Managing Stimulant Side Effects: Appetite, Sleep, Blood Pressure and More

Long-acting stimulants such as Vyvanse, Adderall XR and Concerta help most adults with ADHD. Side effects are common in the first weeks and usually manageable with simple changes.

Lower appetite

Eat a solid breakfast before the dose takes effect, keep protein-rich snacks on hand, and eat a larger evening meal as the medicine wears off. Track your weight at follow-ups.

Trouble sleeping

Take the dose as early in the morning as possible, limit caffeine, and keep a consistent bedtime. Your prescriber may adjust the dose or switch to a medicine with a shorter duration.

Blood pressure and heart rate

Stimulants can raise blood pressure and heart rate a few points. We check both before starting and at follow-ups. Home readings help.

Anxiety, irritability and the afternoon crash

Some people feel edgy at the peak or irritable as the dose wears off. A dose change or a different long-acting medicine often helps.

Dry mouth and headaches

Drink water through the day and eat regular meals.

Call 911 for

• Chest pain, fainting or a racing or irregular heartbeat

Call us right away for

• New or worsening paranoia, hallucinations or agitation
• Fingers or toes that turn pale, blue or painful

Read why we prescribe long-acting stimulants only.

Get help from Hope Integrative Medicine

If side effects are making your ADHD medication hard to stay on, we can adjust your plan. Our mental health team sees patients in person in West Ashley and by telehealth across South Carolina, and new patients are often able to be scheduled within a week of requesting an appointment. Request an appointment.

This article is general health information and does not replace advice from your own provider. Never start, stop or change a medication without talking with your prescriber. If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 or call 911.