ADHD Medication Side Effects in Autism

Plain-language summary

Research suggests that individuals with both ADHD and autism may experience some common side effects from ADHD medication, similar to those with ADHD alone. However, there is some indication that certain side effects, like irritability, might be more pronounced in those with co-occurring autism. The evidence specifically on severe adverse effects unique to this group is limited and mixed.

Key findings

• For individuals with both ADHD and autism, irritability may be a more common or more intense side effect of ADHD medication compared to those with ADHD only.
• Headaches are a known side effect of ADHD medication in the general ADHD population, but research does not specifically highlight them as more severe or prevalent in individuals with autism.
• While ADHD medications can be effective in treating ADHD symptoms in individuals with autism, it's important to be aware of potential side effects, which might require careful monitoring.
• Evidence on unique severe adverse effects of ADHD medication in individuals with autism is limited and often mixed, highlighting the need for more focused research in this area.

Studies cited (8)

1. Pharmacological and dietary-supplement treatments for autism spectrum disorder: a systematic review and network meta-analysis — Siafis S, Çıray O, Wu H (2022, Molecular autism, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1186/s13229-022-00488-4 PMCID: PMC8896153

2. Headache in ADHD as comorbidity and a side effect of medications: a systematic review and meta-analysis — Pan PY, Jonsson U, Şahpazoğlu Çakmak SS (2022, Psychological medicine, meta-analysis)

   DOI: 10.1017/S0033291721004141 PMCID: PMC8711104

3. The effect of autistic traits on response to and side-effects of pharmacological ADHD treatment in children with ADHD: results from a prospective clinical cohort — Lilja MM, Sandblom E, Lichtenstein P (2022, Journal of neurodevelopmental disorders, observational)

   DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09424-2 PMCID: PMC8903657

4. Pharmacotherapy of ADHD in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Effectiveness and Side Effects — Muit JJ, Bothof N, Kan CC (2020, Journal of attention disorders, other)

   DOI: 10.1177/1087054719866255 PMCID: PMC6939322

5. Challenges and Promises of Pediatric Psychopharmacology — Giles LL, Martini DR (2016, Academic pediatrics, other)

   DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2016.03.011

6. Psychopharmacological interventions in autism spectrum disorder — Politte LC, Henry CA, McDougle CJ (2014, Harvard review of psychiatry, other)

   DOI: 10.1097/HRP.0000000000000030

7. Effects of extended release methylphenidate treatment on ratings of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and associated behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders and ADHD symptoms — Pearson DA, Santos CW, Aman MG (2013, Journal of child and adolescent psychopharmacology, other)

   DOI: 10.1089/cap.2012.0096 PMCID: PMC3689935

8. Psychopharmacological treatment of ADHD symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder — Handen BL, Taylor J, Tumuluru R (2011, International journal of adolescent medicine and health, other)

   DOI: 10.1515/ijamh.2011.039