Approximately 2.5 million Americans between the ages of four and seventeen were receiving medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, as of 2003 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Many ADHD medications contain stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine according to the National Institute of Mental Health. There are also nonstimulant forms of ADHD medication. As such, ADHD medications can have unintended effects.
Stomach Problems and Reduced Appetite
Stomach pains or reduced appetite are common side effect of ADHD medication. Stomach pain typically occurs because the ADHD patient is adjusting to the medication. Strattera in particular is a stimulant form of ADHD medication that has been known to upset the stomach, induce vomiting, and even reduce appetite according to ADHD News. The appetite is typically suppressed until the medication wears off. Reduced appetite may result in weight reduction.
Headaches
Headaches can typically occur when the ADHD medication is administered on an empty stomach or when the medication is starting to wear off. It is possible to get around this side effect by taking the medication after meals.
However, headaches may also be caused by elevated blood pressure and heart rate, which can occur when taking high doses of stimulant ADHD medication such as Ritalin and Concerta according to ADHD News.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common side effect of ADHD medications such as Adderall and Concerta. Sleeplessness may be due to taking excessively high doses. As such, a lower dosage or switching to a nonstimulant form of ADHD medication may be a way to avoid this side effect according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Fatigue and Nausea
Nonstimulant ADHD medications such as Strattera can cause fatigue within the first few weeks of taking the medication. Stimulant ADHD medication such as Concerta, Adderall, and Ritallin can cause dizziness and nausea according to ADHD News. These symptoms may be due to elevated blood pressure and heart rate caused by the medication. Lowering the dosage may alleviate the symptoms.
Shifts in Mood
ADHD Medication is supposed to elicit a positive emotional state. It is possible for the medication to induce negative emotional states such as depression, paranoia and irritability when taken in high dosages according to Nemours. This could also be due to the ADHD medication interacting with other forms of medication. It is also possible that the negative disposition is heightened by the medication wearing off. Nevertheless it may be indicate a need to switch medication.
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