Hidden effects of ADHD

Hidden Dangers of ADHD medication Hidden Dangers of ADHD medication Introduction Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a psychiatric illness that affects many children, adolescents, and, in some cases, adults. ADHD is characterized by excessive activity and hyperactivity. The individual in question demonstrates impulsiveness, hyperactivity, and carelessness, among other characteristics. Due to their inability to properly control and organize their emotions, people who have ADHD suffer tremendously due to their condition. As a result, they have a predisposition to get into disagreements with others quickly because they cannot thoroughly digest the information, which leads them to act before fully considering the circumstances. While there are many different prescription treatments for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder today, these drugs have negative effects (Boland et al., 2020). There are several risks associated with ADHD medication. These risks are often unknown to the patient receiving the medicine. Many physicians do not notify their patients about these risks. Innocent kids and adults identified with ADHD start taking drugs without recognizing the short- and long-term risks. Some of the risks may result in long-term health problems. Thus, this paper will look at the hidden dangers of ADHD medication and provide an opinion on the same. Dangers ADHD is treated with stimulant and non-stimulant medications in children and other staff members of various age groups who may be affected by the condition. However, compared to older age groups, the disease is more prevalent among children and adolescents (Taylor, 2019). This is because a child who has been diagnosed with ADHD is still growing up and receiving treatment. The disease gradually stabilizes, and as the child grows older, the condition becomes treatable and may no longer necessitate medication use. There are, however, some risks associated with the long-term use of ADHD medications that should be considered (Boland et al., 2020). The unfortunate reality is that many people are completely unaware of what they should do. Withholding medication is more dangerous for the patient's life because the chemical imbalance in the brain continues to harm the individual. The addictive potential of certain medications is one of the health risks unnoticed. This implies that some drugs contain addictive chemicals that make it difficult for the user to go even a single day without taking the medication prescribed by the doctor (Quinn et al., 2017). If the medication is not taken, the patient will experience weakness, nervousness, discomfort, and fatigue. Because the patient's body is reliant on the medication, this presents a serious hidden health risk. Some people with ADHD are even required to undergo rehabilitation to rid their bodies of the toxins and addictive components accumulated in their chemical systems due to their condition (Quinn et al., 2017). It is not possible to completely discontinue the use of ADHD medications. It can also disrupt an individual’s sleep patterns. This is a source of concern because anyone suffering from a specific disease requires adequate sleep. Getting enough sleep is important for ensuring that the body grows and develops properly, which is especially important for young children (Efron et al., 2022). A patient's physical and psychological health is negatively affected when disrupted sleep. The patient becomes weary and anxious due to the disruption of his sleep. ADHD drugs have various unintended consequences. Doctors often give many drugs to children while they are young, which may be hazardous to their health and development. Ritalin, Adderall, and Concerta are the most often recommended drugs for people with the disease (Efron et al., 2022). Because this is a condition that mostly affects young children, these medications have a compelling character and may impact patients, particularly youngsters. The side effects of ADHD drugs include anxiousness in the patients and loss of appetite, and sleep disruption. They also affect a child's growth (Padilha et al., 2018). Several studies demonstrate that youngsters using ADHD drugs for as little as three years fall behind their peers in height and weight by as much as an inch. As a result, it should be mentioned that the medicine might cause weight loss in youngsters. Children who have been exposed to stimulant medicine may see long-term effects on their brains because the drugs alter the amount of dopamine, a neurotransmitter in the brain. Seizures and irregular heartbeat are two further hidden hazards of ADHD drugs. This is usually induced by atomoxetine (Strattera) and other ADHD medicine that is not a stimulant but is associated with seizures and irregular heartbeats. Irregular heartbeats, most common in young children, may develop chronic illnesses, including heart attacks and high blood pressure (Torres-Acosta et al., 2020). There is evidence that persons who encounter these negative effects stop taking the medication entirely. Overdosing on ADHD meds is also possible. This is because some individuals abuse their medicines in the hospital. Most patients who abuse ADHD drugs have a history of substance addiction, so they should talk to their physicians about preventing overdose (Taylor, 2019). ADHD medication addiction or drug misuse involves crushing the tablets, rendering them less effective on the patients' bodies. Conclusion Even though ADHD is a disorder that needs multiple stimulants to treat symptoms, there are allegations that the pills are harmful to children's health, particularly when used for a long time. Parents and caregivers of children with these disorders may limit some of the medication's risks. Primarily, they must ensure that children take their medications regularly to prevent underdosing, which might worsen their condition. To prevent the hidden hazards of ADHD drugs, it is recommendable that a kid or an adult be diagnosed by a professional with expertise and training in child and adolescent mental health. The parents of children with this illness must also guarantee that the doctor has enough time to thoroughly analyze the proper dosage and closely monitor the kid to ensure that the medications have no negative effects. This is because most pharmaceutical side effects are caused by misdiagnosis and overprescription. Careful diagnosis and therapy might help patients avoid some of the side effects of ADHD drugs. ADHD parents must guard against pharmaceutical misuse. An overdose of these medications might induce pill shattering, reducing their effectiveness.