Attention deficit disorder (ADD) can interfere with productivity at school and work, and can affect a person's ability to interact with others. Medical treatment of ADD involves an approach that combines behavioral and pharmaceutical therapies. Though valuable, ADD medications can have side effects that people should be aware of before starting treatment.
Stimulants
Methylphenidate (Concerta, Methylin, Metadate, Ritalin): Side effects of these drugs include loss of appetite, sleep disturbances, elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate, anxiety and tic disorders. This family of drugs can be addictive.
Methylphenidate transdermal patch (Daytrana): Transdermal methylphenidate may cause skin irritation, blurred vision, insomnia, nausea and slower weight gain and height growth. As with oral methylphenidate, dependence may occur. Also, exposing the patch to direct heat sources increases the rate of drug release.
Dexmethylphenidate (Focalin, Focalin XR): Adverse side effects are similar to those of methylphenidate and also include abdominal pain and weight loss.
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat): Side effects of this family of drugs are similar to those of methylphenidate and also include depression and seizures.
Dextroamphetamine and amphetamine mixtures (Adderall): Adverse effects are the same as those of the other stimulants and also include headaches, diarrhea and dry mouth.
Selective Norepineprhine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Atomoxetine (Strattera): To avoid nausea and vomiting, this medication should be taken after meals. In addition, atomoxetine may cause the following: increases in blood pressure and/or heart rate, tiredness, dizziness when rising from a seated or lying position, slowing of growth in children, urinary hesitancy, mood swings, and, in rare cases, reversible liver failure. According to the manufacturers of Strattera, the drug has been shown to increase the risk of suicidal thoughts.
Central Alpha Agonists
Guanfacine (Intuniv): Possible side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, constipation and sedation. If a patient is planning to discontinue this medication, he should do so by gradually reducing the dose.
Clonidine (Catapres): As with guanfacine, it is recommended when stopping this medication to do so gradually, since abrupt withdrawal may result in severe cardiac arrhythmias.
Antidepressants
Bupropion (Wellbutrin): According to the manufacturers of Wellbutrin, side effects may include "weight loss, dry mouth, nausea, difficulty sleeping, dizziness, sore throat, constipation or flatulence." In addition, there is a risk of seizure that increases as dosage increases.
Venlafaxine (Effexor): The manufacturers of Effexor note that common side effects include "nausea, dizziness, sleepiness, sexual side effects, sweating, dry mouth, nervousness, insomnia, loss of appetite and constipation."
