medications

WHAT ABOUT MEDICATIONS

cont.

Neurostimulants

These medications act to increase the production or availability of dopamine and norepinephrine in the synaptic clefs of the brain. This is often achieved by inhibiting the emzimic action which dissolves and recycles the neurotransmitter in the system. They are believed to be specific in the neurotransmitter production which they effect. Along with there low risk, these are usually fast acting medications. This can make it easier to monitor their effectiveness, and to use them to help with ADD behaviors.

The Neurostimulants include such medications as Ritalin, Dexedrine and Adderal. Many of the alleged risks related to use of Ritalin such as becoming addicted to this medication, are based on the risk to those who do not have ADD and abuse this drug. At present I know of no body of evidence which indicates that people with ADD abuse the medication. To the contrary, ADDers often forget to take the medication at prescribed times or even misplace it. Children often resist taking the medication, hardly the behavior you would expect if someone was addicted to the medication.

Ritalin along with many other medications may create potential problems for the liver and kidneys, who's function it is to dispose of toxins in the system. For this reason it may be important to eat a healthy diet and consider using vitamins like B-6, antioxidant or herbal supplements like Milk Thistle, which help to protect the liver. Many frequent used substances, such as alcohol can also cause liver dysfunction by depleting the B-6 in the system, and focusing on eliminating alcohol at the cost of allowing other toxins to remain in the system. It seems that concerns about liver and kidney malfunction, depletion of necessary vitamins in the system, or interactions with other types of foods or medications may be possibly valid, but are fairly easy to manage if you are educated about the medication and use it appropriately.

It is not unusual to hear allegations that Ritalin causes headaches, upset stomach, loss of appetite and reduced growth. Many of these "symptoms" appear to be short lived and often are quite manageable or completely disappear once the person adjusts to the use of the medication. From my own experience I occasionally get a headache which may be related to medication us, but in general I had many more stress related headaches before starting Ritalin and these are easily managed with off the shelf headache meds. My 18 year old son was always a picky eater before taking Ritalin and I saw no major change in his eating pattern. At his current height of 6' 2" and weight of 170 lbs. it doesn't seem like Ritalin had much impact on his growth.

Of the medications used to treat ADD, the Neurostimulants are arguably the lowest risk. It is ironic that other higher risk medications may be prescribed for ADD because of the erroneous belief that Ritalin may be addictive or harmful.

Tricyclic Antidepressants

These medications often effect the availability of Dopamine, Norepinephrine, or Serotonin. While designed primarily to assist with depression, they also may have a positive effect on ADD behaviors. The drawback to these medications is that the primary design is the treatment of depression, not ADD, and they take a longer (sometimes 3 to 4 weeks) period to time to become effective. Some tricyclic antidepressants may interact with other foods or medication in a negative fashion. Also these medications can create problems is stopped suddenly. Always taper off the use of these medications to avoid problems.

Other types of medication:

SSRI (selective serotonin Reuptake inhibitors), blood pressure medication and other related meds may also be used. These include:

• Prozac (SSRI)
• Paxil (SSRI)
• Zoloft (sertraline-SSRI)
• Luvox (fluvoxamine-SSRI)

These medications are believed to block the Reuptake of serotonin, allowing it to be available longer in the central nervous system.

Atypical Antidepressant Agents

• Welbrutrian (bupropion HCL)
• Serzone (nefazodone HCL)

These medications appear to be weak blockers of serotonin and norepinephrine Reuptake.

Dopamine Agonists

• Parlodel (bromocriptine mesylate)

This medication stimulates the dopamine system.

Beta Blockers

• Inderal (propranolol)
• Catapres (clonidine HCL)

These medications appear to lower the body's blood pressure, and somehow appear to reduce stress in the process. Poorly coping with stress can have a very negative impact on the ability of the ADD person's thinking and problem solving. As a result these medications can sometimes improve the ADD symptoms.

The effects of medication may often be different for many people. What works well for one person may or may not work well for others. Seeing and listening to a knowledgeable M.D., one with experience in treating ADD is the best and safest way to go. Also I encourage caution with the use of so called "natural" solutions to ADD. Even herbs and vitamins can be dangerous is not taken in the correct amounts.

An Important thing for the non-ADD person to remember is the terrible price the ADD youth or adult is paying in terms of what they are learning, how they communicate and what they achieve. If you believe medication can help that process now, then use it. Work to improve the behavior using all the medical and behavioral tools we have. Once you have seen improvement you may try other approaches, less medication, more "natural" approaches or whatever. Just remember, the goal is to help the ADD person to gain control of their choices and their life.

top | table of contents

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