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What Side Effects of ADHD Meds Should I Tell My Doctor? 

PostedOctober 15, 2025
UpdatedOctober 16, 2025
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Harriet Winslow, BSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

When starting medication, it’s important to monitor how your body reacts and report any ADHD medication side effects to your doctor. While many people tolerate these treatments well, others may experience changes that should be addressed. Sharing this information helps your doctor adjust the dose, change medications, or offer support to manage the effects safely. 

Common ADHD medication side effects include trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, headaches, or increased anxiety. More serious issues, such as heart palpitations, mood swings, or signs of misuse, must be raised immediately. Even mild symptoms matter, as they may affect your quality of life or signal that the medication needs adjusting. 

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How It Helps to Report Side Effects 

Being proactive about reporting ADHD drug issues allows for better safety monitoring ADHD and improves long-term treatment outcomes. 

Track New Symptoms 

Write down any changes you notice after starting medication, even if they seem small. Include physical, emotional, or behavioural shifts. 

Mention Timing and Impact 

Let your doctor know when the side effects started and how they affect your routine, sleep, appetite, or focus. 

Don’t Hold Back 

Always share concerns openly, even if you’re unsure they’re related. Your doctor can only help if they know what’s going on. 

Raising concerns about ADHD medication side effects is not complaining — it’s a responsible part of managing your treatment. 

Visit providers like ADHD Certify for personal consultations and expert advice tailored to your needs.    

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to How to talk to doctors or get assessed. 

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Harriet Winslow, BSc - My patient advice author - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Harriet Winslow, BSc
Author

Harriet Winslow is a clinical psychologist with a Bachelor’s in Clinical Psychology and extensive experience in behaviour therapy and developmental disorders. She has worked with children and adolescents with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), learning disabilities, and behavioural challenges, providing individual and group therapy using evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT. Dr. Winslow has developed and implemented personalised treatment plans, conducted formal and informal assessments, and delivered crisis intervention for clients in need of urgent mental health care. Her expertise spans assessment, treatment planning, and behavioural intervention for both neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS, author and a reviewer for my patient advice - mypatientadvice.co.uk
Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS
Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.