Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine. Amphetamine-dextroamphetamine (Adderall) and dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat) work by blocking the reabsorption of the brain chemicals dopamine and norepinephrine. Side effects can include stomach problems and mood changes, including sadness, anxiety, and irritability.
In 2006, the manufacturer of Dexedrine updated its prescription label. In addition to strengthening the warning that Dexedrine may be fatal for children and adolescents with heart problems, the updated label also warns that stimulant drugs:
- May worsen behavior and thought disturbance in patients with a pre-existing psychotic disorder.
- May cause a mixed or manic episode in patients who have both ADHD and bipolar disorder.
- May be associated with increased aggressive behavior or hostility. Patients beginning stimulant drug treatment should be monitored for worsening of these behaviors.
- May cause slowing of growth in children. Children who take stimulant drugs should have their growth monitored. If they do not gain height or weight at a normal rate, they may need to stop taking the drug.
Side Effects. All stimulants have a number of side effects:
- The most common side effects of any stimulant are nervousness and sleeplessness, although some parents have reported improved sleep patterns in their children after taking stimulants.
- These drugs may interfere with height and weight gain.
- Tics or jerky, disordered movements occur in about 9% of children.
- Other side effects include irritability, withdrawal, stomach pain, headache, depression, hallucinations, hair loss, and lack of spontaneity.
Symptoms of Overdose. Symptoms of overdose include changes in heart rhythm and rate, hypertension, confusion, breathing difficulties, sweating, vomiting, and muscle twitches. If they occur, parents should call the doctor immediately. Even among young people who abuse Ritalin, however, less than 1% experience severe side effects (rapid heart rate, hypertension), and outcomes are generally good. Side effects may be very severe, however, if Ritalin is overused and taken with other drugs. A 2006 study reported that over 3,000 people are treated in hospital emergency rooms due to side effects from ADHD drugs. Sixty-one percent of these visits involved accidental ingestion or overdose.
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