Risks and Side Effects of Stimulants (Attention Deficit Medications)

While most patients can safely use stimulant medications for attention deficit problems with appropriate follow-up, the following are known risks and side effects associated with these drugs. This list is not exhaustive but provides an overview of cautions to consider when consenting to treatment.

1. Heart and Circulation Problems: These medications can cause rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure (sometimes severe), heart attack, long-term heart damage, stroke, and sudden death. The more severe consequences are most likely when the medications are not used as directed. Close monitoring is necessary, especially when starting these medications.

2. Seizures: Convulsions may occur while using these medications.

3. Behavioral Changes: These medications may lead to anxiety, agitation, mood swings, aggressive behavior, mania, or psychotic behavior, especially if not used as directed.

4. Depression: Depression may occur, particularly with misuse and abrupt withdrawal. Notify your doctor if you begin feeling depressed, very sad, hopeless, or suicidal.

5. Tourette Syndrome: A disorder characterized by tics (involuntary movements or vocalizations) that may develop or worsen while on these medications.

6. Allergic Reactions: Like any medication, stimulants can cause allergic reactions, typically within the first few days of use, but sometimes later. Rarely, these medications may lead to life-threatening rashes. Contact your doctor if you experience a rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

7. Growth Suppression/Weight Loss: Some children on these medications may experience a slowing in their growth rate; however, it is believed that most will reach their full height eventually. Weight loss can also occur.

8. Gastrointestinal Effects: Patients may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, abdominal pain, heartburn, and decreased appetite while on these medications.

9. Insomnia: Difficulty sleeping may occur while using these medications.

10. Dependence: Prolonged use may lead to withdrawal symptoms if the medications are abruptly stopped. Symptoms can include many of the behavioral side effects mentioned above, with depression potentially being severe. This issue is more common following misuse or excessive use.

11. Drug Interactions: Avoid alcohol and street drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, speed, or ecstasy, as these can lead to fatal reactions. Additionally, notify your healthcare provider of any new medications prescribed by other healthcare providers.

Risks and Side Effects of Sedative/Tranquilizer Medications

The following are known risks and side effects of sedative/tranquilizer medications. This list is not exhaustive but provides an overview of cautions to consider when consenting to treatment with such drugs.

1. Nausea, Vomiting, and Diarrhea: These effects are generally mild and may improve after the first few days of use.

2. Constipation: This is usually mild and manageable with increased fiber and fluid intake. Notify your doctor if you haven’t had a bowel movement in at least four days.

3. Sedation and Confusion: Patients may experience slowed reflexes, difficulty thinking, an increased risk of falls, fainting, memory problems, and trouble staying awake. These symptoms often improve as the patient adjusts to the medication. Patients should refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in dangerous activities for at least the first week of treatment
or after any change in dosage or medication. Caution is advised even after this period.

4. Agitation and Manic Behavior: Some patients may develop agitation or manic episodes while on these medications.

5. Seizures: Convulsions may also occur with sedative medications.

6. Allergic Reactions: Similar to stimulants, sedative medications can cause allergic reactions, usually within the first days of use but sometimes later. Notify your doctor if you experience a rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

7. Headaches: Patients may experience headaches or worsening of pre-existing headaches while on these medications.

8. Dependence: Prolonged use may lead to withdrawal symptoms if the medications are abruptly discontinued. Symptoms can include rapid heart rate, irritability, anxiety, agitation, confusion, memory problems, hallucinations, psychosis, seizures, insomnia, tremors, muscle twitching, cramps, stomach discomfort, and sweating. Some withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening,
so it’s important to monitor your medication supply to avoid running out abruptly.

9. Addiction: A craving or psychological desire for these medications may develop with prolonged use.

**Note: Always consult your healthcare provider with any concerns about medication use, side effects, or potential interactions with other drugs.

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