What are some of the side effects, other than increased ability to concentrate while using stimulant medications for ADHD, such as Ritalin or Adderall?
ADHD may present differently in Females/girls who may be more withdrawn and quiet whereas Men/boys tend towards Hyperactivity.
FMRI, functional magnetic resonance imaging, has revealed major difference in various parts of the brain of those with and without ADHD. Unfortunately, the brain scans have not helped physicians decide which medication would be most effective for which patient. Therefore, the art of medicine where the physician tries one medication and increases it to the maximal dosage prior to trying another medication.
Most individuals state that they never imagined that the world would be so different on meds and that they could accomplish more than they had prior to using medications.
The most frequent side effects might be difficulty falling asleep, which might require taking the medication sooner in the day or a shorter acting medication rather than extended release medications.
The second most common effect is decrease in appetite and loss of weight, which can be managed by decreasing the dosage or changing medications.
A small percentage of individuals might find themselves becoming more aggressive or argumentative, which might require change or decrease of medications.
There are, of course, other side effects but they are usually easily manageable such as headaches or increased blood pressure
If one has ADHD the benefits of medications will far outweigh the negative side effects.
Please talk to your physician prior to starting medications or stopping them.
Thank you for your question
Dr. Madhup Joshi