Medication for ADHD is not an exception to the rule that all drugs have potential negative effects. Though the effects of the drug in the short term have been well studied, nothing is known about the long-term effects of the treatment. This is because it is impractical and unethical to conduct a controlled trial for an extended period of time. Therefore, in order to comprehend the long-term negative effects, specialists must rely on observational studies. The findings of these research will never be entirely accurate because they are unable to account for all possible variables. They can nonetheless, however, help patients understand the potential long-term negative effects of some drugs.
Consequences for physical well-being
When a person ceases taking stimulant drugs, the majority of their physical side effects disappear.
The following are a few possible long-term implications on physical health:
Absence of hunger
Reduction in weight
delayed development
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Tics
Consequences for development
Research on the potential effects of ADHD drugs on childhood development is inconclusive.Growth stunting or slowing caused by ADHD drugs is one of the most researched topics. Children's growth can be momentarily slowed by stimulants, but it does not thereafter pick up speed.According to a 2021 systematic review, there was a little overall decline in height and weight in children who used stimulants for an extended period of time.It is crucial to remember that the drugs might not actually stop growth. Rather, as stimulants can reduce an individual's appetite, this effect might be the result of poor nutrition.
Consequences for behavior and mental health
Numerous research have examined the impact of ADHD drugs on mental health, however the findings are frequently conflicting and ambiguous. One of the most extensively studied symptoms is anxiety. Stimulants can make someone feel nervous or jittery because they stimulate the brain and central nervous system. However, other people could come across as less emotional. The drug may have a "blunting" impact on these people that resembles depression. Although the impact of ADHD medication on depression is yet unknown, evidence indicates that it lowers a person's risk of suicide.
Impacts on symptoms of ADHD
Stimulant medicine is a useful tool for managing symptoms of ADHD, despite the possibility of negative effects. It can therefore greatly raise someone's quality of life. Among the possible advantages are: a decreased chance of suicide reducing the frequency of incidents linked to substances encouraging improved academic performance decreasing Reliable Source the probability of auto accidents reducing the rate of criminality There are situations where a patient's symptoms go better even after they cease using the drug. An earlier study that included almost 500 ADHD kids compared the medication-taking group to the non-medication group. For up to three years after stopping treatment, those who took medication reported improved symptoms of ADHD. There were no further benefits after that.
Selecting a course of action
The benefits and drawbacks of medication should be discussed with a doctor by those who have ADHD, their parents, or other caretakers. Some inquiries to make when selecting an ADHD medicine are as follows: Which short- and long-term adverse effects are most frequently experienced?What is the duration of the medication's effect? What are the telltale signals that the drug is functioning effectively? Do we need to be mindful of any possible drug interactions? Exist any strategies to lessen the possible adverse effects? it's critical to understand that there are other therapy options besides drugs. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises against using medication on children ages 4-6 in favor of family and school-based treatments. Additional therapies, such as family and individual counseling, adjustments at work and school, organizational and study skills training, and lifestyle modifications like adhering to a rigid schedule, may be helpful since a combination of treatments is usually the most effective.
Indices to change a prescription
A patient may not always be a good candidate for a given drug. In some situations, a patient may take a medicine for years before discovering that it is no longer effective for them. If someone is taking too many medications, it may be time for them to switch. trying a nonstimulant medication obtaining little to no symptom relief suffering severe side effects that impair their quality of life having major health issues, such high blood pressure.
