If your child has ADHD, they may have been prescribed Adderall for treatment. Before you fill this prescription, you should know the side effects of Adderall. While you may still decide to take it, it's best to go into it with open eyes so that you will know what to expect.
First of all, if your child has any sort of heart defect, they should not take this drug. It has been shown to cause death in children or teens who take this drug while they have congenital heart disease or other serious heart problems. Keep in mind that it is an amphetamine and can harm your child if they have high blood pressure or existing bipolar disease.
Other side effects of Adderall include:
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Heartburn
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Weight Loss
- Dry Mouth
- Headaches
The above side effects will usually disappear as the body becomes acclimated to the medicine. However, there are also some less common side effects that one should be on the look out for too, including:
- Euphoria
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Diarrhea, constipation, and other gastrointestinal problems
If your child takes this medicine over a long period of time, stunted growth can take place. Keep a close eye on your child's weight and height development as they are taking this drug and notify your doctor if you notice any negative impact.
Whether you're using this drug for a child or an adult, it's imperative that those with a history personal or a history of family mental disorders, psychotic disorders, depression, or suicide inform their physician of this and consider carefully whether this drug is appropriate for you.
One other issue to consider when contemplating Adderall as a drug treatment is that it is considered addictive because it is made from amphetamine salts. It can cause both a physical and psychological dependence that is difficult to break. Additionally, many report addictive reactions when the medicine is taken by those who do not have ADHD. If you're using the drug, keep a close eye on your dosage to make sure that no one else in the household is abusing your prescription.
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