Many individuals take stimulants with few side effects. Others experience mild problems, and a small percentage are unable to tolerate stimulants. Most side effects are mild and tend to diminish after a few weeks. Often, annoying side effects can be treated so the individual can continue to take the stimulant. The following is a list potential side effects.
Reduced appetite
Rebound
Headache
Jittery feeling
Gastrointestinal upset
Sleep difficulty
Irritability
Depression
Anxiety
Blood glucose changes
Increased blood pressure
Psychosis or paranoia
Tics and stereotyped movements
Non-stimulant medication
Doctors may prescribe this non-stimulant for certain individuals who, for whatever reason, are better suited for non-stimulant therapy. It is unrelated to the other two types of medications availble for treatment of ADHD.
Atomoxetine HCl (Strattera) may be used to treat ADHD in adults and children over six year old.. Strattera is a non-stimulant that increases levels of the neurotransmitter norepinephrine. It is available in oral capsule form in several dosage strengths. Strattera is usually taken once or twice a day, with or without food.*You should stop taking Strattera and call your health care provider immediately if you get swelling or hives. The most common side effects of Strattera are:
Upset stomach
Decreased appetite
Nausea or vomiting
Dizziness
Fatigue
Mood swings
Constipation
Dry mouth
Nausea
Decreased appetite
Dizziness
Problems sleeping
Sexual side effects
Problems urinating
Menstrual cramps
*Note -- Strattera can cause a serious allergic reaction in rare cases