In the past, some healthcare providers have been reluctant to use medications such as stimulants to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for fear that the patient would become dependent on the drug. However, these fears are largely unfounded. When taken at proper dosage levels, stimulants rise too slowly in the brain to cause the patient to feel “high.” Nonetheless, the number of people who abuse these drugs and use them illicitly appears to be growing.

Some children who take stimulant medications report feeling slightly “funny” or different when taking the drugs. However, this effect is usually minor. Some children may experience rebounding of their ADHD symptoms, such as irritability when the medication is wearing off. Doses or timing can be adjusted to alleviate this effect.

Recent research also indicates that use of stimulants can suppress a child’s growth, although the average growth suppression found in children taking stimulants for the disorder is minimal.

Other side effects associated with stimulant use include insomnia, loss of appetite, stomachache, dysphoria (condition marked by anxiety, depression and restlessness), lethargy, sedation and/or impaired concentration. In rare cases, stimulant drugs may cause a child to develop a tic. This is typically resolved by changing the child’s dosage level.

Adults who take stimulant drugs may experience mild increases in blood pressure. This can be a significant development for adults who have high blood pressure (hypertension) or liver disease including hepatitis. The risk of abuse is also higher in adults than in children, as adults need to take larger amounts of the drug in order for it to be effective.

Side effects associated with antidepressants taken to treat ADHD may include dry mouth, urinary retention, nausea, weight gain or loss, drowsiness and sexual dysfunction in adults, depending upon which antidepressant is used.

In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised that antidepressants, including those used to treat ADHD, may increase the risk of suicidal thinking in some patients and all people being treated with them should be monitored closely for unusual changes in behavior.

Side effects associated with the alpha-2 adrenergic agonists include sedation, depression, and dry mouth.  An increase in blood pressure (hypertension) may occur after use of these medications is discontinued.