by Bruce Ziebarth

Created on: March 01, 2009

Every medication has side effects. ADHD medications are no different. ADHD medications have shown to cause problems with children's growth, interactions with other medications, difficulty falling asleep, loss of appetite, and mood disorders. While ADHD medications do have side effects they can be very safe, they should not be taken blindly. I personally take ADHD medication and would like to share with you the thought process and considerations that I have used in my decision.

ADHD medication affects adults and children differently. In children, ADHD medication's side effects include growth problems, weight problems, and mood disorders. If your child is taking stimulant medications, you should have their growth monitored. Any evidence of retarded height or weight gain should be reported to their physician. They may need to stop taking the medication. ] Antidepressants known as tricyclics, which include desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane), or imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), have been prescribed for children who do not respond to stimulants or who have accompanying problems, such as tics, anxiety, or depression. Desipramine appears to have the best results of the tricyclics and may even help control impulsivity.

In adults, up ADHD medication can cause side effects such as mood at disorders, interactions with other medication, loss of appetite, and/or sleep problems. Patients taking ADHD medications must inform their doctor. Doctors must be careful when prescribing other drugs because ADHD medications have been known to cause drug interactions.Antidepressants, either alone or in combination with a psychostimulant, can help reduce mood instability and disturbances. Side effects may include dry mouth, urinary retention, weight gain, drowsiness and sexual dysfunction. The medications charted above include: (1) the stimulants, (2) the non-stimulant Strattera (atomoxetine) with effects similar to stimulants, (3) the antidepressant Wellbutrin (bupropion) and (4) two antihypertensives Catapres (clonidine) and Tenex (guanfacine). Individuals respond in their own unique way to medication depending upon their physical make-up, severity of symptoms. It does not even differentiate between the new medications for ADHD coming out that do not have the same stimulant effect as the older ones. My husband tried stimulant medications and although they started out great he couldn't sleep and was going at about 100 mph. Then he tried to just treat the mood and anxiety with prozac and

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