Side Effects of ADHD Medication

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Side effects in children

The most common side effects of psychostimulants in children include decreased appetite, corresponding weight loss, nervousness and problems sleeping. Some children experience irritability or increased activity as the effect of the medication tapers off. Adjustments in doses can often offset these side effects.

A small percentage of children may develop jerky muscle movements, such as grimaces or twitches (tics), but these usually disappear when the dose of medication is lowered. Ritalin also may be associated with a slightly reduced growth rate in children, although in most cases growth isn't permanently affected.

Strattera has been linked to side effects that include rare liver problems. If your child is taking Strattera and develops yellow skin (jaundice), dark-colored urine or unexplained flu symptoms, contact your doctor right away. In September 2005, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health warning to doctors about the risk of suicidal thinking in children and adolescents being treated with Strattera. The FDA urged doctors to closely observe pediatric patients being treated with Strattera for signs such as "agitation, irritability, suicidal thinking or behaviors, and unusual changes in behavior."

Adderall has raised concerns because of reports of sudden unexplained deaths in children taking the medication. Canada suspended sales of Adderall XR in February 2005. In the United States, the FDA is evaluating the drug.

Parents also are understandably concerned about psychostimulants — which are similar to amphetamines — and the risk of addiction. But dependence hasn't been reported in children who take medications orally and at the proper dosage. That's because drug levels in the brain rise too slowly to produce a "high." On the other hand, reported abuse of ADHD medications by siblings and classmates of children and teenagers with ADHD is a growing problem.

Side effects in adults

In general, psychostimulant side effects in adults are similar to those in children. But ADHD drugs are also more likely to cause certain problems specifically in adults, including mild increases in blood pressure that may be significant for people who already have hypertension, and the liver disease hepatitis. In addition, because adults usually require higher dosages of these medications than children do, the risk of abuse or addiction may be greater.

Adults diagnosed with ADHD are far more likely to be given antidepressants than children are. Side effects may include dry mouth, urinary retention, weight gain, drowsiness and sexual dysfunction.

next: Controversy Over ADHD Medication

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Reviewed: 01/2006