Your doctor may have diagnosed you or your child with ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and is considering starting medication for it. Or perhaps you are already taking medication. The biggest question on your mind at this point is, "Is it good for me to continue taking this medication? Will there be any risks over time?" This is a very reasonable question. So let's talk about this clearly and simply today.
How does ADHD medication affect you as an adult?
If you're an adult, the biggest concern when thinking about the long-term effects of ADHD medication is how it will interact with other medical conditions you already have. For example, if you have high blood pressure or heart disease, you should definitely talk to your doctor about this before using ADHD medication.
Your doctor will examine you carefully and develop the best treatment plan that suits your health and helps you manage your ADHD. There are some risks that can arise from long-term use of ADHD medications in adults.
| Risk | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Heart Disease | Some medications can slightly increase heart rate and blood pressure. |
| High Blood Pressure | If you already have high blood pressure, you need to be especially careful about this. |
| Seizure | Very rarely, some medications may affect seizures. |
| Irregular Heartbeat | It is important to inform your doctor if you notice any changes in your heartbeat. |
| Abuse and Addiction | This risk can arise from increasing the dosage or taking it for other purposes without medical advice. |
| Skin Discolorations | Some medications used as a patch may cause skin discoloration. |
How does ADHD medication affect your child?
As a parent, it's normal to have this question about your child. But the good news is that years of research have shown that long-term use of ADHD medication is safe for children.
Short-term effects
Not all children respond to medication in the same way. Stimulant medications can start working within an hour. Non-stimulant medications can take several weeks to work. While the medication is working in the body, your child may experience some side effects.
Important: The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting ADHD medication for children over 6 years of age.
The most common side effects of stimulant medications in children are:
- Appetite
- Weight loss
- Sleep problems
- Trying to stay away from society a little bit
Less common side effects:
- The child's mischievousness or irritability increases as the medication wears off (rebound effect)
- Tics (involuntary muscle twitching)
- Slight developmental delay (there are different opinions on this)
Remember, ADHD medication cannot change your child's personality. If you notice that your child is more sleepy or irritable than usual, your child's dose may need to be increased. Talk to your doctor about this.
Long-term effects
Some children continue to take ADHD medication into adulthood. Decades of research have shown that long-term use of these medications does not cause serious health problems. While some studies have suggested that it may have some effect on children's height, others have ruled out a link. Your doctor will monitor your child's growth.
When can a child stop taking medication?
The doctor will check your child's medication from time to time to see if the dosage needs to be changed or if the medication can be stopped now. You may consider stopping your child's medication in the following situations:
- If you have been symptom-free for more than a year while taking the medication.
- If symptoms have been well controlled for a long time with the same dose.
- If the child can remain attentive and well-behaved even after missing a dose of medication.
- Pay attention to other methods (e.g. behavioral therapy) if the child has learned them.
- If there was a big change in the environment, like changing schools.
What are the medications for ADHD?
Simply put, ADHD medications fall into two main categories: stimulants and non-stimulants.
| Type of medicine | Functionality and examples |
|---|---|
| Stimulants | These are the most commonly used. They increase the level of dopamine, a chemical in the brain associated with attention and pleasure, and help you focus. The dosage prescribed by your doctor is not addictive. For example: Methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), Amphetamines (Adderall). |
| Non-stimulants | These may not work as quickly as stimulants. They increase levels of a chemical called norepinephrine in the brain, helping to increase focus and mental stability. Examples: Atomoxetine (Strattera), Clonidine (Kapvay). |
Let's now look at the main risks in detail.
Heart disease or high blood pressure
Many ADHD medications (stimulants) can slightly increase blood pressure and heart rate. If you already have heart disease or high blood pressure, using these medications can be risky. Therefore, it is important to clearly tell your doctor about your medical history.
Seizures or irregular heartbeat
Atomoxetine (Strattera) (a non-stimulant) has been linked to seizures and heart rhythm irregularities, so it is recommended that people with a history of these conditions stay away from this medication.
Drug addiction and abuse
Some people misuse ADHD medication. For example, they crush up pills and snort them to get a "high." This is very dangerous. If you don't have a history of drug abuse, you're less likely to do this. But if you do, talk to your doctor about it honestly. He or she can help you decide if this medication is right for you.
Mental problems
Very rarely, ADHD medications can be associated with certain mental health problems. Aggression and bipolar disorder symptoms have been reported. There is also a very small risk of developing symptoms of psychosis, such as hearing someone speak, and paranoia. Although these are rare, they are important to be aware of.
How do you work with these risks?
This is the most important part. The best way to manage all of this is to work with your doctor. Together, you can decide if this medication is safe for you.
Before you start taking the medication, your doctor may want to do some tests. For example, they may check your blood pressure and heart rate.
If you have any of these conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them:
- Allergy to medications
- Glaucoma condition
- Liver or kidney disease
- A history of mental illness
- Tics or Tourette's syndrome
- Hyperthyroidism
If you are taking any other medications or supplements, tell your doctor about them. Some medications can interact with ADHD medications. After starting medication, see your doctor for regular checkups to check for any side effects.
Ultimately, ADHD medications are generally very safe. The risk of serious problems is very low. For most people, the benefits of treatment far outweigh the small risks.
Take-Home Message
- Research has shown that long-term use of ADHD medications is generally safe.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you or your child may have (especially heart disease, high blood pressure) before starting medication.
- If you notice any unusual side effects (e.g., increased heart rate, extreme irritability, insomnia), notify your doctor immediately.
- Never change the dosage or stop taking medication without your doctor's advice.
- For many, the improvement in quality of life that ADHD treatment provides far outweighs the very small risks of medication.
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