The Negative Effect Of Using Drugs

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is often treated with prescription drugs but… what are the long term effects of taking ADHD medications? Since children who are diagnosed with ADHD may begin taking these medications at a very young age, it is worth considering alternatives once you realize that the long term negative effects may outweigh the positive.

ADHD is a frustrating disorder that can interfere with a child’s ability to function socially and academically. Distractibility, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior often result in lower grades and fewer friendships as well as difficulty getting along with family members. For these reasons, medications are often considered as the best and easiest option, and it is true that for many children, grades and relationships improve as a result of taking prescription drugs. Sometimes it is hard to make an argument against using drugs, but the truth is, there are many short and long term effects of taking ADHD medications. The immediate side effects of the most popular ADHD drugs include headaches, nausea, rashes, loss of appetite and increased blood pressure. While children may adjust to these side effects over time, it is the long term side effects of taking ADHD meds that may be of more concern.

Possible Long Term Side Effects

Unfortunately, there are not enough studies of the side effects of taking ADHD medications, which may cause a false sense of security for those who notice an improvement in ADHD symptoms in the short term as a result of using these drugs. However, there is some evidence that points to the possibility of troubling long term effects of taking ADHD medications. For example, it appears that stimulants such as Ritalin and Aderall, which are used to treat ADHD, may cause a child to grow more slowly than his or her peers. This is usually not noticed until a few years after a child has taken one of these medications regularly. Another possible long term side effect of taking ADHD medications is depression. This may occur because ADHD drugs work on the same brain chemicals that are involved in regulating emotions. There is also a relatively recent finding pointing to the possible risk of future drug addiction in children who take ADHD medications for long periods of time.

The decision to use prescription drugs for the treatment of ADHD is a difficult one to make. Anyone considering the use of traditional medicine must weigh the severity of symptoms with the possibility of short or long term side effects, and there is not necessarily a “right” or “wrong” choice in the matter. However, there are alternatives for people who are concerned about the long term effects of taking ADHD medications. Often, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can be managed with behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes that include a healthy diet, exercise, creative outlets, and good sleep habits.

We think of over the counter medications as things that help us when we are sick. They make it possible for us to do our jobs when we are in the throes of that terrible cold, or bought of seasonal allergies. But ironically many of the helpful medications that help us keep going also produce symptoms that mimic those common seem with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder such as inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity/restlessness.

The chances are you have taken some type of medicine to manage the fever, chills, runny nose, sore throat and other symptoms that are a big part of the flu. You may have even found a way to drag yourself to work and claim you symptoms are just a bad case of ragweed, as your co-workers roll their eyes and run for cover. But you seem to notice that during the work day not only are you feeling lousy but many of your ADHD symptoms such as nervousness, irritability, and just feeling like you are on pins and needles seem to be popping up. You write it off to being sick, but guess what, most flu medications produce at least some ADHD symptoms.

Let’s take it up a notch and say that you took the nighttime formula in a desperate attempt to get some much needed rest. You finally are able to grab a few hours of quality sleep but rather than waking up feeling alert you wake up exhausted and disoriented along with the other symptoms above. Is it the flu causing the ADHD like symptoms or the medications? Sometimes not even your doctor can tell which one it is.

If you are being tested for a diagnosis of attention deficit disorder your doctor will likely suggest you stop taking that over the counter cold or flu medication until he can determine which symptoms are naturally occurring and which are caused by the over the counter medication you are taking.

Let’s look at some more examples

Your eyes are red and your nose is running due to seasonal allergies. You ask a friend brand they prefer when allergies blow in and they suggest the very popular name brands of Zyrtec and Claritin. You have heard these brands advertised and feel good enough about the advice to stop at your local drug store on the way home an pick up some 24 hour allergy relief. What you probably weren’t ready for was the hyperactivity/restlessness, nervousness, sleeplessness, excitability, and diminished coordination that came with that box of 24 hour relief. Wow, talk about getting something extra for your money!

In summary, the list of over the counter medications that can and often do produce primary ADHD symptoms (inattention, restlessness, impulsivity) or a cornucopia of secondary ADHD symptoms is quite long. The best rule of thumb is talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find over the counter solutions free from such ingredients as pseudoephedrine and/or phenylephrine that are known to produce symptoms similar to those seen in ADHD adults.