Does ADHD medication make you emotional?

But there is a small subset of kids with ADHD who seem to get moody and irritable when they take stimulant medications, even if we have the best possible dose. It usually happens right away, as soon as they start taking the medication, and goes away immediately when they stop taking it.

Can Ritalin cause personality changes?

Due to Ritalin’s stimulant effects, when the abuse first begins and is being taken recreationally, the person may show personality changes like higher self-confidence, more talkative, and much more emotional. The changes are much more noticeable when the person was the complete opposite before taking the drug.

Do ADHD medications change or suppress a child’s personality?

ADHD medications should not change a child’s personality. If a child taking a stimulant seems sedated or zombie-like, or tearful and irritable, it usually means that the dose is too high and the clinician needs to adjust the prescription to find the right dose.

How will Ritalin affect my child?

Their analysis found that methylphenidate did improve children’s performance in the classroom. In other words, teachers reported fewer symptoms of ADHD and better general behavior when kids with ADHD were taking the medication.

Is Ritalin safe for my child?

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until age 6 to start ADHD medications, and the FDA hasn’t approved Ritalin for children younger than that. For stimulants, the most common reactions include: Low or no appetite.

Does Ritalin cause irritability?

The team found that only amphetamine-derived medications were associated with an increase in irritability. Methylphenidates were not. Although the two drugs have similar effects in reducing ADHD symptoms, their mechanism is slightly different.

Is Ritalin bad for my child?

On the other hand, there was some evidence that methylphenidate comes with the risk of side effects, including sleep problems and decreased appetite. These side effects are considered “non-serious adverse effects.” However, if you’re a parent of a child who isn’t sleeping or eating, these may seem quite serious.

Can Ritalin cause depression in kids?

Dec. 8, 2003 — Ritalin use in preteen children may lead to depression later in life, studies of rats suggest.

Can Ritalin cause bad behavior?

While aggression is not a particularly common symptom of methylphenidate use, there is no doubt that this particular medication can cause aggression. If you or someone you love has been abusing Ritalin or any other prescription stimulant, however, aggression will be a much more common side effect.