Side Effect: Loss Of Appetite
Along with difficulty falling asleep at night , loss of appetite is the most common side effect of stimulant meds. This problem often clears up on its own within a few weeks, so I usually recommend a wait-and-see approach. If the problem persists, dont delay taking action especially if the appetite loss is severe enough to trigger decrease in total body mass, or, in a growing child, failure to grow appropriately.
First, observe your childs eating patterns. Breakfast often goes well because the first dose of the day hasnt yet kicked in. Lunch is likely to be a lost cause, nutrition-wise. Ditto for dinner. Your child probably becomes very hungry around 8:00 p.m., when the evening dose wears off.
There may be little you can do to boost your childs appetite in the middle of the day . So instead of worrying about what gets eaten at lunch, create nutritional windows of opportunity at other times of the day.
For example, get a good, healthful breakfast into your child before the first dose of the day kicks in. Hold off on the 4:00 p.m. dose until 5:00 or 6:00 p.m. Your childs appetite may return in time for dinner. Then give the third dose.
Does your child eat lots of sweets? If so, getting him to cut back should boost his appetite for more nutritious fare.
If switching stimulants doesnt help, ask your doctor about moving on to a non-stimulant.
Introduction To The Effects Of Adhd Drugs
Researchers have discovered nothing significant regarding the side-effects or increased health risks associated with using medications for ADHD and there has been long enough time to review these medications and draw a conclusion. Amphetamine was produced back in 1887 and hit the market soon after to be an over-the-counter nasal decongestant spray. Methylphenidate was obtainable in Europe in 1939 and provided in the United States in 1954.
In a study published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood in 2014, it was discovered that only a few research studies had reviewed the long-term safety of the drugs commonly used to treat ADHD. After evaluating six studies that checked the occurrence of negative side effects, the researchers concluded a wide disparity in what is perceived to be the long-term effects of the medications. The common drugs prescribed for ADHD include Adderall, Strattera, and Ritalin.
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, reach out for help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifelinecan be reached at 1-800-273-8255 and is available to assist 24/7.
In 2005, the United States Food and Drug Administration discovered an increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children and teenagers taking atomoxetine, or Strattera and placed a black box caution on the drug. The FDAs decision was from research that showed that atomoxetine is linked with a remarkably high case of suicidal notions than placebo.
Cbd As An Alternative Treatment For Adhd
Cannabidiol oil comes from the hemp or marijuana plant and is used by millions of people with both diagnosed and undiagnosed ADHD for improving focus and attention span. CBD can increase alertness and increase productivity, without the laundry list of side effects seen with other treatments. In fact, not only does CBD not cause unwanted sexual side effects, it can actually increase libido and increase the length and intensity of orgasms.
Not all CBD is created equal. One of my favorite CBD formulations for focus is Ladykind Rise Up Mind Clearing Tincture, which also includes other botanicals like Maca Root for enhanced performance . Read my review of Ladykind CBD products here and use my discount code INFUSED15 for 15% off.
This article, written by Dr. Michele Ross, was originally published on Livestrong.com and had been added to.
Don’t Miss: How Will My Autistic Child Grow Up
For What Conditions Are Adhd Medications Used
Some stimulant ADHD medications are used for treating both ADHD and narcolepsy, a condition in which there is excessive daytime One non-stimulant medication, atomoxetine , is indicated only for ADHD.
Other non-stimulant ADHD medications include Kapvay and Intuniv .
- Kapvay and Intuniv are FDA-approved to treat ADHD in children and adolescents 6 to 17 years old.
- However, they have not been studied extensively in adults and are therefore not FDA-approved for adult ADHD treatment. However, a small placebo-controlled, double-blinded crossover study showed a possible benefit of using immediate-release guanfacine to treat ADHD in adults.
- Immediate-release clonidine and guanfacine are indicated for high blood pressure.
- In addition, medications used to treat depression, including tricyclic antidepressants as well as bupropion , may be used in ADHD treatment.
