The most common medications used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder are stimulant medications. Anti-depressant medications, and even anti-convulsant medications, are sometimes used as well, though this is less common.
The stimulant medications used to treat ADHD include Ritalin (Methylphenidate), Dexedrine (Dextroamphetamine), ADDerall, and Cylert (Sodium Pemoline). Ritalin is the most commonly used stimulant. About 90% of all patients who decide to use stimulants for their ADHD will at some point use Ritalin. It is the most predictable of the stimulants.
ADDerall is the new "up and coming" medication, as it lasts about six hours per dose, and is less "harsh" than Ritalin. Patients like it because it is "smoother" than Ritalin, as it goes into the system slower and leaves the system more gradually. Since it lasts longer than Ritalin, children can take a dose in the morning and not have to take another dose until after school, if at all. Lots of kids like not having to go to the office to get their medicine during lunch time.
We never recommend Cylert. Never. Pulled from use entirely in Canada, it may cause liver damage in children or adults. Besides, it is just not that effective for most people. The nutraceutical "Attend" is more effective using amino acids and essential fatty acids. If it's between Cylert and anything else, take the anything else.
We are not opposed to the use of stimulant medications like ritalin or adderall, provided that the physician knows what he or she is doing. We would prefer that parents try other interventions first, however, such as diet and/or nutraceuticals. The alternatives can be very effective as well, and should be considered as a treatment option.
Yes, we have hundreds of medication success stories. Yes, we have some horror stories as well. Remember, any medication, including Ritalin, ADDerall, Dexedrine, and other stimulants used for treating attention deficit disorders, can have bad side effects. That's why you must use a good doctor. For great information on medications used for Attention Deficit Disorder please visit the ADHD Information Library.
Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., is a family therapist who has been working with ADHD children and their families since 1986. He is the clinical director of the ADHD Information Library's family of seven web sites, including http://www.newideas.net, helping over 350,000 parents and teachers learn more about ADHD each year. Dr. Cowan also serves on the Medical Advisory Board of VAXA International of Tampa, FL., is President of the Board of Directors for KAXL 88.3 FM in central California, and is President of NewIdeas.net Incorporated.
Meeting The True Needs of Children Diagnosed As ADHD
How should one look upon Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and what is the effective way to aid those who are given this diagnosis? There has been considerable debate as to whether or not ADHD is a genuine disorder. Psychiatrist and professor Robert Hedaya (1996, pg.
What Causes Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
The most recent models that attempt to describe what is happening in the brains of people with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder suggest that several areas of the brain may be affected by the disorder. They include the frontal lobes, the inhibitory mechanisms of the cortex, the limbic system, and the reticular activating system.
Examining Drugs for ADHD, Particularly Strattera
In memory of 14 year old Matthew Smith; 11 year old Stephanie Hall; and 10 year old Shaina Dunkle and other children who have died from the use of psychotropic drugs for "ADHD".The Eli Lilly company has been marketing a new drug for those who are labeled as ADHD known as Strattera.
Is There Truth In The Television Adhd Connection?
The question about the television ADHD connection has been around for a while, and different studies seem to suggest different answers. However a recent study carried out last year on kindergartners suggests that television is not to blame for ADHD symptoms.
What Is Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a medical condition. It is caused by genetic factors that result in certain neurological differences.
The ADHD Parents Guide: Questions for the School
Here is something that you might want to keep if you are thinking about changing your child's school next fall or if you are planning to have your child tested by the school in the near future. Let me say this, if you are planning to have your child tested by your district, do not put off doing the paperwork.
Clinician Cuts Through the ADHD Clutter: Specialist Uses Proven "Methodology" to Combat Disorder
Six step plan to ADHD Freedom.
Melatonin, Sleep Enhancement, and ADHD
Overview
Melatonin is a natural hormone, which is produced and secreted by the pineal gland. Melatonin plays an important role in the regulation of many hormones in the body.
Celebrity Designer Ty Pennington to Host ?ADHD Experts On Call? Program
Nation?s leading ADHD experts to answer questions about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Symptoms And Treatments Of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Attention Deficit Disorder is a chronic neurological disorder, which is predominantly diagnosed in children. Statistics estimates that 2-5 % of the population is affected by ADD, considering the rare possibility for cases of Adult ADD. ADD is one of the disturbing pediatric disorders in the United States, since 5 million are affected by this disorder. Attention deficit disorder is the old name of the disease with characteristic symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity, which is later renamed as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (AD HD). The disorder is classified into three distinct subtypes, ADHD predominantly combined type, ADHD predominantly inattentive type and ADHD predominantly hyperactive-impulsive type, on the b...
School Issues: When Should an ADHD Child Be Held Back In School?
This can be a very complicated issue, so I don't mean to suggest that my comments here are the definitive thoughts on the subject. For a parent to even consider the issue, things have to be pretty problematic at school.
Dealing with ADHD
If you?ve been noticing peculiar behavioral patterns in your child, he may be exhibiting typical ADHD behavior. ADHD or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a condition in children which compels them to act differently than most kids their age. You may also be more familiar with ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder. This term was later changed to ADHD to create a more accurate description of this condition.
Treating Attention Deficit Disorder with Nature
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), is an issue that more and more parents are dealing with every year. Thousands of children are being diagnosed with attention deficit disorder every year, a major behavioral disorder that strains family relationships, hinders learning abilities and future productivity.
Teacher Tips: Presenting Your Lesson to ADHD Students
Thank you to all of our professional educators who dedicate themselves to our children! We know how difficult it can be working with ADHD children, so here are your teacher tips for the week, brought to you by the ADHD Information Library and ADDinSchool.com.
Tips On Finding The Best Adhd Supplements
The estimate is that around 5% of all school-aged children have ADHD and the condition is on the increase; although this may partly be due to a better understanding of the disorder and the diagnostic guidelines being clearer. There is currently no cure for ADHD and many people rely on stimulant medications to alter behavior. However, these meds can come with undesirable side effects, which leads people to look at other alternatives. However, investing your money in alternative treatments and supplements can be quite risky. Here are some tips to help you find the best ADHD supplements: