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 information on medications , 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.
family-safe home cleaners Northbrook ..Prenatal intelligence, also known as fetal intelligence, has become a... Read More
Moms, did you ever question your value as a role... Read More
Learning obedience is an important part of child development. This... Read More
Is there anything wrong with lying, cheating, stealing, shop-lifting, taking... Read More
Like anything else in life, there's a method to the... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Our back-to-school buying habits do not help kids succeed in... Read More
Most of us can agree that there is a lack... Read More
The Internet is one of the greatest inventions of all... Read More
There isn't a school day that goes by that I... Read More
To the untrained eye, it might look like a piece... Read More
LOS ANGELES (May 19, 2005) - With Memorial Day weekend,... Read More
When we consider that the word allowance means, "allowing for,"... Read More
Is Homework Really That Important?Dear Friends,I no longer teach in... Read More
They Spur Members To Grow EmotionallyTatiana Tannenbaum grappled with a... Read More
Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still... Read More
1. They can make mistakes under your guidance2. They will... Read More
John Bishop's Goal Setting for Students.comParents ? Minimize Homework Hassles?It's... Read More
"Becoming a parent can make you a better worker," New... Read More
Ever blown your top to your children, only to regret... Read More
Isn't the technology of today is amazing?! Between the speed... Read More
KIDS AND THE NEWSMore than ever, children witness innumerable, sometimes... Read More
I have been a single mom for almost 20 years.... Read More
If You're Having Twins..is it double the headache, or double... Read More
Mommy (Daddy), Why do those people want to hurt everyone?Last... Read More
residential cleaning services Deerfield ..Hey Parents! I hate to tell you, but there is... Read More
Often, the struggle at dinnertime with your picky eater is... Read More
Is your baby approaching his or her first birthday and... Read More
"I took care of Callie," my three-year-old announced.Callie had been... Read More
A certain educator was once asked at what point should... Read More
Does music need to be "dumbed-down" for kids? The answer... Read More
Incest is sexual activity, ranging from fondling to intercourse, between... Read More
It is hard to believe that summer is coming to... Read More
Is Homework Really That Important?Dear Friends,I no longer teach in... Read More
When I was pregnant, we knew that we had some... Read More
More and more kids these days are diagnosed ADD, ADHD,... Read More
Baby names are as diverse as the people to whom... Read More
Do your children have a McChildhood? Do they experience the... Read More
Everyone needs friends, and, as parents, you and I both... Read More
The word no is probably the most overused word in... Read More
Thank you for all that you do in the classroom!... Read More
The debate in many towns continues throughout this country about... Read More
The Flow of WaterWater is essential for life on the... Read More
If you are like most people today, you do not... Read More
The subject of competition is one that provokes some pretty... Read More
Voices have a way of falling into a pattern, not... Read More
One of the challenges for parents with a gifted child... Read More
I remember when my daughter was born. Visions of her... Read More
Traditionally, babies have been named at a christening/baptism.... Read More
For many adults, reading a book or newspaper seems effortless.... Read More
Parenting |