Your child may have been diagnosed with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and prescribed medication. This medication can help control symptoms such as restlessness and difficulty concentrating. However, like all medications, it can also cause side effects . Therefore, it is important for you as a parent to be aware of these.
The common side effects of food intolerance, headaches, sleep problems, and moodiness are usually nothing to worry about. However, very rarely, some children may experience more serious side effects, such as tics and hallucinations. We will talk about these today.
Are tics serious?
Simply put, tics are involuntary, rapid movements in a part of the body that we cannot control. Think of it as blinking our eyes continuously, or jerking our neck. These are called tics.
Tics can be a side effect of some stimulant medications used for ADHD. Especially if your child had tics before starting the medication, some medications, such as those containing dextroamphetamine, can make the condition worse.
When something like this happens to your child, it can be distressing for you as well as your child. But don't worry, there is a simple solution to this. You can talk to your child's doctor, tell him about this, and switch to a different type of stimulant. Or there are nonstimulant medications that don't cause tics. You can also switch to one of those.
| Nonstimulant medications that do not cause tics | |
|---|---|
| Generic Name of the Medicine | Commonly used brand names |
| Atomoxetine | Strattera |
| Clonidine | Catapres, Nexicon |
| Guanfacine | Intuniv, Tenex |
| Viloxazine | Qelbree |
The best thing is that when these non-stimulant medications are used on a child who has had tics from the beginning, the tics may be controlled.
Has the child's behavior changed after starting the medication?
`Stimulant` type medications are not good for changing a child's personality. However, some children may develop a kind of emotionless, zombie-like effect due to these medications. Some children may become moody or irritable.
These types of behavioral changes are usually seen when starting a new medication. This indicates that the dose given to the child may be a bit too high .
The most important thing is to inform your doctor as soon as you notice something like this. He or she can try reducing the dosage .
For a very small number of children, these personality changes may persist even after the dose is reduced. In that case, switching to a different type of ADHD medication may completely stop these side effects.
Is there an effect on heart health?
This is something that many parents worry about. `Stimulant` medication can cause a small increase in a child's heart rate and blood pressure. However, the risk of serious heart disease is very low.
Some studies have shown that children taking these medications have about twice the risk of developing heart disease than children not taking them. But even in those studies, overall, heart disease is very rare. Other studies have shown no increased risk.
The best thing to do is to have your child's doctor do a complete physical exam and take a good look at their family medical history before starting a stimulant. If your child has a heart condition, it may be safer to use a nonstimulant medication.
A rare but serious condition called psychosis
Psychosis is a state of detachment from reality. Simply put, it is the inability to distinguish between reality and fantasy. In this state, you may see things that are not there (hallucinations) and hear voices that are not there (hearing voices).
Children taking stimulant medications for ADHD have a slightly higher risk of developing psychosis. One study found that about 1 in 660 children had symptoms of psychosis. Amphetamine-based medications (e.g., Adderall, Vyvanse) were associated with a slightly higher risk than methylphenidate -based medications (e.g., Ritalin, Concerta).
Although this side effect is very rare, it is a good idea for the doctor to check with the child about this before prescribing medication. It is especially wise to choose a nonstimulant medication if the child has a family history of mental illness.
So what should you do as a parent?
Whenever you start a new ADHD medication for your child, talk to your doctor about the possible side effects and how to manage them. Tell your doctor about any new side effects your child experiences, no matter how minor. He or she can adjust the dosage or switch to a different medication that works best for your child.
Most importantly: Never change the dosage or stop taking medication without consulting your doctor. This can have a very negative impact on your baby.
Take-Home Message
- Medications for ADHD are very helpful in controlling a child's symptoms, but like all medications, they can cause side effects.
- Minor side effects like loss of appetite and insomnia are common. But be aware of rare but serious side effects like tics, personality changes, heart rate changes, and psychosis.
- Tell your doctor immediately about any new symptoms or side effects your child experiences.
- Never change or stop your child's medication dosage without medical advice.
- Before starting any ADHD medication, it is very important to have a complete physical examination by your doctor.
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