1. Reliance – Behavioral drugs are generally used for younger patients and do not usually carry with them a dependence. However, if the drug is used in more mature years, it has been known to bring about mental reliance. This is important to consult with your doctor in terms of if or when to wean off the drug.

2. Muscle spasms – Some behavioral drugs cause ticks or muscle spasms that must be controlled by other medications. If this is the case, you may want to consider a different behavioral drug to reduce the intake of different prescriptions that may possibly have more side effects.

3. Appetite disruptor – Behavioral drugs can sometimes affect the appetite, both making it stronger and decreasing appetite. This doesn’t generally pose a problem, but can become a weight or diabetic issue if not monitored.


Behavioral drugs have helped many individuals in coping with problems such as bipolar disorder and ADHD, but some individuals have experienced side effects from such drugs that can be detrimental or require further drugs to calm the side effects.


1. Spasms – Muscle spasms or twitches can be a common side effect of some behavioral drugs. The mind can translate the change in chemical activity into involuntary muscle movements. This can be a rather limited problem, but would require further medication to relax.


2. Increased hyperactivity – Sometimes behavioral drugs can have the reverse effects of what was initially intended. In some cases it can increase hyperactivity or inability to focus rather than decrease it.


3. Unstable eating or sleeping habits – Behavioral drugs can negatively affect sleeping and eating habits, causing an inability to sleep or changes in appetite. Generally this can be resolved with appetite suppressants and mild sleeping pills, but can affect mental and physical health if not treated.

The above side effects can become serious or detrimental to your health. It is important to seek help immediately if you are experiencing any adverse effects from your medication. Consult your doctor about the possible side effects of any behavioral drug you or your family may be prescribed to prevent further prescriptions or provide ways to avoid these issues.

While there are behavioral drugs that are effective in reducing the symptoms of ADHD, sometimes they can have side effects that you should be aware of. Below are three side effects that can be experienced.

1. ADHD worsens – ADHD can be caused by different chemical imbalances in the brain. As such, different drugs are meant to balance different chemicals. If you are prescribed the wrong behavioral drug, your ADHD may worsen. If you are not seeing improvement in your symptoms, consult your counselor. Provider.

2. Depression – Some behavioral drugs are meant to reduce certain chemicals in the brain. Sometimes this reduction can create a feeling of depression. If you begin to experience depression, it is imperative you speak with your provider immediately.

3. Appetite – Sometimes ADHD medications can cause a significant increase or decrease in appetite. Generally this isn’t too much of a problem, but if either case becomes excessive, it can lead to being overweight or malnutrition. Monitor any changes in appetite or sleeping habits if you are beginning treatment.