The side effects of prescription drugs used to treat ADHD should be carefully considered beginning treatment, particularly when treating small children. The impact of these medications can end up being worse than the hyperactivity in some cases. It is impossible to predict how severe the effects will be, but the higher the dosage, the more likely your child is to suffer ill effects.

Some of the more common side effects of ADHD medicine include stomach pain, insomnia, loss of appetite, anxiety and irritability.

Long Term impact of ADHD drugs

Because of the side effects of medications, taking stimulant drugs for longer periods of time can end up having long term effects on the body. Lack of appetite can be a particularly difficult problem since many children with ADHD suffer from nutritional deficiencies and need to eat properly in order to improve.

Most children who use stimulant medication for ADHD experience a greatly decreased appetite and frequently lose an unhealthy amount of weight. Many will need to be put on supplements for weight gain and some end up in the hospital due to extreme weight loss.

Lack of sleep caused by these drugs can also exacerbate hyperactive behavior. The insomnia may be eliminated by reducing the amount of medication that the child is taking or discontinuing the medication altogether. It's important to follow a doctor's advice when stopping medication, however, as withdrawal symptoms can also be unpleasant.

It is not unheard of for doctors to have to prescribe sleeping pills for children to counter the sleep deprivation brought on by ADHD medication.

Other side effects include the fact that ADHD meds can be addictive, causing children to continue their use long after they need to. Three quarters of children with ADHD continue using the same medications as teens and half of them will still use them in adulthood.

In some cases, it's possible to simply reduce the dosage and eliminate the problem while effectively treating the ADHD. Some children are not able to tolerate stimulants and will require a different type of medication, such as an antidepressant. Parents may also opt for natural treatments instead of medications.

Alternatives to ADHD Medication

Medications can alter the way the nervous system works, but it cannot cure ADHD. It is merely an aid that helps the child live a more normal life and helps with dealing with the hyperactivity. Considering these side effects of adhd medicine, it may be wise to consider natural treatments for adhd.

Parenting techniques have a big effect on children, so altering your method of parenting could help. Counseling and therapy have also proven effective in many cases. A counselor may be able to help your child find a way to deal with distractions in a manner that works for him.

Adjusting the diet or using nutritional supplements can also eliminate the need for ADHD medication. Side effects from supplements are virtually non-existent and this makes them a far better choice for many children. Herbs can calm a child and improve brain activity, without experiencing any of the typical ADHD medication side effects.

You may also be interested in:
Information on Ativan
Treating ADHD in adults