ADHD Psychiatrist San Antonio

What Happens If You Take ADHD Medication and You Don't Have ADHD?

If you are prescribed ADHD medication but don't have the disorder, what happens? If you take the medication but don't show any signs of ADHD, you may be taking it for another reason. Fortunately, many medications for ADHD only last a few hours in the body, so any side effects are temporary. The health care team will let you know exactly what you can expect and what you should do if you experience any side effects.

Before taking any medication for ADHD, it's important to educate yourself about the medication. Read up on its side effects, how often to take it, and any substances to avoid while taking it. It may take several weeks or months to find the correct dosage and side effects. The care team will want to see you every three to six months. In the meantime, you should monitor your progress closely and report any side effects to your doctor.

If you are taking an ADHD medication for more than three months, you may need to taper it gradually. Some nonstimulant drugs, such as Adderall, are very powerful and can cause severe side effects when you stop taking them. Nonstimulant medicines can have a longer half-life and can take weeks to kick in. Nonstimulants like atomoxetine (Strattera), for example, can cause a dangerous spike in blood pressure when you stop taking them. Additionally, they may cause sleep disturbances, fatigue, and ravenous hunger.

For children, however, there are also benefits to taking stimulant drugs, especially during the end of school terms. For example, children may take Adderall and be able to complete brief homework without the need for ADHD medication. However, once they enter middle school, they may require ADHD medication to cope with increased homework, such as math and English assignments. Adults with ADHD may also take ADHD medications to manage increased paperwork.

The American Psychiatric Association reports that 5 percent of children are diagnosed with ADHD. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that the percentage is much higher. It is unclear what happens if you take ADHD medication and you don't have ADHD. The good news is that ADHD medication can improve many areas of life, including attention span, impulse control, and memory.

Adderall, an amphetamine, works by balancing the attention deficits of ADHD patients. For people who do not have ADHD, however, there are no attention deficits. The brains of ADHD patients are usually overloaded with dopamine, which interferes with the brain's communication. It also has a calming effect. So, if you take Adderall and you don't have ADHD, don't get fooled.

Non-stimulant medications are often prescribed when the other treatments haven't worked or caused side effects. Examples of such medications are atomoxetine and guanfacine. They boost norepinephrine levels. Unlike stimulants, however, they are not controlled substances. They can also have negative side effects, including a change in personality.

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