What common side effect is associated with stimulant use?

Stimulants, which are commonly prescribed to treat conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, often lead to a decrease in appetite. This side effect is particularly significant, as stimulants work by increasing the levels of certain neurotransmitters in the brain, which can influence hunger signals.

The reduction in appetite typically occurs shortly after the medication is taken and can result in weight loss, especially in children and adolescents, who may be more sensitive to decreases in appetite. Monitoring weight and growth in children on stimulant medications is an important practice to ensure their development is not adversely affected.

In contrast, excessive sleepiness is more commonly associated with depressants or sedative medications, while weight gain is generally related to certain psychiatric medications, particularly some mood stabilizers or antipsychotics. Memory loss can occur with various factors, but it's not a typical side effect associated with stimulant use. Thus, the common and well-documented side effect linked with stimulant medications is indeed a loss of appetite.