Your ADHD Medication—Know, Check, Act!

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) affects many Canadians. A variety of medications may be prescribed to help improve focus and behaviours. Sudden changes in medication or dosage can cause worsening symptoms or have other harmful effects. It can help to be aware that changes in focus or mood could be related to a medication mistake.

ISMP Canada has received reports of errors with medications used to treat ADHD. One example involved a person who received the wrong strength of their medication. They described having symptoms of “brain fog”, feeling jittery, and a loss of appetite. The person checked their pills  and noticed that they looked different from usual. The person contacted the pharmacy and was then given the right strength of their medication.

• Know your medication: ADHD medications come in different strengths, formulations, and brands. Know the names and doses of your medications and what they look like.
• Take action with unexpected symptoms: Unexpected worsening of your ADHD or the appearance of new symptoms might mean there was a mistake with your medication. If something seems wrong, contact your pharmacy or primary care provider right away.

Information about medications used to treat ADHD and more safety tips are available.

• For adult ADHD
• For pediatric ADHD

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MedError newsletters are reviewed by consumers who are committed to improving medication safety. Learning from consumer reports is shared with health care providers through ISMP Canada publications. This newsletter shares information about safety medication practices, is noncommercial, and is therefore exempt from Canadian anti-spam legislation. *Funding support provided by Health Canada. The views expressed herein do not necessarily represent the views of Health Canada. Mederror is a component of the Canadian Medication Incident Reporting and Learning Prevention System (CMIRPS).