularly with the healthcare provider regarding medication effectiveness and any side effects.
Perhaps the most effective way to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) without medication is to work with a trained mental healthcare provider. Cognitive behavioral therapy, in particular, can be a promising treatment method for ADHD. This method can be especially helpful for developing skills like organization, goal- and routine-setting, and distraction management.
It is thought that ADHD is caused in part by a deficiency of two brain chemicals (i.e., neurotransmitters), dopamine and norepinephrine. Perhaps for that reason, studies suggest that vigorous exercise, which boosts the activity of these neurotransmitters, is also an effective natural treatment for attention disorders like ADHD.
Other natural treatment methods, such as herbal medicines, dietary supplements, and EEG biofeedback (which measures a person’s brain waves), can be helpful, but more research is needed before these approaches are considered proven remedies.
Consult a healthcare professional to tailor an adequate treatment plan.
Since it is a lifelong condition, it is unlikely to cure ADHD; however, its symptoms can change over time. Though the condition persists into adulthood, it often becomes less prominent with age. Treating ADHD using proper methods can help manage and adapt to these changes. Effective management through behavioral therapy, medication, or a combination of interventions can help individuals with ADHD lead fulfilling lives.
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