ADHD Medication Dangers for Pets

Laurie Anne Walden, DVM

Photo by Gundula Vogel on Pexels

Medications used to treat attention deficit disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are commonly prescribed for humans, so pets are at risk of accidental exposure. Swallowing even a small amount of these medications can cause severe and possibly life-threatening problems for animals. However, most animals recover if they are treated promptly.
 
If your pet has chewed or swallowed an ADHD medication, contact a veterinary clinic or animal poison control hotline right away:

• ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435
• Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

 
Types of Medications
Most ADHD medications are stimulants that increase levels of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in the brain. These medications typically contain either amphetamines or methylphenidate.
 
Amphetamines and methylphenidate are controlled substances. They are in legal prescription medications used to treat ADHD and narcolepsy and are also in some illegal drugs.
 
These are some brand names of prescription drugs that contain amphetamines or methylphenidate:

• Adderall
• Concerta
• Desoxyn
• Dexedrine
• DextroStat
• Evekeo
• Focalin
• Methylin
• Ritalin
• Vyvanse
• Zenzedi

 
Illegal drugs that contain these substances include crystal meth, ecstasy, and methamphetamine.
 
Signs
In dogs and cats, amphetamines and methylphenidate cause problems with the nervous system, heart, lungs, and digestive system. These are some of the signs:

• Hyperactivity
• Pacing
• Restlessness
• Agitation
• Tremors
• Increased heart rate
• Increased body temperature
• Panting
• Drooling
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

 
Treatment
Animals with amphetamine or methylphenidate exposure usually need to be hospitalized at a 24-hour facility. Treatment includes decontamination (removing or inactivating drug that’s still in the stomach, if possible and safe for the animal), medications to treat the neurologic and cardiovascular effects, and supportive care such as intravenous fluid therapy and body temperature regulation.
 
If your pet has swallowed one of these medications, don’t try to induce vomiting at home unless a veterinarian has instructed you to do so. Making a pet vomit is not safe in some situations, depending on the species (don’t give peroxide to a cat!) and the pet’s clinical signs.
 
Image source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/adorable-yorkshire-terrier-in-autumn-leaves-29056473/

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