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ADHD Medication ChoicesDeciding which ADHD medication to take, or to give to your child, may be one of the toughest decisions you will ever make. You may think the decision should be left up to your doctor, but you really should know the facts about each type of medication and work with your doctor to choose the one that is right for you. 
When considering an ADHD medication, most people automatically think of Ritalin. Ritalin has been around since the 1950's and is the most prescribed for children. But what you may not know is that there are many other medications available in various forms that may work better for you and may be a lot safer.
Before we list the various medications and formulations, let's first talk about the two main categories of drugs used to treat ADD/ADHD. They are; stimulants and non-stimulants. Both types are known to have side effects that can be very uncomfortable or could potentially be life threatening so it's very important to know the difference. Stimulant drugs are usually administered to people with moderate to severe Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. They work by affecting how the brain controls impulses. The drugs stimulate the brain's chemical messengers called neurotransmitters which are responsible for controlling attention, impulse, and hyperactivity. It is not known specifically how the stimulant drugs impact the neurotransmitters, but decades of use show that stimulants are very effective. This fact is suppported by Therapist Deena in the Stimulant drugs are known to have awful side effects which often prevent people from taking them. Among these side effects are: loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headaches, dry mouth, increased blood pressure, dizziness, insomnia and even death. When parents see their children suffering from these side effects, many stop administering the drugs completely. But doctors usually recommend that patients lower their dosage or switch to a different drug instead of halting treatment all together. In November 2002, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the first and only non-controlled drug for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The medication, manufactured by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, is called
Strattera
(atomoxetine HCl). It is a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor and works differently than all of the stimulant drugs.
Because it is a non-stimulant ADHD medication, Strattera doesn't have most of the side effects. But in December 2004 the FDA did order the manufacturer to update the labeling to include a bold warning about the potential for severe liver damage. This was following two reports in patients who had been treated with Strattera for several months, both of whom recovered. Strattera has also been associated with suicide risks in kids.
Overall, while
Strattera
appears to have fewer side effects, studies show that stimulant drugs are more effective. Therefore, every ADHD medication needs to be weighed very carefully. When both the stimulant and non-stimulant medications appear ineffective, doctors often turn to other types of drugs to help with ADD/ADHD symptoms. Patients are sometimes prescribed anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, anti-psychotic or mood stabilizing drugs. But because these drugs aren't specifically approved for treating ADD/ADHD, you should work very closely with your doctor before taking them. Many parents of children diagnosed with ADHD are often later told that their child has Bipolar Disorder, then depression, then anxiety and the list goes on. And some of the drugs used to treat ADHD are also used to treat these other disorders. RAIN Media and Frontline have produced a documentary called This documentary you MUST SEE before you start down the path of putting your child on any type of ADHD medication.
Disclaimer: The above information is not provided by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider regarding your medical condition. Never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you read on this website. Return from ADHD Medication to Home Page
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