What Are the Side Effects for Adult Attention-Deficit Disorder Drugs?

Attention deficit disorder (ADD) is also referred to as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) and is more common in children but can persist or develop in adults as well. Fortunately, there are many effective medications to treat ADD in adults, although side effects may occur. According to the Mayo Clinic and the National Resource Center on AD/HD, side effects of ADD drugs include mood changes and insomnia.

Anxiety

• You may experience an increase in feelings of anxiety, nervousness, restlessness or agitation as a result of ADD drugs such as Dexedrine.

Cardiac Effects

• ADD medications such as Strattera may cause cardiac effects in adults such as a faster heartbeat and an increase in blood pressure, which may be dangerous for adults who already have heart disease.

Digestive Problems

• Adults may experience digestive problems such as a loss of appetite, nausea or constipation as a result of ADD medications such as Adderall.

Insomnia

• ADD drugs such as methylphenidate can cause side effects such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep as well as waking up earlier than you wanted to.

Liver Damage

• Although rare, liver damage is a serious side effect of ADD drugs such as Cylert that can result in liver failure, which is a life-threatening emergency.

Withdrawal

• Psychostimulant medications for ADD such as Ritalin can cause symptoms of withdrawal if you stop taking them suddenly without tapering down.