ADHD Medication Guide

In general, side effects of the stimulants most commonly found in ADHD drugs can include a decreased appetite, headaches, stomachaches, trouble getting to sleep, jitteriness, and social withdrawal. Other side effects which may be an early indicator that the dosage is too high (or that the individual is overly-sensitive to the medicine) include becoming overly focused or even appearing to be more dull/sedative than usual.

Talk with your doctor if you notice or feel any of these symptoms while taking the drug. Sometimes all that is necessary is a change in the dosage to correct the problem, other times it might mean a change in medicine. The two most common stimulants used in ADHD treatments are various versions of methylphenidate or amphetamine salts. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, at least 80% of children who take ADHD drugs will respond to one of the two stimulants. There are also non-stimulant based treatments for ADHD which include medicine like Strattera. This drug tends to be most beneficial in children or adults who also experience anxiety as one of their symptoms. 

• Adderall (amphetamine)
  
• Adderall XR (amphetamine) - extended release
  
• Concerta (methylphenidate) - long acting
  
• Daytrana (methylphenidate patch)
  
• Desoxyn (methamphetamine hydrochloride)
  
• Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
  
• Dextrostat (dextroamphetamine)
  
• Focalin (dexmethylphenidate)
  
• Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate) - extended release
  
• Ritalin (methylphenidate)
  
• Ritalin SR (methylphenidate) - extended release
  
• Ritalin LA (methylphenidate) - long acting
  
• Strattera (atomoxetine)
  
• Vyvanse (lisdex amfetamine dimesylate)
  

ADHD medication may help improve the ability to concentrate, control impulses, plan ahead, and follow through with tasks. Prescription drugs of any kind will not act as some sort of end-all treatment for those who take them. Even when the medication is working, children with ADD / ADHD might still struggle with forgetfulness, emotional problems, and social awkwardness. As they grow older into adulthood, that might also include continued problems with disorganization, distractibility as well as relationship difficulties.

It's extremely important that you understand that no drug can cure ADD or ADHD. These medications act as a way to help treat some of the symptoms, not cure them. They might be able to help some of the symptoms while being taken however once an individual stops taking the drug they will most likely see their initial symptoms return.  Everyone reacts differently to different substances so in some cases you may not even see a difference whereas in other cases it may greatly affect you.

Here are some tips to help reduce some of the common side effects experienced while taking ADHD drugs, especially in the first two weeks while your body adapts to the medication.

Headaches

• Take the ADHD medicine with food - When taken on an empty stomach, the drug will usually be absorbed more quickly, sometimes causing headaches.
• Take longer-acting medication instead of multiple shorter doses. Sometimes headaches can be caused by ADHD drugs wearing off to quickly, we recommend if this is the case to look into switching to one of the time-released versions (available with most of the medications).

Stomach and Appetite Problems

• Eat later in the evening - you may need to push back your normal dinner-time so that the medication has had a chance to wear off.
• Always take the medication with food - It has been proven that taking ADHD medicine during or after a full meal helps prevent the risk of having an upset stomach.

Difficulty Sleeping

• Take (or give) the dosage earlier in the day
• Establish daily routines - Take (or give) the medication at the same time each day, this will help your body learn to adapt to when the medicine wears off.
• Avoid sleep medications - Over time prescription sleep aids will wear off, either leaving you still sleepy during the day or resulting in waking up in the middle of the night. A lot of prescription sleep aids also have the potential to become habit-forming.
• Stay away from caffeinated beverages  - Refrain from drinking any caffeinated beverages after lunch-time.