addXR side effects: bad dreams, headache? | ADHD Information

Hi,
(sorry if this has been covered; I tried search and got an error)

My son (8) is on Adderall XR, 20 mg I believe. Lately he's been having
some repeated symptoms that I wouldn't worry about by themselves or if
they occured less frequently, but the frequency seems to be increasing
the last few weeks.

First, about 2-3 times a week, he's been coming in to our bedroom
between 4 and 5 am (or so) saying he's had a bad dream or a weird
dream. Also, lately he's been complaining more and more often about
headaches. Now, the headaches SOMETIMES are suddenly a problem when
we ask him to do a reasonable chore (he didn't tell us about it until we
ask him to do something), but the last few times he's been at the YMCA
program during the winter break he's been getting them in the afternoon
when they go do a lot of physical activity in the gym. So, a confound with
when he's coming off the adderall. He's been just lying down when I go to
pick him up -- so, not as much a possibility that he's conjuring it up to
avoid a chore.

I've looked on the web for Addreall side effects and seen headaches
mentioned. But as for dreams, the closest I've come is hallucinations. This
certainly isn't a problem with FALLING asleep (we've seen that when he's
gotten late doses). I'm planning to contact his doctor soon (we need to
fine-tune the later afternoon anyway), but wanted to see if anyone here
has seen similar things in their kids on Adderall. Of course, it could be
completely unrelated too (he's not very athletic; maybe the physical
activity causes headaches -- though that doesn't help with the dreams); I
guess I'm just looking for more information/stories/ideas before heading
to the doctor.

Thanks,
Carolyn in Colorado

 

 I sometimes (once every couple weeks maybe) get a headache I attribute to taking Adderall xr, just because I'd never had the dull ache in the back of my head previously.  I can feel it coming on and it lasts the whole day, sometimes two days.  I don't go in for sugary foods so don't think that's a culprit.  And physical activity doesn't trigger them for me.

If he's consuming any other stimulants you may want to take him off those ... things like caffienated beverages and sugary foods. Those can very easily cause headaches when the medicine is active in his system. You could also try a lower dose for a while to allow his system to adjust.

Also, my personal belief is that many kids have these symptoms due to the emotional overload they get as a result of the increased awareness. That doesn't mean they necessarily act out, but their subconscious may be which results in nightmares, increased frustration, etc.

Best of luck to you.

MaxDad
Maxdad,
thanks for replying. lots of good ideas...

[QUOTE=Maxdad] If he's consuming any other stimulants you may want
to take him off those ... things like caffienated beverages and sugary
foods. Those can very easily cause headaches when the medicine is active
in his system.
[/quote]
I wish I could do that... but he already doesn't drink a lot of soda (like
maybe 3 or 4 times/year) or ingest a lot of caffeine or sugary foods
(some, but not lots). One thing his dad thought of is that he isn't drinking
enough water... but that'll be hard to get him to do (I don't drink enough
myself!)

[quote]You could also try a lower dose for a while to allow his system to
adjust.
[/quote]
Actually, he's been on Adderall for almost 2 years. We started at lower
doses, but have slowly edged up because he would start having drop-off
in the middle of the school day. Even now, he has a hard time with late-
afternoon and evening events sometimes.

[quote]Also, my personal belief is that many kids have these symptoms
due to the emotional overload they get as a result of the increased
awareness. That doesn't mean they necessarily act out, but their
subconscious may be which results in nightmares, increased frustration,
etc.Best of luck to you.MaxDad
[/QUOTE]
This sounds quite plausible. Ah, the tradeoffs. FWIW, last night he had a
dream with a big escaped wolf that he was able to turn around into
something not quite as scary, WITHOUT coming in to our room and
waking us up. Small victories.

Anyone else with experience with bad dreams?

Thanks again, MaxDad. I wish he WERE a big ingester of those foods! It
would give me something specific to try right now!

Carolyn in ColoradoYou might consider an appt with a Pysch or therapist. There could be something other than the Adderall that is involved.

Take care.

MaxDad
I lost my appetite for only 3 months. It can really vary for many.

MaxDad
I started Adderall XR a month ago and have been getting headaches. I don't
know if it's going to go away or not. The headaches are definitely from the
Adderall because I rarely get them.

I can live with the headaches, I'm dying of hunger pains. I have lost every
ounce of my appetite even though my stomach is starving. I have to force
myself to eat.

Actually, I think that the headaches are in part coming from not eating
enough.

 

 I eventually (approx. 6 months) got back my appetite--though I haven't gained back any of the weight I lost when I had no appetite!  Everyone seems to react a bit different...hopefully your hunger pains will diminish or disappear.  A month into things isn't very long...most all the side effects that I experienced in the first month have since either become much more subtle or disappeared or only occur now and then.   It's nice to experience just the effect and not all the side effects!

Thanks John, it's nice to hear that there is hope.

Wow, how did you make it 6 months, this is brutal. I guess I could do that
but it isn't going to be pleasant.