Combating Side Effects Of Adhd Meds
ADHD meds can bring big improvements for your child, but they also can cause side effects. Read about 10 side effects and what you can do to minimize them.
Well-known stimulants such as methylphenidate and amphetamine/ dextroamphetamine are the most beneficial ADHD treatment drugs, so theres good reason doctors prescribe them. But these ADHD meds come with a caveat: side effects.
Stimulants work on the part of the brain that helps people pay attention, control impulses, control motor behavior, and stay organized. Studies have found these ADHD meds to be effective in up to 80 percent of people with ADHD.
Because these medications that help with ADHD symptoms act on the central nervous system, your child may also experience side effects such as anxiousness or problems sleeping when he starts ADHD treatment, says Carla Allan, PhD, co-director of the ADHD Specialty Clinic at Childrens Mercy Hospitals and Clinics in Kansas City, Mo.
However, when the drugs are prescribed properly , side effects shouldnt be much of a problem, Allan says. And while you may notice some of these side effects during the first one to two weeks of taking the medication, they should go away after two weeks, she says. If they dont, your child may need a smaller dose.
10 Potential ADHD Treatment Side Effects
Here are 10 side effects associated with stimulant ADHD meds and what you can do about them:
Recommended Reading: Do We All Have Autism
Side Effects Of Adhd Medications
Like all medications, stimulants may produce side effects. Parents and teachers need to be aware of potential side effects and know how to manage them. The most common side effects include weight loss from appetite suppression, insomnia, and a characteristic “over-concentrated” or extremely focused appearance. This over-focused appearance can make the child seem as if she or he is an automaton that moves from one task to the next without a relaxation of concentration or an emotional expression of any sort. Some patients also experience headaches and stomachaches. Stomachaches that occur within an hour of taking the medication are likely dose-related those occurring when the medication is wearing off are likely due to hunger. Taking medications with food often helps combat the initial “dosing” stomachache.
Most of these treatment-related effects diminish with reductions in dosage and/or the passage of time. Luckily, these side effects are not medically dangerous. They reflect the body’s initial response to stimulant medications and will fade within a few weeks of treatment. If symptoms persist, a different medication may be necessary.
Poor Appetite/weight Loss/upset Stomach
When a child starts medication, there can be a one-to three-pound weight loss in the first month, says Dickson. However, it is common for the child to gain back the weight over the next three months.
- Go with your childs schedule, not the familys. If she is ravenous at 3 p.m., give her an early dinner.
- Make your childs largest meal when he is most hungry before the ADHD medication kicks in or after it wears off.
- Offer a large breakfast loaded with protein and complex carbohydrates, which provide long-term energy. This will get your child off to a good start and keep him going.
- Offer small healthy snacks throughout the day. Young children often cant identify the feeling of hunger, but might act it out with irritability. Have a special area in the kitchen for healthy snacks, and keep a basket of snacks in his bedroom.
- To prevent stomach upset, have your child take her medication with food or milk. If side effects are very troubling, however, you should consult with his physician.
Recommended Reading: Is Ocd A Type Of Autism
What Are The Drug Interactions Of Adhd Drugs
Absorption and excretion of amphetamines — and therefore blood levels — are affected by pH. Fruit juices, vitamin C, and some drugs acidify the stomach, decreasing absorption. Alkalinizing agents, such as antacids, increase amphetamine absorption.
- Amphetamines should not be used along with tricyclic antidepressants or decongestants.
A 14-day clearing period is required between the use of a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor and amphetamine. Otherwise, severe hypertension may occur.
Methylphenidate should not be used within 14 days of using an MAOI. Otherwise, a hypertensive crisis might occur. Because it raises blood pressure and heart rate, methylphenidate should be used with caution with other drugs that can affect blood pressure and heart rate. Dosage adjustment may be necessary for:
- Phenytoin
- Antidepressants
Atomoxetine should not be used within 14 days of an MAOI, otherwise severe, possibly fatal reactions could occur. Increases in heart rate and blood pressure may occur if atomoxetine is administered with other medications that can increase heart rate or blood pressure.
