Potential Adderall Side Effects on Your ADHD Child
Adderall is one of the most common medications used for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. It was originally manufactured for diet control and weight loss some twenty years ago. It was not until 1996 that this drug was approved by the FDA for unrestricted use for addressing or treating the problem on ADHD. Since then, Adderall had become one of the favorites of doctors among medications used in treating ADHD. The lack of adverse long term effects of Adderall made it one of the best ADHD drugs in the market. However, like any other medications, Adderall side effects were also observed in patients, and some are very worrying.
Some of the many common side effects of Adderall are: problems sleeping, upset stomach, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, restlessness, headache, reduced appetite, nausea and vomiting, weight loss, and unpleasant taste the mouth. These are usually only mild side effects that can beset an ADHD patient taking Adderall. However, on some patients, the side effects of Adderall can be severe.
More severe side effects of Adderall include but are not limited to: blurred vision, tightness of the chest, suppression of growth in children and teenagers, seizures, fever, severe dizziness, irregular heartbeat, tingling in the extremities, severe allergic reactions which may include difficulty breathing, itching, rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or tongue, chest pain, depression, one-sided weakness, significant ongoing stomach pain, frequent and/or painful urination, significant weight loss, fainting, vomiting, changes in speech and vision, uncontrolled muscle movement, mood changes, severe headache, alteration to libido or impotence for adults, and addiction.
It is important to seek medical attention right away if any of the symptoms is felt. Like any other ADHD medications, not all patients who are taking Adderall experience any side effects while taking the drug. There are patients who tolerate this medication very well.
It is always important to follow the doctor’s advice on the right dosage and time of taking the drug when taking any kind of medication for ADHD. Doing so can help reduce the adverse effects of Adderall. Parents should also keep close monitoring of their child’s behavior while their child is under this medication. This will help them determine if there is any change in the child’s behavior upon intake of the drug.
Because of the many side effects of drugs for ADHD, many alternative treatments have been used in lieu of these drugs. Clinical studies have shown that ADHD patients respond well to alternative treatments after prolonged usage. Some of the known alternative treatments for ADHD are homeopathic remedies, herbal remedies, counseling, biofeedback, auditory stimulation, and therapy. Before taking any of these alternative treatments, though, you still need to consult the doctor. The doctor is the best person who can pinpoint the right treatment for your child.
Jennifer Kaplan has always been enthusiastic in finding information about the various ways to treat Attention Deficit Disorder. Her latest fact finding mission has been on Adderall side effects and indeed the general long term effects of Adderall, as well as some very real alternatives for some patients who do respond to less conventional ADHD treatment regimes.