medications

Overview of medications commonly used in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder.

We are not making medical claims for the effectiveness of various medications or treatments. We are not recommending medical treatments. As responsible adults many of us are using medication as a possible approach to coping with Attention Deficit Disorder.

We feel it may be of some benefit to us to present what we understand as the most commonly prescribed medications for ADD. Much of this information is widely available in public medication information publications.

Overview of medication classification:

1. Neurostimulants
2. Trycyclic antidepressants
3. Other medications

Phychostimulants (Trade name and chemical name):

1. Ritalin (methylphenidate) also SR Ritalin (Slow Release)
2. Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine)
3. Cylert (pemoline)

Antidepressants (Tricyclic or TCAs) used to treat bed wetting and depression:

1. Tofranil or Janimine (impramine)
2. Norpramin or Pertofane (desipramine)
3. Pamelor (nortriptyline) principle metabolite of ELavil (amitripyline)

Neuroleptics (usually used with stimulant)

1. 1. Thioridazine
2. Propericiazine
3. chlorpromazine (unsure of category)

Tranquilizers:

1. Mellaril
2. Atarax

Antihypertensive:

1. Catapres (clonidine)

Others:

1. antidepressants, fluoxetine (Prozac, an SSRI) or burproprion (wellbutrin) (not to be taken within 14 days of using an MAO inhibitor)
2. lithium
3. Tegretol (anticonvulsant caramazepine) mood stabilizer

Note none of these (listed in other) have been extensively studied for use with children.

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