ADHD medication
 

Is anyone familiar with the kind of medication that is used in the US to treat ADHD? There is of course methylphenidate Ritalin and it's slow-release version Concerta. Then there is Atomoxetine Strattera. I also heard about amphetamines Adderal and Dexedrine which are less common here in Europe.

THANKS,
V.

Straterra, Adderal, Ritalin and Concerta. There may be a few others that are new or being trialed, but those four are far and away the most widely used in my experience with ADHD kids. I don't know what's used for adult ADD, I used to know, but I forgot, I can't concentrate....

THIS cures all known mental illnesses the mindfawks can dream up.

My oldest son takes Adderal.

The last thing a scatter brain would need is amphetamines.

I'm on the fence about the reality of ADHD. However, I've seen those with serious concentration really benefit from it. I'd rather see people learn behavioral techniques to work through these problems instead of relying on powerful stimulants. Maybe it's ok in the short-term only...

I will say that the oldest son's grade improved somewhat after he started taking the meds. I'm sure I would have been diagnosed with ADHD back in my younger day if it was recognized but all they used back then was a paddle.

I think the Britts or Euros use fish oil to help to an extent with AHDA.
Tom

If a kid really and truly has ADHD, stimulants will have an opposite effect on him than they would have on a non-ADHD person. The ADHD child calms down and can focus, where you'd expect to see a "normal" kid bouncing off the walls under the influence of speed. The meds work. Their safety and long term consequences are another matter.

I know, I'm a drug counselor.

My brother has "ADHD" and has been able to focus better (his wife is a psychiatrist and loves the fact he's on meds). However, he doesn't act like the brother I once knew - meaning other personality traits have changed. He's not the same guy thanks to Addy.

I'm not so sure medicating concentration issues is the answer.

So you give advice on what sort of drugs to take to get high? Bang for the buck thing? :D

The thing is there is NO free lunch. If you want better focus, you have to deal with something else. That is why my wife is hesitant to simply write out meds for her older people. Because they come with side effects the old are less able to deal with. Obviously your SIL is for medication. Look at her profession. My wife knows that whenever she talks to me about any psych course, my automatic reaction is to spit.

It is for kids. That is, unless the parent is willing to accept responsibility for the ill-behaved brat and can do something about it.

We have psychiatrists where I work and they do test for ADHD. Most clients who claim they have it, do not. They use the idea of having ADHD as an excuse to use alcohol/drugs, or to seek out Adderall.

However, there a few that do fit the DSM criteria. In that case they learn coping skills through psychology or are prescribed Straterra which is non-addctive and not mood-altering. Many say it doesn't work or makes them feel "weird", heard it just today actually.

Not about ADHD

"Ask your doctor about Vigil"
side effects of PROVIGIL?
Stop taking PROVIGIL and call your doctor right away or get emergency help if you get any of the following serious side effects:

• Mental (psychiatric) symptoms, including: depression, feeling anxious, sensing things that are not really there, increase in activity (mania), thoughts of suicide, aggression, other mental problems.
• Symptoms of a heart problem, including: chest pain, abnormal heart beats, and trouble breathing.

Common side effects of PROVIGIL are headache, nausea, feeling nervous, stuffy nose, diarrhea, back pain, feeling anxious, trouble sleeping, dizziness, and upset stomach. These are not all the side effects of PROVIGIL. Tell your doctor if you get any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. Talk to your doctor for medical advice about side effects.


Its basically the brown acid from woodstock-- You will need someone to hold vigil over you while you trip on this stuff, but ask your doctor about Vigil.

I have a good friend who takes Provigil for narcolepsy, he has no side effects at all, but it's godawful expensive. It's been studied for ADHD I read, but not for kids. I spose you can "trip" on lots of medications. It's called drug abuse.

what do you think causes adhd? nature or nurture? or both?