How to Reduce the Side Effects of ADHD Medication

A child starting ADHD drugs or already taking ADHD medications may experience side-effects. Here's how to reduce the side effects of ADHD medications.

There are many things you can do to reduce the side effects of ADHD medications.

Stomach upsets, weight loss, insomnia are all common side effects of ADHD medications. Often they are mild and most times, they only last a few weeks. But for many kids, side-effects can be a constant problem.

To maximize the effectiveness of medication for ADD/ADHD and to minimize the side effects and risks, it's important to take the drug as directed. Here are some additional guidelines for safe use:

1. Learn about the medications and side-effects.
2. Finding the right medication and dosage is a trial and error process that requires patience and working with your doctor.
3. Start with a low dose and work up.
4. Monitor your side-effects and work with your doctor in reducing them.
5. Do NOT suddenly quit taking your ADHD medications and do not stop without your doctor's permission. If you quit cold turkey, you may experience withdrawl symptoms. Your doctor will taper you off the medication.

At WebMD, Steven Parker, MD, director of behavioral and developmental pediatrics at Boston Medical Center and Richard Sogn, MD, a clinical specialist in ADD/ADHD offer their advice on dealing with common problems.

Parker says most kids benefit from ADHD medications, but the downside is all of the ADHD medications have potential side-effects. Sometimes you have to decide whether to switch medications (if the side-effects are unacceptable) or just tough it out.

Here are some tips from Parker and Sogn.

Stomach and Appetite Troubles

Upset stomach usually disappears in the first few weeks after starting medication. However, many children continue to have appetite problems.

• Give ADHD medication with food. Taking after a meal reduces risk of stomach upset.
• Encourage healthy snacking. High-protein and energy bars, protein shakes, and liquid meals such as Carnation Instant-Breakfast and Ensure are good options.
• Change dinnertime. Eat later in the evening, when your child's medication has worn off.

Headaches

Headaches are also related to taking ADHD medication on an empty stomach.

• Give ADHD medication with food. Without food, ADHD medication gets absorbed more quickly, which causes blood levels of the medication to rise quickly. This can trigger a headache.
• Consider long-acting medication. Headache can also be a rebound effect when medication is wearing off quickly, and is more common with short-acting medications. It may be necessary to switch to a longer-acting version of the drug or try a different ADHD medication altogether.

Difficulty Sleeping

ADHD children have naturally high energy levels, so sleep problems are not uncommon. For some, when the ADHD medication wears off, they have trouble sleeping. And don't forget, stimulants act similarly to caffeine. They can keep you awake.

To offset sleep problems, it helps to develop a bedtime ritual for the child. This routine will help the child calm down at bedtime and get the sleep they need. Also try:

• Administer the stimulant earlier in the day.
• Change to a short-acting form of the stimulant.
• Don't allow your child to drink caffeinated beverages- especially in the afternoon or evening.
• Consistency and routines are important. Teach your child to relax at bedtime. Establish a regular wake and sleep time and don't encourage middle-of-the-night visits to parents for snacks or attention.
• Avoid sleep medications. Medications stop working over time, and may affect daytime alertness. They may also wear off during the night, and cause night waking. Some medications may cause nightmares or other types of sleep problems. If medications are absolutely necessary, talk to your child's doctor about safe and effective treatments.
• Consider medical problems. Allergies, asthma, or conditions that cause pain can disrupt sleep. If your child snores loudly and/or pauses in breathing, medical evaluation is necessary. Consult your physician for help with the possible medical causes of sleep problems.