There are no direct risks to others. Family support, education, and appropriate school placements are always helpful. But they have not been found to be as effective as medications. A few other drugs can also help reduce the symptoms, including bupropion, tricyclic antidepressants, and clonidine. Common side effects of stimulants include trouble falling asleep, reduced appetite, weight loss, stomach aches, headaches, and jitteriness.
Some children become unusually hyperactive when the medication wears off.
Stimulants may cause some children to grow more slowly. In the long term, they will grow to their normal height. Most of the side effects get better over time. Changing the amount of medication or the time the medication is given can also improve side effects. Many doctors will not restart the medication as soon as school starts in order to see whether the child still needs it.