Medications:

Apparently, the generic-version-of-Ritalin patch -- Daytrana, or methylphenidate transdermal system -- is still a work in progress.

For further information: 800-828-2088, option (1-888-216-6674 -for pharmacists)

• One Of The Main Issues We Deal With Has To Do With Medications For Adults With ADD/ADHD. We Do Not Recommend Any Medication's. You Are Strongly Encouraged To Seek Advice From Your Doctor About Which (If Any) Medication Might Be
  Right For You.

What are the medications for treating ADHD?

Stimulants

The most common medications for treating ADHD are stimulants. Stimulants have been the longest in use for treatment of ADHD, and have the most research studies on their effects. Although some have been used on children as young as age 3, most are recommended for age 6 or older. Long-term studies on the use of stimulants for the treatment of ADHD lean toward the discontinuation during adolescence, due to possible growth inhibition.

Stimulants for the treatment of ADHD may be shorter or longer acting formulations. Short/intermediate acting stimulants require dosages 2-3 times a day, while long acting stimulants last 8-12 hours, and can be taken once a day, thus not requiring a dose at school.

There are four main types of stimulants used for treatment of ADHD:

• amphetamines (Adderall)
• methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta, Metadate)
• dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine, Dextrostat)
• pemoline (Cylert - less commonly prescribed because can cause liver damage)

Non-stimulant

The newest medication for treatment of ADHD is Strattera. This medication is a reuptake inhibitor that acts on the neurotransmitter norepinephrine (which affects blood pressure and blood flow) in the same way that antidepressants act on the neurotransmitter seratonin, allowing the natural chemical to remain longer in the brain before being drawn back up. Because it is a non-stimulant, it may be less objectionable to some families. Nevertheless, it has similar side effects as other medications used for ADHD.

Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications

In some cases, antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed either in addition to or instead of stimulants for the treatment of ADHD. Most often, this determination is based on other symptoms, beyond those typical of ADHD alone. Antidepressants most commonly affect the neurotransmitters seratonin or norepinephrine. There have been recent concerns regarding the safety of some antidepressants, such as Paxil and Zoloft, particularly for adolescents or children.

Antipsychotic or mood-stabilizing medications

For certain conditions that include symptoms of ADHD, other medications may be prescribed. With a few exceptions for seizure disorders, antipsychotic medications are not prescribed for children and most mood stabilizers are not recommended for children or adolescents.

What are some of the side effects of medications for ADHD?

Side effects most commonly include:

• decreased appetite or weight loss
• headaches
• upset stomach, nausea or vomiting
• insomnia or sleep difficulties
• jitteriness, nervousness, or irritability
• lethargy, dizziness, or drowsiness
• social withdrawal

All medications have side effects, and sometimes a change in dosage, brand or type of medication will allow for the usefulness of the medication while reducing the side effects. One problem with medications for ADHD is that they are most often prescribed for young children, who usually will not be able to accurately report side effects. This is one of the concerns about prescribing any medications for children.

What is the role of medications in the treatment of ADD in adults?

Some of the newer medications are touted for their use with adults, and some of the well-known authors of books on ADHD have found that Ritalin, Strattera, or other drugs have been helpful to them. However, all drugs should be approached with caution, as they have side effects that may prove to be more difficult than the problem they are supposed to be treating, and new cautions are added as studies indicate additional difficulties (see Strattera warning in box above). For those who decide to try medications, it is wise to:

• Educate yourself thoroughly about the drugs available, the potential side effects, and any interactions with other medications you take.
• Follow directions closely, starting with a very small dose and increasing gradually, according to the doctor’s schedule.
• Pay attention to your body, emotions, and actions to determine if any negative side effects are occurring.
• Ask your doctor for specific instructions for decreasing and/or terminating use – these drugs need to be tapered off, not stopped suddenly.

How do antidepressants work?

People suffering from depression are thought to have lower levels of some of the chemical messengers in the brain, called neurotransmitters. The three neurotransmitters believed to be involved in depression are serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Neurons in the brain constantly produce, release, and reabsorb these brain chemicals. Antidepressants increase the levels of these neurotransmitters in the brain by blocking their reabsorption.
 
While this has led to the popular belief that depression is the result of a chemical imbalance in the brain that can be corrected with drugs, the reality is more complex. It is not yet known whether low levels of neurotransmitters cause depression, or whether depression causes this imbalance in brain chemistry.

How effective is medication for depression?

While antidepressants provide relief for some people, they are not a “magic bullet” for depression. Antidepressants reduce symptoms in approximately 70 percent of people. This leaves nearly 1 out of 3 people who don't get relief. Even in those who respond to medication, complete remission is rare. More commonly, their symptoms are reduced but not cured.

Medication vs. Therapy

While antidepressants may improve mood by boosting the “feel-good” chemicals in your brain, they don't treat the actual cause of the depression. Because of this, relapse rates are high once drug treatment is stopped. In contrast, the emotional insights and coping skills acquired during therapy can have a more lasting effect on depression. A University of Pennsylvania study backs up this claim. It found that cognitive therapy works just as well as antidepressants and is more effective than medication in preventing relapse once treatment ends.

In a moderate to severe depression, medications may be useful in the short term, but should be accompanied by therapy to address underlying issues. Sometimes the heaviness of a depression serves to mask painful emotions, which may then come to the surface when medications are taken. The result can be an unexpected sadness – yet another reason that psychotherapy is so important when using antidepressants.

