What Are the Dangers of ADHD Drugs?
Treatment for ADHD can truly help children and adults alike, but there are some serious side effects that come with ADHD medications. Some of the common ADHD drugs are Adderall, Ritalin, Stratterra, Wellbutrin, and Dexedrine. Each comes with it's own side effects that range from minor annoyances to serious health issues. Before deciding to take any medication weigh the severity of the disorder with the side effects involved, and speak with a health care provider.
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Adderall
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The use of Adderall as prescribed will only cause mild side effects in most cases. However the drug is often abused. This comes with risks of long-term cardiovascular side effects. The increased heart rate can cause arrhythmia, also known as an erratic heart beat. Another dangerous potential side effect, as with all amphetamines, is amphetamine psychosis. This includes hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. In severe cases, it can cause strokes, elevated blood pressure, depression, loss of motor control and gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea or constipation. Small doses can cause headaches, insomnia, and the jitters.
Ritalin
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Ritalin is often prescribed for children. It is semi-mild in terms of potential health risks. The most common side effects for Ritalin are Insomnia, nervousness, headache, stomach pain, and weight loss. Other less common effects include hair loss, depression, and increased heart rate. Ritalin can be habit forming and one can overdose if it's overused.
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Strattera
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Strattera is approved for use by children, teenagers, and adults. The side effects are typically mild and include dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. In about 2-9% of cases Strattera causes sexual side effects such as impotence and decreased sex drive.
Focalin
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Focalin is another example of a drug that is regularly abused. When used as prescribed the most common side effects are nausea, abdominal pain, loss of apetite, and fever. If abused it has dangers similar to Adderall. One should not take Focalin if they have any heart problems, high blood pressure or epilepsy.
Concerta
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Concerta is an extended release drug so it need not be taken more than once a day. It is a stimulant so it's most common side effects are similar to other stimulants such as weight loss, nausea, and head aches. It can also cause involuntary movements in less than 9% of people who take it. Like Strattera it also been known to cause sexual side effects.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Beatrice Murch
