medications

WHAT ABOUT MEDICATIONS

It is not unusual for people to be concerned about the misuse and abuse of medications, especially those used for ADD. The medication Ritalin is a popular target in the media and many false, exaggerated or inaccurate exist about this medication. Our purpose is not to defend any medication but to provide accurate information so you can make your own decision about what is responsible or irresponsible use of medication for you. Medications have some risks just as many types of foods we eat or substances we drink have some risk. Being responsible about life choices means weighing risks against advantages and making decisions we believe are right and responsible ones for us.

Example of some common decisions we frequently make may include smoking cigarettes, eating large amounts of sugar or chocolate, drinking alcohol or eating foods containing additives. We may have high cholesterol or blood pressure problems which have an impact on the types of foods we eat or the activities we engage in. Also medical problems and disabilities pose risks. If we are diabetic we need to control our diet and/or use medications. If we have a learning disability, do not use compensation techniques and/or medication, we may never achieve the level of quality we desire in our lives. Irresponsible or impulsive decisions related to our learning disability can help us to end up in prison or even lead to our deaths because of a high risk activity we impulsively engaged in.

In considering the use of medication we should look at various sources of information, not just the warning labels that are inside the box or listed in the Physicians Drug Reference. Since the late 1930's medication has been an active component of treating ADD-type behaviors. Statistical information indicates in around 70% of the diagnosed cases of ADD and ADHD, medication is a helpful component of the treatment program. On a personal note, I was diagnosed in 1989, and have used medication as part of my treatment program ever since. In the last eight years I have talked with hundreds of adults who have successfully used medication to help them compensate for ADD.

There are reasons to not use medications in treating ADD-type behaviors. It is important to consider these types of behaviors can appear for reasons other than ADD. A person may be diabetic or have a thyroid problem or an additional medical condition.

They may be suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome, or going through some major life stressors. The cause of some ADD-like behaviors could be drug abuse, dehydration or sleep deprivation. In the 90's our society is pushing us into a more hyper ADD type life-style by the constant barrage of "sound bites," advertisements, movie and the television programming we watch. The breakdown of our extended family, more hectic households and the need for both parents to work all play a part in fragmenting our time, focus and attention.

Coexisting medical conditions and other medications can have interactions with drugs used to treat ADD. The lack of availability of appropriate medications or a financial hardship are also very real considerations. Some people are opposed to using any form of medication but may recommend an approach they consider to be more "natural" which could include the use of exercise or herbs, vitamins and other types of intervention.

Earlier I suggested weighing the positives of your condition against the risks associated with using medication. I believe this is a sound approach in considering treatment options for ADD.

The negatives of a learning disability often include; difficulty reading, writing or listening. All learning processes are affected including those more common ones necessary to function appropriately in families, schools and public places. Our social skills may be very poor and our friendships limited or nearly nonexistent. We are considered a very high risk population for drug abuse and are at high risk for accidents and are often referred to as "high stimulus seekers." A very high percentage of the criminal population appear to have ADD-type behaviors which frequently get them into trouble. It is very common for us to have problems in our marriages, our relationships with others, in school and college and in the workplace.

The risks of medication may include; the misuse of the medication such as taking too much, or selling it to others. Another possibility is a loss of appetite or stunted growth or a disruption of sleep. If the person is sensitive to medication and has symptoms of Tourette's syndrome they may exhibit "tics" or "twitches." Interactions with other medication may create problems, such as problems with high blood pressure. Transitional problems may occur while adjusting to the use of medication including headaches or stomach discomfort. Often these transition problems are made worse by introducing "drug vacations." These are times where medication is discontinued for short periods of time such as the weekend or the visit with the grandparents. The pattern is often very irregular, depending on who is responsible for the child at that time. Some medications used for ADD or related problems may require the monitoring of liver functions several times a year, so this is a risk that needs to be considered and responsible action is important to the well being of the person using the medication. Sometimes the medication may cause light headedness, restlessness, some sweating, constipation or dry mouth. Occasional fatigue, sleepiness, or in adults mild sexual dysfunction.

All cases involving the use of medication need to be evaluated individually to determine the pros and cons of medication use. As we now understand it, ADD is a biological condition in which 70 to 80% less dopamine and norepinephrine may be available in the ADD brain. These neurotransmitters play vital roles in staying on task and focus, as well as maintaining adequate memory function. As a result, medication can play a pivotal role in improving the ability of the ADD'er in learning to function and communication effectively in major life areas.

top | continued | table of contents

home | about me | diagnosis | behaviors | faqs | personal stories | parenting
education | workplace | articles | humor | resources | send page