ADHD and Stimulant Medication Side Effects: Are They Worth It?

ADHD drugs are commonly stimulants prescribed to help individuals manage the symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. These medications have been shown to be effective in improving concentration, reducing impulsivity, and increasing productivity. However, like any medication, ADHD drugs can carry potential side effects that should be taken into consideration when deciding whether or not to start treatment.

One of the most common side effects of ADHD drugs is insomnia. Stimulant medications used to treat ADHD can make it difficult for individuals to fall asleep at night, which can lead to daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Additionally, some people may experience decreased appetite as a result of taking these medications. While this may seem like a positive side effect for those struggling with weight management, it can also lead to malnourishment if not managed properly.  

Another potential side effect of ADHD medication is increased heart rate and blood pressure. Consequently, after prolonged use, the drugs can cause palpitations and hypertension.  

ADHD is commonly perceived to be a childhood disease which someone ‘grows out of’ as they reach puberty or adulthood. In reality it is a life-long mental condition for which there is no cure, but the symptoms can be relieved with medication, preferably in conjunction with specialist ADHD coaching. The reason people who have ADHD appear to grow out of it, or the symptoms seem to wear off with age is that any of us gets less boisterous as we get older, and the person who has ADHD learns to mask their condition. They learn coping strategies and adapt to how they are expected to behave, even though ‘acceptable’ behaviour, concentration and conforming to norms are incredibly difficult compared to their neurotypical peers.  

Many people are concerned about using ADHD medication because the idea of giving their children stimulants is on the surface a bad idea. Nobody want’s their kid to be ‘drugged up’ or high, and many parents are concerned that their child won’t be ‘themselves’ if they are given a drug based treatment or therapy. But weigh up the advantages: while stimulants do increase heat rate, they have the paradoxical effect of calming the ADHD symptoms. Mental focus is more easily achieved, meaning children are able to concentrate in school, they don’t feel the need to run around or disrupt the class. And a better pupil is better liked by their teachers and peers, meaning that they are happier and less stressed, anxious and less likely to get frustrated, meaning fewer outbursts of anger or despair.  

Stimulants do have an effect on appetite too. Over the years they have been used for many things, including weight loss treatment. So if you’re going to give stimulants to your child it will be sensible to plan ahead so that they are receiving the nutrition their growing body requires.  

At breakfast time try to give them food before, or as soon after taking the pill as possible. The old adage has it that ‘breakfast is the most important meal of the day’ and because the morning is the time of day that they’ve been longest without medication, breakfast is the meal most likely to be accompanied with a natural appetite.  

Lunchtime is the time when it would be great to have a healthy meal, but with the need for medication at its highest at the middle of a busy day, that’s when appetite is most likely to be at its lowest. Simply thinking about food can cause nausea, but you child’s thirst will likely be unaffected, so liquid food replacements or supplements might be the way to go if they can’t eat during the day.

Dinner time can be tricky. If they haven’t eaten since breakfast it is natural to try to encourage your child to eat a proper dinner. However, they’ve spent a whole day taking a drug which is used to help with weight loss, so it can hardly be surprising if they don’t feel peckish! If this is the case, don’t make it a big deal. Forcing children to eat when they are not hungry is an incredibly common cause of stress and dispute within the family and can have long-term repercussions in terms of the child’s relationship with food, overeating and comfort eating.  

If you or your child experience insomnia thanks to the stimulants you or they are taking you have choices. Insomnia isn’t a side effect which affects everyone who takes medication, indeed many people find that the drugs help ‘turn off’ the internal monolog and racing thought which prevent sleep. If you find that your medication is keeping you awake you can ask your doctor to change your prescription. Surprisingly a lot of people have found that a change in the medication they are using can have a profound effect of the quality of sleep they get. (Plea bear in mind it is important to consult with your doctor before changing medication or adjusting the dose you give yourself, although they should be open to your concerns and willing to help find the best regimen for you.)  

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