Treating ADD With Medication
Sarah K. Jenkins
Medication has long since been the cornerstone for treating
Attention Deficit Disorder. There are several medications on
the market and their effectiveness is rarely at question;
however, they do not come without their side effects and
criticisms.
The most common medication is methylphenidate, more commonly
known as Ritalin and Concerta. Other stimulant medications are
pemoline, known as Cylert; dextroamphetamine, known as
Dexedrine and Dextrostat; and d- and l-amphetamin racemic
mixture, known as Adderall.
Stimulant medications would typically make a person more
active; however, with Attention Deficit Disorder, it has a
calming effect. Therefore, it quiets impulsive and disruptive
behavior quickly and effectively. For this reason, many
teachers and parents sing its praises. However, this is only a
treatment and not a cure for Attention Deficit Disorder.
Ultimately, it is a temporary form of relief.
Other types of medicine sometimes used to treat ADD include
atomoxetine, known as Stratera; buproprion, known as
Wellbutrin; clonidine, known as Catapres; imipramine, known as
Tofranil; and desipramine, known as Norpramin.
However, Stratera was recently the subject of a public health
advisory issued by the Food and Drug Administration. The FDA
issued a statement saying Stratera was linked to increased
suicidal thoughts among children in an extensive study. This,
of course, should be of great concern to parents, as well as
doctors treating a child with ADD.
Side effects that are common with these medications include
loss of appetite, stomachache, headache, insomnia, fast heart
beat, vomiting, and chest pain. Many of these effects can be
reduced or eliminated with the lowering of medication dosage,
eliminating doses close to bedtime, and taking medication with
food.
Due to the possible side effects, as well as the negative
connotation surrounding over-medicating children, there are a
lot of people against administering medication for ADD.
However, this may also be due to the misconception that ADD is
not a real disorder and is a parent’s way of getting out of
controlling or disciplining their child. This, of course, is
not true and such unfounded opinions should not be considered
in seeking a treatment course for your child. Professional
advice will prove to much more helpful in making sound
decisions for your child and your family.
It should also be understood that, while medication may be
effective, it is not a cure for ADD. Many doctors suggest using
medication in conjunction with behavioral therapy to achieve the
full benefit of both treatment methods.
About The Author: Sarah is an acclaimed writer on medical
matters, and has written extensively on the subjects of
Attention Deficit Disorder, Bird Flu and Crohn’s Disease . For
more of her articles, go to
http://www.imedicalvillage.comnow
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