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Adderall is a prescription medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy. It is a well-researched treatment option that has been around for decades.
As with most pharmaceutical drugs, Adderall is not without side effects and risks. So, is it possible for Adderall to cause Depression in children? What else should parents know if their child is taking Adderall?
In this article, we'll talk about whether Adderall can cause Depression in kids, as well as other side effects and risks. Then, we'll discuss when to see a doctor about your child's symptoms and what you can do to help children with ADHD symptoms and depression.
Can Adderall Cause Depression In Children?
Adderall contains a mixture of amphetamine sulfate and dextroamphetamine sulfate. While it has been around for much longer, the food and drug administration (FDA) approved Adderall to treat ADHD symptoms in 1996.
Most of the time, the connection between Adderall and Depression relates to those with an Adderall addiction or who experience Adderall abuse. However, in some cases, Adderall can cause depression symptoms and other mood effects in kids. If you notice that depression symptoms start only after your child starts treatment with prescription stimulants, this could be the case. Similarly, if symptoms of Depression dissipate when a child stops taking Adderall (e.g., during a drug holiday), it is another sign that Adderall could be the cause of depression symptoms.
Note that you can have both ADHD and Depression not attributed to stimulant medication. This is part of why it's essential to be mindful of when the signs of a mood disorder like Depression begin. People with ADHD are at a higher risk of developing Depression, as well as other disorders, like anxiety. In fact, around 6 in 10 kids with ADHD have one or more co-occurring disorders.
Side Effects
Mood changes are just one possible side effect of Adderall. Other possible adverse effects of Adderall include:
- Sleep problems
- Weight loss
- Changes in appetite
- Dry mouth
- Irritability or mood swings
- Headache
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
While it is an effective treatment, not everyone responds to or tolerates Adderall the same. If your child can't tolerate Adderall, it may be best to switch to another drug for ADHD.
Risks
Side effects like dry mouth, weight loss, and sleep difficulties are common with Adderall, but serious risks are seen less often. Even so, parents should be knowledgeable about the medication their child takes. Serious risks associated with Adderall include:
Drug interactions
Adderall can cause negative interactions when taken with another drug in some cases. For example, some medications used for Depression may heighten the risk of serotonin syndrome when taken with Adderall. Some over-the-counter supplements can lead to an interaction for those who take Adderall.
Discuss possible drug and supplement interactions when your child is prescribed Adderall. Let their prescriber know about every medication and supplement your child takes.
Interactions with other stimulants, like caffeine or nicotine, can also increase the cardiovascular risks of Adderall.
Cardiovascular effects
Raised blood pressure is one of the most prevalent cardiovascular effects of Adderall use. It can also cause tachycardia. Stimulants can heighten the risk of heart attack and stroke at high doses. Children with a history of heart problems or family history of certain conditions may not be able to take stimulants like Adderall.
Slowed growth in children
Slowed growth in children is a frequently discussed side effect of Adderall and other stimulant medications used for ADHD. However, research shows that ADHD medication doesn't affect long-term adult height.
Withdrawal symptoms
Sometimes, withdrawal is the cause of depression in those taking Adderall. Common signs of Adderall withdrawal include but aren't limited to:
- Depression
- Irritability
- Other changes in mood
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Unusual fatigue
If Depression is a comedown symptom, your child's prescriber may make a change to your child's dosage and routine.
Adderall abuse
Adderall abuse is prevalent among college students and other populations. However, research shows that people with ADHD who take Adderall as directed for ADHD aren't at an increased risk of drug abuse. In fact, taking ADHD medication like Adderall earlier in life can have a protective effect on mental health.
Adderall should only be used by those who have a prescription for the medication. Adderall is usually taken 1-3x daily. Prescribers typically start prescription stimulants like Adderall at a low dose and move up slowly. Discover a list of Adderall alternatives for kids.
Note: If your child lives with ADHD, try Joon. Joon is a new game designed specifically for kids aged 6-12 with ADHD and their parents. It's rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars, and many parents say it's improved their parent-child relationship. Click here to try Joon for free.
When To See A Doctor
You know your child best. When you notice anything in your child that is unusual or a cause for concern, it is crucial to talk with a medical professional.
Talk with your child's doctor if you notice:
- New or worsening symptoms of Depression.
- Suicidal thinking or self-harm.
- Other adverse effects.
If Adderall is a possible cause of depression symptoms in your child, the doctor may change their treatment plan or use other treatment options for ADHD. Other treatment options for ADHD can include but aren't limited to other stimulant and non-stimulant prescription medications and behavioral therapy.
Treating Depression in children is possible. If your child needs treatment for Depression, there are a range of options that can help manage symptoms. In some cases, depression may need to be addressed before your child can be given a prescription for Adderall.
How Do You Treat Depression In Kids?
Individuals can develop depression and other mood disorders at nearly any age. Mental health therapy is typically recommended as the first option for depression treatment for children. However, both adults and minors may treat Depression with a combination of medication and therapy. There are many common antidepressant medications that are well tested in children down to age 6. For severe Depression especially, combined therapy and medication might be ideal. Lifestyle changes are also helpful for many people who experience Depression.
Talk with a medical professional, such as a pediatrician or psychiatrist, to determine the best course of treatment for your child. Before diagnosing mental health conditions, a provider should rule out other possible causes of symptoms. Make sure you tell your child's doctor about any medications they take, including Adderall or Adderall XR.
How Joon Can Help Your Child With ADHD
Joon helps children with ADHD improve focus, motivation, self-esteem, and independence. With Joon, parents assign their child real-life tasks, such as household chores, taking a bath, or breakfast. Once kids complete their tasks, also called "quests," they get rewards in the game that allow them to take care of a virtual pet. 90% of kids who use Joon finish all of the tasks they're assigned.
Joon is an excellent way to make daily activities and routines more fun. Even better, the app is backed by teachers, occupational therapists, and child psychologists.
Click here to get started for free.
Takeaway
Adderall and depression can go together in some instances. If children start to show signs of depression only after they're prescribed Adderall, discuss it with their prescriber right away. Depression is serious, but it is a treatable and common mental health condition. It is important that kids receive treatment for conditions like ADHD and Depression. Outside of Adderall, there are a variety of other options used to treat ADHD, including but not limited to therapy and other medications, including both stimulant and non-stimulant drugs.
Joon is another tool you can use to help kids with ADHD thrive.
About
Sarah Schulze MSN, APRN, CPNP
