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Adderall is one of the most frequently used medications for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It is also used as a treatment for narcolepsy.
Adderall is generally regarded as an effective treatment option. However, not everyone reacts to Adderall the same. Some individuals are more sensitive to side effects than others. As with any other medication, there are possible side effects and risks associated with Adderall.
So, can Adderall cause mood swings in children? When should you see a doctor about mood changes and other possible side effects of Adderall?
In this article, we'll discuss whether Adderall can lead to mood swings in kids, as well as other causes of mood swings and how to navigate them. Then, we'll go over when to talk with your child's doctor and how Joon can help kids with ADHD and their families.
Can Adderall Cause Mood Swings in Children?
Prescription stimulants are effective for 70-80% of kids with ADHD and are generally regarded as safe. Clinicians who prescribe Adderall do so when the benefit outweighs the risk. However, everyone reacts to medication differently, and no medications are without the potential for side effects.
A portion of children who take Adderall experience mood swings as a side effect. In some kids, this may be due to withdrawal symptoms, in which case, a doctor may change their dosage or medication routine. Other children may need to switch to a new drug altogether.
How do you know if taking Adderall is the cause of mood swings for your child? If the mood swings began only when your child started taking Adderall or dissipate when they do not take the medication (e.g., during drug holidays), Adderall might be the cause.
Changes in mood are just one possible risk of stimulant medications.
Risks Of Stimulant Medication
Outside of common side effects linked to stimulant medications like Adderall, there is a range of potentially serious long-term effects and risks to look out for. Though many of the more severe side effects and risks of stimulants are rare, it is critically important to be informed about the effects any treatment can have on the mind or body.
Possible risks of stimulants include but aren't limited to:
Cardiovascular problems
Those who take Adderall are at an increased risk for high blood pressure and cardiovascular events. Risks such as high blood pressure and heart attack are more significant in those who experience serotonin syndrome, use illicit drugs alongside Adderall, or take Adderall at high doses.
Medication interactions
Adderall can cause negative interactions when taken with another drug or supplement in some instances. For example, some medications used for depression may heighten the risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with Adderall. Interactions and increased side effects occur when mixing adderall with nicotine or caffeine as well. When your child is prescribed Adderall, make sure to discuss possible drug and supplement interactions.
New manic or psychotic symptoms
In some instances, children who take Adderall can experience manic or psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or delusions. Though recent studies show that this is rare, it is a possibility. Extra care is required when prescribing Adderall to those who have experienced these symptoms in the past.
Slowed growth in children
One possible side effect of Adderall many parents are aware of is slowed growth in children. Recent studies show, however, that the medication may not actually stunt growth long-term.
Adderall abuse
Adderall use is often framed in a bad light, largely due to the potential for addiction and misuse. However, research indicates that people with ADHD are not at an increased risk for addiction when they take prescription Adderall as directed. In fact, taking ADHD medication earlier can have a protective effect. Accordingly, it's vital to separate recreational Adderall use from the use of prescription Adderall for ADHD.
Adderall should only be used by those who have a prescription for the medication.
Overdose
When a prescriber writes a prescription for Adderall, they will typically start at a low dose and move up until someone reaches a therapeutic dose of the drug. If an individual takes Adderall in high doses, they risk overdose, which can lead to seizures, an increased risk of heart attack, or sudden death. Make sure to keep your child's prescription out of reach so that you can administer their medication properly.
ADHD And Mood Swings
There are multiple reasons why an individual with ADHD might experience mood swings that aren't attributed to stimulants like Adderall.
First, it is very common for ADHD to co-occur with other disorders. For example, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, or anxiety. It's estimated that around 6 in 10 children with ADHD have at least one additional behavioral, emotional, or mental health condition. 3 in 10 children with ADHD are said to have anxiety. If your child with ADHD has a co-occurring mental health condition, it could explain their mood swings, especially if the mood changes do not appear to be associated with stimulant drugs.
