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.
detailed home cleaning Lake Forest ..Lets face it becoming a mum is a bit of... Read More
Although many parents are concerned with our children's intelligence quotient... Read More
Just two days ago, another 15-year old child was added... Read More
Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More
Being consistent when children are less than perfect can make... Read More
Unfortunately each year many young children drown in swimming pools,... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
One of the basic issues we need to understand is... Read More
When choosing the perfect jogging stroller, a very important question... Read More
Do you want your child to cooperate with you more?Children... Read More
Children explore the world around them and learn through pretend... Read More
What's in a name? Er?well, everything, really! Of course your... Read More
The legend and myth of the Tooth Fairy is a... Read More
There are a LOT of alternative treatments for sale out... Read More
In seminars I am often asked about pocket-money and whether... Read More
The ADD child exhibits a series of behaviors that are... Read More
Many parental units are not "techies" and openly admit they... Read More
We know that you want your little guy or gal... Read More
I never dreamed that I would be in a position... Read More
MYTH: If you have not parented as well as you... Read More
To protect children's self-esteem or deflect complaints by parents, many... Read More
A common problem many times facing parents is Colic. Estimates... Read More
Q. My daughter has gotten very good at manipulating us,... Read More
Former students would probably attest to the fact that few... Read More
Do you want to create a deeper, more loving relationship... Read More
trusted cleaning company Des Plaines ..When parents help their children learn to read, they help... Read More
Jason Meridith's two-year old son whines when he wants more... Read More
Q. How do I overcome the 16-year-old who does things... Read More
Many families, ours included, have learned that breakfast is eaten... Read More
If you visit search engines you can find several resources... Read More
My son recently had his third birthday party and it... Read More
"Setting the alarm on Sunday mornings is inhuman?..God should know... Read More
Having a high level of emotional intelligence in your children... Read More
In my opinion, these things matter...1. Enjoying childlike delights before... Read More
I really like all natural remedy for Attention Deficit Disorder... Read More
The biggest trick some child predators' are using these days... Read More
There is nothing pleasant about failure, at least not at... Read More
Annie easily slipped into becoming the sole caregiver of her... Read More
As a hypnotherapist, I am acutely aware of the power... Read More
Kitchens are where everything happens. It's not just where meals... Read More
Recently, our family had the opportunity to care for sisters'... Read More
I've learned numerous, important lessons on life, motherhood and men... Read More
Ah, there is nothing like being an expectant mom. Along... Read More
When David was nine and Laura was twelve, the battles... Read More
? Let the child choose his or her own lunch... Read More
Do you ever wonder what is behind the occasional nasty... Read More
Chiladult? Whatever you call them, teenagers are a changin' and... Read More
Most day cares are non-profit organizations that must operate within... Read More
WHEN AN INJURY HAPPENS AT CAMP, HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED... Read More
It's hard to explain to the uninitiated the changes that... Read More
Parenting |