| Ever wonder how medicines for ADHD might | | | | Focalin XR is a long acting form of Focalin, with |
| affect your child? Read on and get the scoop on | | | | the active ingredient dexmethylphenidate |
| what's currently being prescribed as well as the | | | | hydrocholoride, which is also found in Ritalin. It is |
| side effects involved. | | | | available in 5mg, 10mg, 15mg, and 20mg capsules, |
| Studies show that children with ADHD lack | | | | which can be opened and sprinkled on food if |
| sufficient neurotransmitters in the brain. This | | | | necessary for ingestion. |
| deficiency is responsible for the characteristic | | | | Ritalin LA is a new, sustained release form of |
| inattention and lack of focus in ADHD patients. | | | | Ritalin. It is prescribed to increase attention, |
| These neuro chemicals include dopamine, | | | | decrease impulsiveness, and decrease |
| serotonin, norephinephrine, opioids and gama | | | | hyperactivity. This medication is a mild stimulant |
| amino butyric acid, or BAGA for short. The ADHD | | | | that affects the levels of neurotransmitters in the |
| med serves to replace the deficient chemicals. | | | | nervous system. Ritalin LA is available in 10, 20, |
| As to the medicines for ADHD, stimulants are | | | | 30, and 40mg capsules. Some brands allow the |
| usually administered first, and if found to be | | | | capsule to be opened and sprinkled onto food. |
| ineffective or not well tolerated, antidepressants | | | | Ask your pharmacist if the brand you're taking |
| are prescribed. Stimulants are further classified as | | | | fits in this category. |
| short, intermediate and long acting medications. | | | | The short and intermediate acting stimulants are |
| Long acting stimulants are taken once a day, and | | | | older medications. These include Ritalin and Ritalin |
| generally last 8-12 hours. This is useful for children | | | | SR, Methylin, Metadate ER, Methylin ER, Focalin, |
| in school as they don't have to remember to | | | | Dexedrine, Dextrostat and Aderall. |
| take their pill during the day. There are several | | | | Strattera is the main non stimulant medicine |
| long acting stimulants commonly used today, as | | | | approved for use in treating children with ADHD. |
| described below. | | | | Although not as commonly prescribed as |
| Vyvanse is the latest ADHD med to be approved. | | | | stimulants, Strattera does have a place for those |
| It is similar to Adderall in that its main ingredient, | | | | who can't tolerate stimulants. Strattera is helpful |
| lisdexamfetamine dimesylate, is a derivative of | | | | for children with ADHD and anxiety. |
| one of the ingredients in Adderall. Vyvanse, which | | | | Medicines for ADHD, as well as all prescription |
| produces a calming effect, is taken once a day in | | | | drugs, have side effects that must be considered |
| the morning. It is currently available in 30mg, | | | | when deciding on an ADHD med. Each medication |
| 50mg, and 70mg capsules. | | | | will list its own specific side effects, but in general, |
| Adderall XR, a sustained release form of Aderall, | | | | side effects from stimulants include decreased |
| is approved for use in children over the age of 6 | | | | appetite, headaches, stomachaches, trouble falling |
| years. Available in 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, 25mg, and | | | | asleep, jitteriness, and social withdrawal. Some of |
| 30mg capsules, the capsule can be opened and | | | | the known side effects associated with Strattera |
| sprinkled onto food or in a drink if the child has | | | | include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, |
| difficulty swallowing pills. Regular Adderall is usually | | | | constipation, dizziness, fatigue, dry mouth, loss of |
| prescribed for children from 3 to 5 years of age. | | | | appetite, trouble sleeping, or mood changes. |
| Concerta, a central nervous system stimulant, is | | | | Make no mistake about it, when you read the list |
| approved for children over the age of 6 years. It | | | | of potential side effects associated with medicines |
| is a sustained release form of Ritalin. Concerta is | | | | for ADHD or any other condition, it's no wonder |
| formulated to work for 12 hours, and is available | | | | that homeopathic remedies have become |
| in 18mg, 27mg, 36mg and 54mg tablets. Teens | | | | extremely popular. In treating ADHD, natural |
| requiring a 72mg dose can take 2 36mg tablets. | | | | remedies make up for the chemical shortages |
| Daytrana, also known as the Ritalin patch, is | | | | naturally, whereas drugs typically use man made |
| available in 10mg, 15mg, 20mg, and 30mg | | | | ingredients not naturally found in the body. |
| dosages. The patches are worn for approximately | | | | Homeopathic remedies manufactured in an FDA |
| 9 hours at a time on the child's hip. The | | | | approved facility, under the guidance of a qualified |
| medication continues to work a few more hours | | | | professional, are a safe and highly effective |
| after the patch is removed. | | | | alternative to drug therapy. |