Similarly, ADHD symptoms can be difficult to cope with. Sometimes, ADHD symptoms alone can cause changes in mood and frustration in a child, especially if ADHD is not properly managed.
Note: Joon is an app created uniquely for children with ADHD aged 6-12 and their parents. Backed by teachers, child psychologists, and occupational therapists, Joon promotes motivation, independence, and positive behavior in kids. Go to the app store or click here to download Joon.
Side Effects Of Adderall
A doctor should always inform you of possible side effects if your child is prescribed Adderall or any other prescription medicine. We talked about potential adverse reactions, but what about the other possible side effects of Adderall?
Common side effects seen in those taking Adderall include:
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Trouble sleeping
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Hair loss
Side effects of Adderall will differ for all patients. If the side effects of Adderall are too severe or impact a person's life negatively, it may be time to consider a change in medications.
How To Manage Mood Swings In Children
It is always important for children to learn coping and emotional regulation skills. That said, understanding how to manage mood swings in children is often partially dependent on the cause. In addition to Adderall use, there are other possible causes of mood swings in children. Here are some other factors that can cause mood swings in kids and what to do about them.
Try Joon To Help Your Child With ADHD
Joon is a game designed specifically for children with ADHD. Parents download the app first and create a customized to-do list for their children. When kids complete the tasks their parents assign, they get rewards in the game that let them take care of a virtual pet, also called a Doter. 90% of kids who use Joon complete all of the tasks their parents assign.
Currently, parents must have an iPhone to download Joon, but kids can connect with an Android or Amazon device. Joon has an average rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars in the app store, and there are currently over 3.6k reviews from parents like you.
Click here to try Joon for free or sign up for our Android waitlist.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
As discussed, ADHD may impact mood in some patients. The CDC suggests a combination of medication and behavior therapy to treat ADHD. If your child is under the age of 12, parent training in behavior management is strongly recommended. Individual therapy is also beneficial for many children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Dietary changes, physical activity, occupational therapy, and games like Joon can also help.
Mental health issues
There are a number of different psychiatric disorders and mental health concerns that can come with mood swings. If your child has a condition such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, or any other mental illness, it's important that they get the right care. Similar to ADHD, professionals can treat depression and other mental health conditions with a range of different treatment options. For example, medication and therapy.
Medications
Adderall can come with side effects like depression and mood swings. Make sure that you tell your child's doctor about every prescription drug and supplement they take. Even over-the-counter products can interfere with medications prescribed for ADHD and other concerns.
Inadequate Calorie Intake
Taking stimulant medications increases the energy demand on the body and side effects, such as irritability, fatigue, or a “crash” are much more common when children do not take in enough calories to meet those energy demands. Children who skip breakfast are much more susceptible to Adderall side effects such as mood swings. Eating a balanced breakfast that includes fat or protein before the medication takes effect is an easy and effective way to minimize side effects of the medication.
When to See a Doctor About Adderall Mood Swings
If your child takes Adderall and their mood swings only began once they started treatment, make sure to bring it up with your child's doctor. In some cases, a prescriber may need to adjust your child's dosage. In other cases, children taking Adderall who experience any range of physical or mental health side effects may need to stop taking Adderall. If your child needs to stop taking Adderall, a prescriber may recommend other stimulants, non-stimulants used to treat ADHD, or another intervention.
If your child experiences suicidal thoughts or other symptoms that could be serious, make sure to seek medical care immediately.
Takeaway
Adderall is generally regarded as a safe form of treatment for children with ADHD. However, some experience side effects, which can include changes in mood or affect. If you notice new physical or mental health-related symptoms after your child starts Adderall, make sure that you talk with your child's doctor. Some of the risks associated with stimulant medications are serious. Your child's prescriber should go over all of the possible adverse effects and interactions associated with Adderall before they start taking the drug. Other ADHD treatment options may be favorable for children who cannot tolerate Adderall.
About
Sarah Schulze MSN, APRN, CPNP
