"Are ADHD stimulant medications causing my headaches?"
by
Larry Silver, M.D.
Headache is a possible side effect when taking stimulants. It usually starts early in the use of the ADHD medication and occurs daily while on the medication.
Most children and adults experiencing these headaches describe them as being general and covering their entire head. Occasionally, these headaches go away after several weeks on the medication. If they do not, it is best to try another medication. We do not know what causes these headaches and how to prevent them, and it is not reasonable to expect a person to live with them.