A number of adverse side-effects may be reported with pharmacological
treatment. Some of the most common include loss
of appetite and sleep problems. Generally, such side-effects are
manageable and tolerable, particularly if the desired treatment
outcomes are evident (Cortese et al. 2013). Adherence to drug
treatment can also be problematic but may be improved with
longer lasting drug formulations which do not require multiple
doses to be taken throughout the day (Adler & Nierenberg
2010). It is of note that despite their widely acknowledged
short-term efficacy, the long-term effectiveness of pharmacological
treatment for ADHD remains in doubt and functioning
outcomes often fail to normalize (Nijmeijer et al. 2008;
Langberg & Becker 2012). Therefore, although medication may
improve academic productivity and behaviour in the classroom
(Prasad et al. 2012), it is important for clinicians to be realistic with parents during treatment planning about the ability of
medication to normalize functioning outcomes such as academic
performance (Antshel et al. 2011).