Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is usually diagnosed in childhood but affect adults as well. Research published by the "American Journal of Psychiatry" in 2005 indicates that a combination of pharmaceutical treatment and behavioral therapy is the most effective method of treating ADHD. Although pharmaceutical options can be an important part of ADHD treatment, there are side effects that must be taken into consideration. The most common side effects are outlined in this article. If you suspect ADHD, talk to your doctor about the treatment options that are most appropriate for you.
Central Nervous System
The most noticeable ADHD medication side effects are those that have an impact on the central nervous system (CNS). According to the "Clinical Handbook of Psychotropic Drugs," Ritalin, Concerta and Adderall in particular have been shown to cause nervousness in 16 percent of patients, anxiety and insomnia in up to 28 percent of patients, restlessness and irritability in up to 26 percent of patients, headache in up to 14 percent of patients and tearfulness or drowsiness in about 10 percent of those who take these medications. In addition, rebound depression, rare episodes of psychosis and tics have been reported in up to 10 percent of patients, but predominately in those taking higher doses. Focalin, a long-acting ADHD medication has the least number of CNS side effects; however, approximately 5 percent of those who take this drug develop a fever.
Cardiovascular Side Effects
Almost all types of ADHD medication can cause increased heart rate and blood pressure. This tends to be most prominent at the beginning stages of therapy and can cause dizziness, heart palpitations, difficulty breathing and hypotension. These types of side effects have been found in approximately 13 percent of individuals who take Ritalin, Adderall or Concerta. ADHD medications are not approved for use during pregnancy in part due to this increase in blood pressure and subsequent risks to the unborn child.
Physical and Allergic Side Effects
Patients taking ADHD medications also commonly report dry mouth and blurred vision when taking Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta, Focalin, Dexadrine or Desoxyn. Cylert and Pemoline do not typically cause these side effects. All ADHD medication can cause growth delay in children and weight loss, although typically these side effects normalize over time. Other side effects include stomach pain, in up to 23 percent of individuals taking Ritalin, Adderall, Concerta and 15 percent of those taking Focalin. Anorexia has also been linked to ADHD medication use in up to 41 percent of those taking Ritalin, Adderall or Concerta and 6 percent of those taking Focalin, although anorexic side effects tend to be dose related.
References
- Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision; American Psychiatric Association; 2000
- American Journal or Psychiatry; Cost-Effectiveness of ADHD Treatments: Findings From the Multimodal Treatment Study of Children With ADHD; Jenson et al.; 2005
