Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder or ADHD, is divided into three main types, according to Kid's Health. The different types may require medications which stimulate the system in order to achieve a stable state, or they may require relaxants or sedative types of medications. Whichever type of medication is chosen, there are side effects to consider in exchange for stable state behavior.
Tremors
According to Kid's Health, some ADHD medications can cause shaking and tremors in patients. In severe cases, the tremors will become uncontrollable and it will be necessary to stop treatments to stop the complications of the medications. These complications arise in children, teens and adults on ADHD medications, notes Kid's Health.
Heart Problems
The most notable of the heart problems associated with ADHD medications is heart palpitations according to Help Guide. Racing heart rates can send both children and adults running for emergency care. Help Guide notes that the American Heart Association recommends all patients do a heart evaluation prior to starting ADHD medication due to the potential complications.
Addiction
According to the National Institute On Drug Abuse, stimulant types of ADHD medications can become addictive for patients. This is especially true when the medications are taken in ways that differ from their recommended dosages. The National Institute On Drug Abuse discusses several inconclusive studies regarding stimulant medication for adolescents potentially leading to adult drug abuse; studies on children do not show a significant risk of addiction from stimulant addiction later in life.
Psychiatric Problems
Though ADHD medications are designed to treat one kind of mental state, Help Guide notes that they can trigger or exacerbate others. Some of the psychiatric complications associated with ADHD medications include hostile or aggressive behavior, anxiety and depression.
Sudden Death in Healthy Children
In 2009, the FDA issued a press release and updated its prescription guidelines for using stimulant-based ADHD medications with children. In a comparative study using otherwise healthy children who died suddenly of an accident such as a car accident and otherwise healthy children who died suddenly while taking stimulants for their ADHD, the FDA found a link between taking the medications and sudden death. The agency is still investigating that link.
