Side Effects Of Adhd Medication

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that 2.5 million children between the ages of four and 18 take medication for ADHD as of 2003. ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, causes problems with sustaining attention and controlling behavior. Medications can manage these symptoms, which help patients function in class, at home and with other people. But these medications do have side effects that can become disruptive as well.

Types

The Mayo Clinic points out that doctors commonly prescribe a stimulant or nonstimulant to treat ADHD. Stimulants, such as methylphenidate, work by slowly increasing a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Nonstimulants, such as atomoxetine, work by increasing another neurotransmitter, norepinephrine. These two medications help reduce behavioral problems, such as impulsiveness or hyperactivity, and increase attention span. Helpguide.org adds that a doctor may prescribe an off-label drug, like an antidepressant or high blood pressure medication, if the stimulant or nonstimulant does not improve symptoms.

Prevalence

Not all patients with ADHD take medications to manage their symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention explains that as of 2003, 56 percent of ADHD patients ages four to 17 took medications, with the highest rates among nine to 12-year-old children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention adds that boys ages 10 and 12 and girls ages nine to 11 had the highest rate of ADHD medication usage.

Side Effects

Stimulants can cause irritability and depression in patients. Restlessness, problems sleeping, loss of appetite and dizziness can occur. Helpguide.org warns that parents should look out for serious side effects of stimulants, which include paranoia, hallucinations, chest pain, shortness of breath, fainting and dizziness. Nonstimulants can cause agitation, sleepiness and dizziness. Other side effects include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting.

The off-label medications for ADHD can also cause side effects. For example, antidepressants can cause fatigue, anxiety, dry mouth, weight changes and constipation. Side effects of high blood pressure medications include fever, hallucinations, shortness of breath and a very slow heart rate, according to Drugs.com.

Warning

Both stimulants and nonstimulants have some serious risks. For example, stimulants have a potential for abuse. Parents should monitor their children's medications to make sure they are not taking more than they need or giving pills to their friends. Stimulants may cause heart problems. Helpguide.org notes that stimulants can also worsen symptoms of psychiatric disorders, such as depression. Nonstimulants can increase suicidal thoughts in some patients.

Considerations

The National Institute of Mental Health points out that medications will not cure ADHD. Parents may consider additional treatments, such as behavioral therapy, which teaches ways to control behavioral problems and helps with symptom management. Certain coping mechanisms can help with the side effects. For example, Helpguide.org notes that healthy snacks and a later dinner can help with appetite problems. Taking the medication early in the day can reduce sleeping difficulties.