Understanding The Side Effects Of ADHD Medication
The widespread side effects are loss of appetite or insomnia. More ADHD medicine side effects are irritability, jitteriness, headaches, moodiness, stomachaches, racing heart rate, or high blood pressure. Here is a review of the side effects of ADHD medication.
Several Side Effects of ADHD Medicines — or Treatments
The hazards of possible ADHD medication side effects keep most parents or adults from starting these treatments. These side effects, however, are reduced over time. Parents may need to determine if their child could tolerate these reactions for a certain period or change medications, especially if they affect their child’s ability to focus.
Here are some very typical adverse reactions or treatments for these.
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Stomach Problems
- Upset stomach
“When a kid begins medication, there can be a one-to-three-pound weight loss over the first month,” Dickson says. “However, it is typical for the kid to regain the mass in the following three months.”
Treatment
- Prepare nourishing meals and snacks in advance to feed your kids when they are hungry.
- Try to eat before the medication works or once the medication wears off.
- Consume medication with milk or food.
Insomnia
- Abstain from electronics for one hour before sleep.
- Employ a White Noise Machine or Soft Music to relax.
- Try altering your medicine timing or dosage.
Irritability or Mood Alteration
“Irritability when on medication might be a side effect of the medicine or an indication that a kid may have other disorders,” Dickson states.
Consult your doctor to increase a little second dose to prevent the “rebound” once the meds fade off.
Consult a doctor for some related ailments like anxiety.
Headaches
“Give Tylenol or Motrin when needed,” Dickson states.
When headaches continue, try altering the dosage with the physician.
Dry Mouth
- Hold a water bottle.
- Take some sugar-free candy.
- Talk to your physician about other medication choices when side effects continue or impact daily living or general well-being.
Side Effects of Stimulants
While stimulant medications for ADHD hold distinct names or doses, the methods they function within the brain are almost similar. Owing to this, they would probably lead to many side effects like worsening appetite, anxiety, or tummy upsets.
Typical stimulant side effects of ADHD medication are:
- A worsening appetite may result in undesired weight loss in grownups or lower weight gain in kids
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Headaches
- Aggression
- Mood swings involving anger, agitation, or aggression
- Vomiting, nausea, or diarrhea
- Trouble falling asleep and staying asleep
- Anxiety or muscle strain
- Heightened blood pressure or heart rate
- Tics
Side Effects of Non-Stimulants
Many might imagine that taking a non-stimulant may assist them in escaping all the side effects of ADHD medication. Still, non-stimulants may trigger their list of undesirable side effects. Also, there is plenty of overlap between ADHD medicines with their side effects. Resembling all additional side effects, these might last for several weeks as the body gets used to them.
Typical Side Effects of Non-Stimulant ADHD Medication:
- Tummy aches with vomiting, nausea, or constipation
- Deteriorating agitation, depression, or anxiety
- Sleep issues
- Deteriorating appetite
- Feeling tired and exhausted
- Headache
- Dry Mouth
- Liver Damage
- Blood pressure and heart rate rising
- Sexual dysfunction or pain in urinating
Medication might also trigger these emotions:
- Mood swings: depressive moods or “lows” might be sufficiently powerful to trigger suicidal ideation or actions
- Heightened volatility and violence: this may trigger aggressive fights with others
- Heightened anxiety, worry, or physical tension
Effects on Sleep
These forms of medicine for ADHD may disturb sleep in unwanted ways.