The sedative effect of alcohol, barbiturates, or other drugs may be increased by guanfacine.
Bupropion should not be used within 14 days of an MAOI. Medications that can interact with bupropion include:
- Tricyclic and SSRI antidepressants
- Atomoxetine
What If You Dont Have Adhd
Only take these medications if theyre prescribed to you. Taking these drugs without a prescription if you dont have ADHD can have serious and potentially harmful side effects.
Stimulant medications have the potential to be misused, especially by those without ADHD. This is due to the side effects of prolonged concentration and alertness, as well as the potential loss of appetite and weight loss.
You May Like: What Is Being On The Spectrum Of Autism
Adhd Medications For Adults With Anxiety
Adult patients with an anxiety disorder, as well as ADHD, should be first treated for the primary condition. ADHD symptoms should be treated if they still persist after the resolution of anxiety symptoms. However, it is important to first investigate whether the anxiety symptoms are a result of ADHD. In this case, effective treatment of ADHD would most likely resolve the anxiety as well. However, there is conflicting data on whether stimulant medications can improve anxiety symptoms.
- A study of 42 patients with ADHD and comorbid anxiety found that treatment with methylphenidate had a beneficial effect on anxiety symptoms.
- However other studies have shown that stimulants have no effect on anxiety.
Questions To Ask An Adhd Specialist
Consulting with an ADHD specialist or an experienced psychiatrist can help you understand the pros and cons of medication. Here are some questions to ask:
- What ADHD treatments do you recommend?
- Can the symptoms be managed without medication?
- What medications do you recommend and what are the side effects?
- How effective is medication for ADHD?
- How long will the medication be necessary for treatment?
- What factors will influence the decision to stop medication?
For Parents: Helpful questions about ADHD medication
When deciding whether or not to put your child on medication, Jerome Schultz, Ph.D., ADHD expert, says to first consider the following questions:
- Has my child been helped by non-medication approaches? Self-calming techniques, deep breathing, and yoga can often help children with ADHD.
- Has the school tried to teach my child to be more attentive and less active?
- What is the decision to put my child on medication based on? Is it the result of behavioral observations over time and in different settings, such as in school and at home?
- When is my child at their best? Fishing with an uncle or playing video games? Help the physician understand how pervasive or selective the problem is.
- Does my child have other conditions that can be mistaken for hyperactivity? Children exposed to toxic chemicals or who have undiagnosed learning disabilities and low-level anxiety disorder may demonstrate similar behaviors.
Source: Family Education Network
Recommended Reading: Do Nonverbal Autistic Child Ever Speak
What Are The Different Types Of Adhd Drugs
ADHD medications can generally be split into two categories:
- the stimulants and
Stimulant drugs used for ADHD include various amphetamines and methylphenidates.
- Amphetamines and methylphenidates increase the levels of the neurotransmitters, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain.
- Both drugs also inhibit monoamine oxidase , an enzyme that breaks down dopamine and norepinephrine.
Non-stimulant drugs such as Atomoxetine works by increasing levels of norepinephrine.
The tricyclic antidepressants and bupropion are not FDA-approved for the treatment of ADHD but are often used off-label.
- The tricyclic antidepressants affect levels of norepinephrine while bupropion affects levels of both norepinephrine and dopamine.
- Imipramine and desipramine are the most commonly used tricyclic antidepressants.
- However, nortriptyline is also effective.
What Are The Drug Interactions
Stimulants can interact with several medications.
Some people have both ADHD and depression or anxiety. For this reason, doctors may prescribe an antidepressant or antianxiety medication with a stimulant for ADHD treatment.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are antidepressants that people should not take with stimulants. In fact, a person must stop taking any MAOI at least 14 days before starting any stimulant medication.
