If you are an adult taking medication for ADHD ( Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), you probably know how much this medication can help you in your life. This medication helps you to focus on one thing and to control your work. However, with these benefits, sometimes minor side effects can also come. Don't worry, most of the time these are normal and go away within a few weeks or months of starting the medication. But this doesn't happen to everyone. Let's see what these side effects are and how to deal with them.
Common side effects of ADHD medications
There are two main types of medications used to treat ADHD: stimulants and non-stimulants. Both types have some common side effects. Most of these are not serious.
| Side Effect | Simply put... |
|---|---|
| Dizziness | Dizziness , a feeling of spinning. |
| Dry Mouth | It feels like saliva is stuck in the mouth. |
| Headaches | Headache. |
| Loss of Appetite | Decreased feeling of hunger. |
| Mood swings (Moodiness) | Suddenly getting angry, feeling sad. |
| Tics | Small movements or sounds that occur without their control. |
| Trouble Sleeping | Difficulty falling asleep at night. |
What is 'Concerta Crash'?
Concerta is a brand name for a medication for ADHD. It contains the active ingredient `(Methylphenidate)`. The specialty of this medication is that it only needs to be taken once a day, and it is released into the body over about 12 hours. So you don't need to take the medication again and again during the day.
But some people's bodies break down the medication faster than expected. When that happens, your ADHD symptoms may come back when the medication wears off. Sometimes, they may be worse than when you weren't taking the medication. This is what we call a 'Concerta Crash' or ' medication rebound .'
Simply put, this is the discomfort you feel when the potency of the medicine suddenly decreases.
During this 'crash' you may feel things like:
Why is this happening?
Think about it, our brains have a chemical messenger called `(Dopamine)`. This helps us stay focused and happy. Medications like Concerta work by keeping this `(Dopamine)` in the brain for longer. So when the medication wears off, it feels like the `(Dopamine)` level suddenly drops. That's when the ADHD symptoms come back. This 'crash' can usually last about an hour. If you've had this experience, it's time for your doctor to reconsider the dosage or type of medication you're taking.
Simple tips to reduce side effects
You don't have to worry about taking medication because of these side effects. Try these simple things and you will feel a big difference.
| Side effect | Things you can do |
|---|---|
| Dizziness | It could be a sign of an overdose. Talk to your doctor immediately. He or she will also check your blood pressure. |
| Dry mouth | Drink plenty of water. Make it a habit to sip water throughout the day. You can also use an unsweetened lozenge. |
| Headache | It can occur when you take medicine on an empty stomach, or when you are dehydrated. Ask your doctor if this can be fixed by changing the time you take the medicine. |
| Appetite | Don't forget to eat. If you do, your blood sugar may drop (`low blood sugar`) and you may lose focus. Instead of 3 large meals , eat several small meals a day. You will feel hungry at night when the medicine wears off, so eat well at that time. |
| Mood swings | Some people experience some irritability and restlessness due to medication. Most of the time, this will subside over time. But if this is a problem for you, talk to your doctor about changing the dosage or switching to a different medication. |
| Nausea | Take the medicine with food. If you don't eat breakfast, try eating something small (a banana, yogurt) before taking the medicine. |
| Tics | These are not new things that are caused by ADHD medication. But sometimes things that were there in childhood can reappear. These usually go away with time. If they don't go away, tell your doctor. |
| Insomnia | Take your medication in the morning as much as possible. Then, by nightfall, its effects will wear off. If you are taking a long-acting medication, ask your doctor if you can switch to a short-acting one. Limit things like coffee and tea. Turn off the TV, computer, and phone an hour before bed and clear your mind. |
A few other important points
It's not easy to tell which medicine is right for you. One medicine works well for some people, and another for others. It takes a while to find the right medicine, and that's normal.
If you have high blood pressure , heart disease, other mental health problems, or a history of drug addiction , you should definitely tell your doctor about it, as these medications can cause problems with those conditions.
Sometimes doctors may prescribe medications that are not FDA-approved for ADHD. This is called 'off-label' use. The side effects and benefits of such medications may vary, so be sure to discuss this with your doctor.
Many people think that these minor side effects are tolerable compared to the benefits of ADHD medication. However, if these side effects are severe or interfere with your daily life, don't ignore them. Talk to your doctor to find the best solution for you.
Take-Home Message
- Side effects of ADHD medications are common, and they often subside over time.
- If side effects are severe or interfering with your life, never ignore them.
- Talk openly with your doctor about any discomfort you are experiencing. These may be resolved by changing the dosage of your medication or switching to a different medication.
- Never stop taking your medication or change the dosage without your doctor's advice.
- Many side effects can be controlled with simple lifestyle changes (diet, hydration, sleep).
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