What Are the Dangers of ADHD Medications?

ADHD is a neurobiological disorder according to the organization of Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD). Medications used to treat ADHD are generally stimulants. Not everyone diagnosed with ADHD will take medication, but those who do choose medication should be aware of the possible dangers.

Stimulants

• The main stimulants used to treat ADHD are Ritalin (methylphenidate), Adderall (dextroamphetamine-amphetamine) and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine). The Mayo Clinic website indicates that the mechanism that makes stimulants successful in treating ADHD is still unknown. However, they sometimes dramatically improve the focus of those suffering from ADHD.

Non-Stimulant Medication

• Strattera (atomoxetine) is an alternative medication that is usually given to children who have tried stimulants without success or who suffered serious side effects from the stimulants, according to the Mayo Clinic. As an added effect, atomoxetine can also lower anxiety.

Side Effects

• The Mayo Clinic reports that common side effects of stimulants include reduced appetite, sleep problems and strong withdrawal symptoms. Rare side effects from stimulants consist of tics and slow growth rate. Side effects from atomoxetine are listed as nausea, reduced appetite and sleepiness. Rare side effects from atomoxetine include liver problems and increased rate of suicidal thoughts.

Most Dangerous Side Effects

• Medications taken for ADHD have some very serious and dangerous, albeit rare, side effects. Disturbing heart-related problems have been reported such as heart attack, stroke and sudden death. According to a pamphlet prepared by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and the American Psychiatric Association, the FDA received reports of psychosis, hallucinations and aggression in people taking ADHD medications. An FDA investigation also showed an increased risk for unfounded paranoia, auditory hallucinations and manic mood swings. Non-stimulant atomoxetine has been associated with an increased likelihood of suicidal thoughts and serious liver problems.

Considerations

• ADHD sufferers with other pre-existing mental health conditions or a history of drug abuse should be closely observed when taking ADHD medications since they have been shown to worsen these conditions. Health Canada, which is the Canadian equivalent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), pulled Adderall from the shelves in June 2005n citing its link to sudden death in children taking the recommended doses. In June 2009, the FDA issued a safety communication advising the public of its ongoing review of stimulants for treatment of children with ADHD. The FDA statement informs the public that there may be a link between sudden cardiac death and children taking stimulant medication for ADHD.