Other antidepressants that interact with stimulants include:
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
- serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors
The following sections discuss long-acting stimulant drugs in more detail.
Read Also: How To Get Tested For Autism As An Adults
What Is Monitored During The Titration Process
During the titration process, your doctor will start you on an initial lower dose and check in every week to talk about side effects and benefits in order to guide the next dosing decision.
During this process, you and your doctors will discuss whether the dosage is:
-
Not giving enough therapeutic benefits: Your symptoms dont feel sufficiently reduced
-
Too many side effects: The side effects are severe or outweigh any benefits
-
Over-responding: The symptoms control is overboard, and you no longer feel like yourself
When a medication isnt getting the desired results after two to six weeks of titrating, your doctor may choose to switch medications and go through the process again.
What Should I Tell My Doctor Before Starting Stimulant Therapy
When taking stimulant therapy for ADHD, be sure to tell your healthcare provider:
- If you are nursing, pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.
- If you are taking or plan to take any prescription drugs, dietary supplements, herbal medicines, or nonprescription medications.
- If you have any past or present medical problems, including high blood pressure, diabetes, seizures, heart disease, glaucoma, or liver or kidney disease.
- If you have a history of drug or alcohol abuse or dependency, or if you have had mental health problems, including depression, manic depression, or psychosis.
- If you have a history of suicidal thoughts or if anyone in your family has tried to commit suicide.
Read Also: Are Autistic Babies More Fussy
Signs Your Adhd Medication Is Too High
Depending on your medication, the most common sign that your medication is too high is when you begin to experience significant, severe, or debilitating side effects that dont subside after a week. When assessing the severity of your side effects, ask yourself questions like do the benefits of this medication outweigh the side effects? and on a scale of 1 to 10, how bad are these side effects? . In general, side effects should be mild.
How Long Does It Take For Medicines To Work
It depends on the medication your child takes, and if itâs extended release or short-term.
Most kids with ADHD get stimulant medication. These drugs work quickly. Behavior can change within an hour.
They also leave the system quickly. Some formulas wear off in just 3 or 4 hours. The longest acting can last 12 hours. So before doing a symptom check, you should know when your child last took their medication to make sure itâs in their system.
Nonstimulant drugs act differently. They need time to build up in your childâs system, but their effects last 24 hours. You may not see a difference for weeks, and it may take several more to fine-tune the dose.
If you think your childâs personality has changed or if they seem irritable all the time, their dose may be too high, even if their symptoms have gotten better. Talk to their doctor.
You May Like: Non Stimulant Treatment For Adhd
Am I Taking The Right Adhd Medication
Sometimes even the most popular ADHD medications dont work well for a particular person. A medication being determined not ideal occurs after you and your doctor have worked to find a target dose, and you are still either feeling symptoms of ADHD or experiencing too many side effects.
In these cases, it may be something about the formulation that doesnt jive well with you. There are now over 30 ADHD medications available, so dont worry if the first one isnt ideal you have plenty of options. Its also perfectly normal to stop or change medications over time for a variety of reasons. The most important thing is to find what works best for you and your health.
What Should I Be Aware Of If My Child Is Being Given Stimulants
If you miss a dose, just go back to the regular prescribed dosage schedule – dont try to catch up by taking additional doses. The following are useful guidelines to keep in mind when giving your child stimulants for ADHD:
- Always give the medication exactly as prescribed. If there are any problems or questions, call your doctor.
- When starting stimulant therapy, do so on a weekend so that you will have an opportunity to see how the child responds.
- Your doctor will probably want to start the medication out at a low dose and increase gradually until symptoms are controlled.
- Try to keep to a regular schedule, which may mean that doses will have to be given by teachers, nurses, or other caregivers.
- Children usually respond better to continuous medication use, but “medication vacations” may be planned for a day or more for children who are doing well when activities permit.
You May Like: Is Stimming Always Related To Autism