What Are the Long Term Effects of Taking ADHD Medications?
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.