Common Side Effects Of ADHD Medication

A potential treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, often abbreviated as ADHD, are prescription medications. Medications can have side effects for some people, so not all people with ADHD choose to take medication. Side effects are undesirable, adverse, or consequential effects that may occur when you are taking a medication or undergoing medical treatment. Talking to a doctor about your treatment options can help consider whether medication is right for you. 

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Are you experiencing ADHD or medication side effects?

According to the FDA, side effects are "unwanted or unexpected events or a reaction to a drug. Side effects can either be minor, like a runny nose, to critical situations, such as a higher likelihood of a heart attack." 

Treatment options

There is no “cure” for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This condition is present from birth and is a form of neurodiversity, a difference in brain functioning from those with “typical” behavior. Treatment may sometimes be used to help individuals manage symptoms that make daily functioning difficult due to a lack of accessibility or other challenges in their communities and personal lives. Both medication and therapy may be helpful in this process.  

If you suspect that you or your child may have ADHD, the first step to getting treatment may be receiving an accurate diagnosis from a healthcare professional. Treatment plans for ADHD may involve a combination of therapy and medication. 

Understanding different medications

Different medications for ADHD work via different mechanisms. There are two main categories of ADHD medications

Stimulant ADHD medications 

Stimulant medications work by increasing levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, which are responsible for attention and focus. Stimulants are the most common ADHD medications prescribed because they’ve been shown to be effective in managing ADHD symptoms, like hyperactivity and disruptive behavior, in as many as 70% of adults and between 70 and 80% of children

If stimulants cause unwanted side effects, your doctor may change your medication dosage or try a different medication. Stimulants are considered controlled substances because they may cause dependency if misused.

Non-stimulant ADHD medications 

If stimulant medications doesn’t work to improve someone’s ADHD symptoms or they are contraindicated, a physician may recommend a non-stimulant medication. Non-stimulant medications work by targeting mainly norepinephrine to manage ADHD symptoms. Non-stimulants are not controlled substances and may be recommended for people who experience side effects from stimulants or people with a history of substance use. 

The BetterHelp platform is not intended for any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.

Finding the right dosage 

Finding the right dosage can be part of minimizing the side effects of ADHD medication for some people. When beginning medication, you or your child may try different dosages to find what works best. Some symptoms, like headaches, may subside after a few weeks, while other symptoms, like moodiness or irritability, may signal the need to try a different dosage or medication. Talk with your doctor about any side effects that you may experience.

Common side effects of ADHD medication 

ADHD medications may cause side effects for some people, although they do not for everyone. Below are a few of the most common side effects of ADHD medication.

Increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Stimulants increase blood pressure and heart rate. Studies show that long-term stimulant medication use may increase the risk of developing heart disease and high blood pressure. While, in the past, researchers believed that long-term use of stimulant medications in children put them at risk of experiencing sudden cardiac death (sudden death), a recent meta-analysis of three studies with nearly two million subjects shows that this idea is a misconception.

Sleep problems

Some people may have difficulty sleeping when taking ADHD medication. If you or your child are taking short-acting stimulant medications and having difficulty sleeping at night, you may be taking the second or third dose of your medication too late in the day. Sleep issues may resolve over time as you or your child adjust to the medication. However, talk to your doctor before changing your medication schedule or dosage. 

Moodiness and irritability

Some people may become moody or irritable when taking stimulants. If this symptom occurs, your doctor may recommend a different stimulant medication, a different dosage, or a non-stimulant medication. 

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Therapy can be used to manage symptoms

In addition to or alongside medication, certain types of therapy may be effective in managing symptoms of ADHD.

While medication may be effective in managing behavior in some younger people with ADHD, experts recommend that children younger than 12 years old try behavior therapy. Behavior therapy may help children modify behaviors and learn positive behaviors. Since behavior therapy may be more effective when overseen by the parents at home, the child’s doctor may recommend parent training in behavior therapy. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been proven to be effective in managing ADHD symptoms in adults. Cognitive-behavioral therapy for ADHD aims to help people with ADHD identify negative thought and behavior patterns and restructure them into more positive and beneficial thoughts and behaviors.

Online therapy has proven to be effective in the treatment of ADHD, especially for people and families who might be on waiting lists for in-person therapists or lack providers in their area. Sites like BetterHelp can match you with a mental health professional from their network online.

Online therapy is also generally more cost-effective than in-person therapy, especially for people who otherwise might have to take time off work, pay for transportation, or seek out childcare. There also may be other treatment options for those with ADHD, whether it is a different type of therapy or the utilization of support groups.

Takeaway

Medications for ADHD may cause side effects. However, understanding these effects can be a step toward informed usage. Doctors may monitor your progress with your medication and how it affects your health, especially if you have other medical conditions. Each medication may carry the potential risk of dependency, so speak to your doctor about concerns before taking a medication. 

Research your medications and monitor your body to notice signs that the medication may or may not be working. If you keep an open conversation with your doctor, they can help you choose a medication with the lowest number of side effects having any influence over your everyday comfort in your life.

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