“Is Medication Indicated for Students with ADHD?”
By: Randy Donner
Medical Aspects of Individuals with Disabilities
Dr. Jeffrey Kritzer
July 3rd, 2014
Introduction:
When an individual is diagnosed with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
There are two main questions that are asked upon diagnosis of ADHD. Should I take medication
to help cope with ADHD, or should I look for alternatives to help cope with ADHD? Whether
you choose to take medication or choose not to take medication one must be educated on the risks,
safety concerns, and side effects. One must also know the facts about the medications available.
There are two main categories of ADHD medication, Stimulant and Non-stimulant. These
medications have both positive and negative characteristics. Some of the positive characteristics
of the medication are, they help control mood, improve ability to focus and concentrate, and limit
impulsive behavior. Some of the negative characteristics of the medication are, they contribute to
forgetfulness, social awkwardness, and increase the chances for heart problems in the future. Some
of the side effects of medication are loss of appetite, headaches, depression, tics, and a difficulty
sleeping. Some of the safety concerns are, they effect brain development, and contribute to future
heart problems and psychiatric problems. There are also many myths about medication for ADHD.
They turn kids into zombies, they simplify a parent’s job, they increase chances of drug abuse, and
they change personalities are all myths of ADHD medication. Medication alone is not enough to
treat ADHD, regular exercise, a healthy diet, getting plenty of sleep, psychotherapy, and a positive
attitude, are all things an individual can do to help cope with ADHD. Although all this is very
important, what’s most important upon diagnoses is that you don’t rush the decision, and you
eliminate all other possibilities before considering medication. Most importantly, trust your
instincts and do what feels best for you.
Types of ADHD Medications:
There are many positive and negative side effects of using ADHD Medication. There are
three main drugs prescribed to treat ADHD. The most common drug prescribed is a stimulant.
Stimulant drugs have side effects ranging from loss of appetite, to headaches, to irritability, and
constipation. Stimulants are typically the first line of medication treatment for ADHD, given their
extremely high positive response rates (75%-80%) among children in treating the symptoms of
ADHD. (Theory into Practice, 2011) Stimulants work by stimulating the central nervous system
which in turn heightens and individual’s energy and alertness. A primary benefit of using
stimulants over other psychotropic medications is that the therapeutic effects of stimulants are
typically seen much faster, with responses often within minutes opposed to weeks. (Theory into
Practice, 2011)
The second most common drug prescribed is an antidepressant. Antidepressant drugs have
side effects ranging from loss of appetite, to blurred vision, to constipation and nausea. Up to onethird of individuals with ADHD will not respond to stimulant medications, or may experience
adverse side effects that prevent them from continuing treatment. (Theory into Practice, 2011)
One benefit of Antidepressant drugs is that they typically last longer than stimulants. Another is
that they do not have the potential for abuse, which is sometimes associated with stimulants.
The last type of drug prescribed for ADHD is antihypertensive. The most common side
effects of these drugs are dizziness, dry mouth and constipation. Antihypertensive medications
are usually prescribed in conjunction with stimulants to assist with the side effects of stimulant
medication. Antihypertensive medications have also been shown to alleviate moderate ADHDassociated impulsive and oppositional behaviors commonly observed in children with ADHD.
(Theory into Practice, 2011)
Side Effects of ADHD Medications:
Although these drugs are different, they have many similar side effects. The most common
side effects of these drugs are; blurred vision, constipation, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth,
headache, increased sweating, loss of appetite, and nausea. The results showed that 48 percent of
the 325 patients surveyed reported at least one side effect, most often loss of appetite, sleep
problems, and mood swings. Differences between the drugs in terms of side effects were thought
to be minor. About a fifth (21 percent) of the side effects were considered “very bothersome” or
“extremely bothersome,” but only 20 percent of patients mentioned the side effects to their
physicians. (Collingwood, J, 2010)
Perhaps the primary reason behind the proliferation of medication in treating children with
ADHD over the past several decades has been the dramatic behavioral benefits observed in
individuals being prescribed medications. Parents and teachers alike have reported improvements
in student attention span, their ability to control impulses, and a decrease in hyperactive behaviors.
(Theory into Practice, 2011) There has also been significant improvement in areas of academics.
In a recent study of 42 individuals 60% reported that there was a significant positive effect on
academic performance in areas of history, math, reading, and writing. (Theory into Practice, 2011)
Risks of ADHD Medications:
ADHD medications have risks ranging from physical symptoms to behavior changes to
severe reactions with potential of death. Children are often placed at a higher risk because of these
medications are prescribed off label, meaning not approved by the FDA. (Theory in Practice, 2011)
There are many studies being done that link ADHD medications to increasing the risk of cardiac
problems. One common risk of these medications is the likelihood to increase ones blood pressure.
There are also studies being done linking the use of stimulant based ADHD medication to
Tourette’s syndrome and/or verbal tics. Another risk factor that is being looked into is the
development of substance abuse later on in life. All of these risks are significant if found to be
linked to the use of ADHD medication. My college professor at Midland was an example of the
use of ADHD medication leading to Tourette’s. He himself is a firm believer that the early
medication used to control his behavior caused his tic later on in life. He always said it is personal
opinion whether the benefits outweighed the risks.
Conclusion:
In this paper we learned about the three types of medications available, stimulant,
antidepressant, or antihypertensive. We also learned about the positive and negative side effects
of ADHD medications. Lastly we learned about the risk factors involved with use of these
medications. This information tells us about the benefits and consequences of ADHD medication.
It also tells us that there are many things to consider before making a decision to use or not use
ADHD medication. This information also told us how important our role as a teacher is in helping
students cope with ADHD. This is a very tough decision and I am fortunate that I am not having
to make the decision for myself.
Finally, anyone who is concerned about ADHD medication, side effects, and risks, should
remember the risks of non-treatment. Untreated ADHD adversely affects a person's life in many
ways. Those with ADHD who don’t take medication have a significant increase in cardiac
problems, drug abuse, unplanned pregnancy, and job loss. They also are more likely to separate
and/or divorce compared with those who take medication. (The Experts, William Dodson) I
personally think there needs to be extensive research done regarding misuse of ADHD medication,
and misdiagnosing ADHD. I think that early detection of ADHD is a definite plus, but I also feel
that the misdiagnoses can be life changing for that individual. I also feel there needs to be
extensive research done in areas of non-medication, such as environment, habits, sleep routines,
diet, and exercise. I feel all these things may have the ability to limit ADHD symptoms. This
raises many questions for one to think about. Are you informed enough to make that decision?
Bibliography:
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Ryan, J. B., Katsiyannis, A., & Hughes, E. M. (2011). Medication Treatment for Attention Deficit
Hyperactivity Disorder. Theory Into Practice, 50(1), 52-60. doi:10.1080/00405841.2010.534939
Collingwood, J. (2010). Side Effects of ADHD Medications. Psych Central. Retrieved on July 4,
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Brunk, D. (2005, September 1). ADHD Stimulants: No Link to Propensity for Later Drug Abuse.
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