For those with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), the daily fight to maintain focus can be exhausting. While therapeutic approaches may ease symptoms, the more direct approach is with medication. Still, the side effects of ADHD medication can also worsen your situation.

What are the Medications for ADHD?

ADHD medication is not a cure for the condition. Rather, these drugs are designed to provide short-term relief of symptoms and help regulate brain functionality.

Most doctors will only prescribe six types of medication for ADHD. These are classified in the following two categories

1.) Stimulants

Stimulant medication increases brain activity in target areas. More specifically, they increase dopamine, which can: ¹

• Improve attention
• Ease movements
• Uplift mood

Stimulants are the most common ADHD medication, with over 70% of patients finding therapeutic relief through their treatment. ² The most common brands include Adderall, Ritalin, and Concerta.

2.) Non-Stimulants

Non-stimulant medications provide norepinephrine in the brain. This process can increase executive function, such as emotional control and completing tasks. ³ The most common include: 

• Strattera (atomoxetine) 
• Qelbree (viloxazine)
• Catapres and Kapvay (clonidine)
• Tenex and Intuniv (guanfacine)

What are the Side Effects of ADHD Medication?

While ADHD medication is usually harmless, it can result in side effects that raise concern. If you or your child shows any of the following signs, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider:

Insomnia and Changes in Sleep

Since ADHD medication alters brain chemistry, it can also interfere with your ability to sleep. In some cases, it may make you sleep more. In others, it can lead to your inability to sleep. ⁴

Sleep is essential for many elements of our overall health. Therefore, if you struggle with sleep due to ADHD medication, you’ll want to tell your doctor immediately.

Appetite Changes

ADHD medication can change your dietary habits and make you lose your desire to eat. While concerning, this is a common side effect of this medication. In most cases, appetites return to their normal routine once the medication has settled into the body. ⁵

Still, some patients may find this appetite reduction doesn’t go away. These cases can be dangerous as you may not receive your necessary calorie intake.

Headaches and Dizziness

You may experience lightheadedness and headaches when you initially take ADHD medication. While this side effect usually isn’t substantial, it may result in vertigo-like symptoms for some individuals.

In most cases, headaches and dizziness only occur in the first three to six weeks of treatment. However, if these symptoms persist or worsen, you should consult your doctor.

Changes in Mood, Emotional Processing, and Behavior

Since ADHD medication has such a large impact on your brain, you’ll likely experience a mood shift. This is most dominated by increased irritability, which can result in uncooperativeness and an inability to communicate emotions. ⁶

These changes are usually temporary. With moods shifting back to normal once the medication settles in.

Still, these changes could also indicate that you’re on too high of a dosage. If you experience irritability, you’ll want to closely monitor it. If it continues to get worse, be sure to consult your doctor.

If ignored, mood shifts can compound and exacerbate other areas of life. For example, these mood shifts may make it difficult to maintain a relationship.

Other ADHD Medication Risks

Above, we laid out the most common concerns of ADHD medication. However, some individuals also may experience the following side effects:

Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Changes

Stimulants can increase blood pressure. This may lead to an increase in heart rate which can be a problem for people with cardiovascular conditions. If you have a history of these conditions, you should mention this to your healthcare provider before treatment. ⁷

Seizures

People with ADHD are more susceptible to seizures than the general population. In some cases, certain stimulant medications may aggravate underlying epileptic symptoms. ⁸

Increase in Anxiety and Depression

While more research is necessary, some suggest that stimulants can lead to increased anxiety and depression. ⁹ Since these medications alter brain chemistry, they hold the potential to inhibit other factors of brain function.

If you notice symptoms of anxiety and depression, you’ll want to consult your doctor immediately. When left unchecked, these symptoms can lead to fatal consequences, such as suicidal ideation.