Can antidepressants make depression worse?

There is a risk that antidepressant treatment will cause an increase, rather than a decrease, in depression. In fact, all depression medications are required by the FDA to carry a warning about the increased risk of suicide, hostility, and agitation.

What can happen when you stop taking antidepressants?

If you abruptly stop taking your antidepressant medication, you may experience a number of unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, lethargy, and headache. This is known as Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome. Antidepressant discontinuation syndrome is especially common when you stop taking Paxil or Zoloft. However, all medications for depression can cause withdrawal symptoms.

Depression and anxiety are common symptoms when withdrawing from antidepressants. When depression is a withdrawal symptom, it is often more severe than the original depression that led to drug treatment. Unfortunately, many people mistake this withdrawal symptom for a return of their depressive illness and resume medication, creating a vicious circle.

In order to avoid antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, never stop your medication “cold turkey.” Instead, gradually taper your dose, allowing for at least 1-2 weeks between each dosage reduction. This tapering process may take up to several months, and should be monitored under a doctor's supervision.

How do I decide whether antidepressants are right for me?

If you are considering antidepressants as a treatment option, here are some questions that should help you make your decision:
Questions to ask yourself and a mental health professional

• Is my depression severe enough to justify drug treatment?
• Is medication the best option for treating my depression?
• Am I willing to tolerate unwanted side effects?
• What non-drug treatments might help my depression?
• Do I have the time and motivation to pursue other treatments such as psychotherapy and exercise?
• What self-help strategies might help reduce my depression?
• If I decide to take medication, should I pursue psychotherapy as well?

Questions to ask your doctor

• Are there any medical conditions that could be causing my depression?
• What are the side effects and risks of the antidepressant you are recommending?
• Are there any foods or other substances I will need to avoid?
• How will this drug interact with my other prescriptions?
• How long will I have to take this medication?
• Will withdrawing from the drug be difficult?
• Will my depression return when I stop taking medication?

What guidelines should I follow if I decide to take antidepressants?

If you decide that treating your depression with medication is the right option, you will need to see a doctor. The first guideline is to consult with a psychiatrist, rather than your family physician. Although any medical doctor can prescribe medications, psychiatrists are doctors who specialize in mental health treatment. They are more likely to be familiar with the newest research on antidepressant medication and to know about specific safety concerns. Your health and well-being depend on your doctor's expertise, so it's important to choose the physician who is best qualified.

You should also educate yourself about your drug. Make sure you know about its common side effects and any special warnings. For more information about minimizing the risks of prescription drug treatment, visit 10 Rules for Safer Drug Use. Print out the included Drug Worksheet and bring it to your doctor. Your doctor can fill out instructions on how and when to take the drug, what adverse reactions to look out for, and possible food and drug interactions. You can also use the worksheet to keep track of how you're responding to the antidepressant.

Here are some other guidelines:

• Be patient – Finding the right drug and dosage is a trial and error process. It takes approximately 4 to 6 weeks for antidepressant medications to reach their full therapeutic effect. Many people try several medications before finding one that works for them.
• Follow instructions – Be sure to take your antidepressant according to the doctor's instructions. Don't skip or alter your dose, and don't stop taking your pills as soon as you begin to feel better. Stopping treatment prematurely is associated with high relapse rates.
• Monitor side effects – Keep track of any physical and emotional changes you’re experiencing and talk to your doctor about them. Contact your doctor or therapist immediately if your depression gets worse or you experience an increase in suicidal thoughts,
• Go to therapy – Medication can reduce the symptoms of depression, but it doesn’t treat the underlying problems. Psychotherapy can help you get to the root of your problems, change negative thinking patterns, and learn new ways of coping.

What are the types of antidepressants and what are their side effects?

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

SSRIs act on a chemical in the brain called serotonin. They are the most commonly prescribed class of antidepressants because the adverse effects are less severe than those of older antidepressants. Common side effects include nausea, drowsiness, sexual dysfunction, and agitation. The SSRIs also cause serious withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them abruptly.

Tricyclic antidepressants

Tricyclics are an older class of antidepressants than the SSRIs. The tricyclics typically take around two weeks to provide symptom relief. They have many side effects, including weight gain and drowsiness. Drowsiness is particularly common in the first few weeks after starting the medication. The tricyclics can cause many withdrawal symptoms when discontinued abruptly.

MAOIs (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors)

MAOIs are the oldest class of antidepressants. Common side effects include weight gain, dizziness, drowsiness, and loss of sex drive. MAOIs also have severe interactions with certain foods, drinks, and medications. If you choose to take an MAOI, you will have to carefully monitor what you eat and what drugs you take. Items that are restricted include many cheeses, chocolate, wine, and beer. For a more complete guide, read MAOI Diet Facts. If you have previously taken an SSRI, you should wait at least five weeks before taking an MAOI. Combining SSRIs and MAOIs can lead to a life-threatening condition called serotonin syndrome.

Atypical antidepressants

There are a variety of newer atypical antidepressants which target other neurotransmitters either alone or in addition to serotonin. Some of the brain chemicals they affect include norepinephrine and dopamine. The side effects vary according to the specific drug.

Home Page | Mailing List |Contact Us

<!--- Begin Bravenet.com Sitering Panel Code --->
<div align="center">