ADHD Medications and Side Effects

Articles On ADHD Medications Side Effects

Medication is an important part of your ADHD treatment. Doctors can choose from many types of drugs to control symptoms of the disorder.

You and your doctor will work together to figure out which medication is right for you, along with the ideal dose (amount) and schedule (how often or when you need to take it). It may take some time to find the best combination.

Medications may not work for all ADHD symptoms or affect everyone the same way. A combination of medication, therapy, behavior changes, and skills training is often the most effective treatment. This is called multimodal treatment.

The ones most widely used to treat ADHD include:

• Stimulants. This group of drugs has treated ADHD for several decades. These medicines might help you focus your thoughts and ignore distractions. Stimulant meds work for 70% to 80% of people. They’re used to treat moderate and severe ADHD. They may be helpful for children, teens, and adults who have a hard time at school, work, or home. Some stimulants are approved for use in children over age 3. Others are approved for children over age 6.
• Non-stimulants. In cases where stimulants don’t work or cause unpleasant side effects, non- stimulants might help. These medications can improve symptoms like concentration and impulse control.
• depression-medications-antidepressants' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >Antidepressants. People with ADHD often have depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder too. They may take an antidepressant to control mental health issues or other conditions along with a stimulant for ADHD.

Types of Short-Acting Stimulants and Side Effects

Side effects of short-acting stimulants include loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, crankiness, and tics. You have to take them often.

The FDA has issued a warning about the risk of drug abuse with amphetamine stimulants. FDA safety advisers are also concerned that all amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants used for ADHD may make heart and psychiatric problems more likely.

Types of Intermediate and Long-Acting Stimulants and Side Effects

Side effects of these medications include loss of appetite, weight loss, sleep problems, crankiness, and tics. Long-acting medicines may have greater effects on appetite and sleep. The FDA warns about the risk of drug abuse with amphetamine stimulants. FDA safety advisers are also concerned that all amphetamine and methylphenidate stimulants used for ADHD may make heart and psychiatric problems more likely.

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Types of Non-Stimulant ADHD Medications and Side Effects

Non-stimulant medications usually take a while to start working. It could be several weeks before you feel the full effects. Also, they may not work as well as stimulants. Some non-stimulant medications may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and death by suicide in teens. The FDA warns that anyone taking atomoxetine (Strattera) should be monitored for suicidal thoughts, especially during the first few weeks. Common side effects of these drugs include fatigue, upset stomach, mouth' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' >dry mouth, and nausea. Your blood pressure often rises when you stop taking them.

Types of Antidepressant ADHD Medications and Side Effects

These medications can be used off-label to treat ADHD symptoms. That means doctors can prescribe them even though they haven’t been approved by the FDA for use with ADHD, Side effects often include trouble sleeping, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, sweating, and changes in sex drive. The FDA has also warned about a connection between antidepressants and a higher risk of suicide in adults ages 18-24, especially in the first 1 or 2 months.

ADHD Medicines and Safety

Experts generally consider these medicines safe when they are monitored properly by a professional. Serious problems are rare. Discuss the risks and benefits of these drugs with your doctor.

Treatment for ADHD and Other Conditions

Up to 80% of people with ADHD also have another mental health condition such as anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and substance use disorders. These issues and their treatment can affect ADHD, and vice versa. For example, some stimulant medications can make anxiety symptoms worse. But your doctor can often safely combine treatments for depression and ADHD. Your treatment plan will depend on your overall mental health.

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