Risks of Medication if You Don’t Have ADHD

ADHD medication is sometimes abused by those without ADHD, especially in academic and professional settings. In such cases, this can inhibit your cognitive abilities and lead to addiction. ¹⁰

When you don’t have ADHD, stimulants overload dopamine receptors. As such, when the drug subsides you may experience withdrawal symptoms. ¹¹

Final Word

While the side effects of ADHD medication aren’t a huge concern, they should be closely monitored by healthcare professionals and loved ones. When these side effects go unchecked, they can sometimes lead to symptoms worse than those experienced in ADHD itself.

References

¹ Arnsten AF. Stimulants: Therapeutic actions in ADHD. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2006 Nov;31(11):2376-83. doi: 10.1038/sj.npp.1301164. Epub 2006 Jul 19. PMID: 16855530.

² Rubia K, Alegria AA, Cubillo AI, Smith AB, Brammer MJ, Radua J. Effects of stimulants on brain function in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Biol Psychiatry. 2014 Oct 15;76(8):616-28. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2013.10.016. Epub 2013 Oct 24. PMID: 24314347; PMCID: PMC4183380.

³ Nanda A, Janga LSN, Sambe HG, Yasir M, Man RK, Gogikar A, Mohammed L. Adverse Effects of Stimulant Interventions for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): A Comprehensive Systematic Review. Cureus. 2023 Sep 26;15(9):e45995. doi: 10.7759/cureus.45995. PMID: 37900465; PMCID: PMC10601982.

⁴ Stein MA, Weiss M, Hlavaty L. ADHD treatments, sleep, and sleep problems: complex associations. Neurotherapeutics. 2012 Jul;9(3):509-17. doi: 10.1007/s13311-012-0130-0. PMID: 22718078; PMCID: PMC3441938.

⁵ Sahin S, Yuce M, Alacam H, Karabekiroglu K, Say GN, Salıs O. Effect of methylphenidate treatment on appetite and levels of leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in children and adolescents with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract. 2014 Oct;18(4):280-7. doi: 10.3109/13651501.2014.940054. Epub 2014 Sep 16. PMID: 24994482.

⁶ Baweja R, Waschbusch DA, Pelham WE 3rd, Pelham WE Jr, Waxmonsky JG. The Impact of Persistent Irritability on the Medication Treatment of Paediatric Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2021 Jul 21;12:699687. doi: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.699687. PMID: 34366928; PMCID: PMC8333707.

⁷ St Amour MD, O’Leary DD, Cairney J, Wade TJ. What is the effect of ADHD stimulant medication on heart rate and blood pressure in a community sample of children? Can J Public Health. 2018 Jun;109(3):395-400. doi: 10.17269/s41997-018-0067-0. Epub 2018 May 7. PMID: 29981090; PMCID: PMC6964398.

⁸ Eaton C, Yong K, Walter V, Mbizvo GK, Rhodes S, Chin RF. Stimulant and non-stimulant drug therapy for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and epilepsy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2022 Jul 13;7(7):CD013136. doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD013136.pub2. PMID: 35844168; PMCID: PMC9289704.

⁹ McKetin R, Leung J, Stockings E, Huo Y, Foulds J, Lappin JM, Cumming C, Arunogiri S, Young JT, Sara G, Farrell M, Degenhardt L. Mental health outcomes associated with of the use of amphetamines: A systematic review and meta-analysis. EClinicalMedicine. 2019 Oct 17;16:81-97. doi: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2019.09.014. PMID: 31832623; PMCID: PMC6890973.

¹⁰ Lakhan SE, Kirchgessner A. Prescription stimulants in individuals with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: misuse, cognitive impact, and adverse effects. Brain Behav. 2012 Sep;2(5):661-77. doi: 10.1002/brb3.78. Epub 2012 Jul 23. PMID: 23139911; PMCID: PMC3489818.

¹¹ Chang Z, Lichtenstein P, Halldner L, D’Onofrio B, Serlachius E, Fazel S, Långström N, Larsson H. Stimulant ADHD medication and risk for substance abuse. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 2014 Aug;55(8):878-85. doi: 10.1111/jcpp.12164. Epub 2013 Oct 25. PMID: 25158998; PMCID: PMC4147667.