What is the current favored ADHD medicine?

Question

I'm also curious as to the difference between ADD meds and ADHD meds, if there are any. Also known side affects and problems.

I don't need to know anyone's opinion of the 'disorder' itself. I don't believe in it; I am asking about this with regard to my stepson, for whom I do not make decisions, but about whose health I nonetheless care.

Answer 1

ive seen many psychiatrists use risperdal, concerta, straterra, and even wellbutrin. depends on the type and severity of the symptoms, whether the child leans more towards the down side or the always hyper side.
usually psychotherapy works better than meds in most cases unless its extremely severe, then behavior therapy works better.

Answer 2

The medications used for ADD and ADHD are exactly the same. Actually, there's technically no such thing as ADD - the formal diagnosis is "ADHD - inattentive type."

The traditional treatment is stimulants. The most commonly prescribed stimulant is Ritalin, and second is Adderall. There are several similar drugs available, including time-released preparations.

Children who don't respond well to stimulants sometimes respond to certain classes of antidepressants. This has traditionally been the second class of drugs given to patients (primarly kids) for whom stimulants do not prove effective after trying several doses of several different drugs.

Recently, a non-stimulant medication called Strattera has been approved to treat ADHD. Because it is not a stimulant, it doesn't have the same potential for abuse, so it's rapidly becoming the drug of choice for adults, particularly college students who are seen as being higher risk for abusing stimulants. Also, it doesn't disrupt sleep and appetite like stimulants do, so can be a good option for kids who have had problems with side effects from stimulants. However, it's associated with an increased risk of suicide among children and adolescents, so doctors are often reluctant to prescribe it to kids, especially if they have a history of depression or suicial thoughts or behaviors. Also, since Strattera is newly approved, most pediatricians are unwilling to prescribe it, so it has to be prescribed by a psychiatrist, whereas stimulants are often prescribed by a pediatrician or GP.

Answer 3

I work in a residential/day treatment center for kids. A lot of our kids are diagnosed as ADHD and maybe half of them are on meds. The most common ones I see are Ritalin, Adderall and Dexadrine.

Answer 4

You don't "believe in" this disorder. Whether you believe in it or not, it does exist, sadly. Medications for this disorder vary depending on the person. Approximately 1/3-1/2 of people with it have co-morbid issues that need addressing; depression, anxiety, etc. So, the "cocktail" of medications is an individual one that takes knowledge and care by a qualified person.

Personally, I believe in trying natural methods first. I suggest the book; The ADD Book, by Sears and Thompson.

Answer 5

I could not agree more with JOSEPH C. The drug companies are making alot of money off of this. If theres a problem there are natural cures. But I think it's a way to control kids. To make the teachers job easier.

Answer 6

I dont care if it is a real disorder or not. I was told I have it and when I take th medicine my thoughts are clear, my life makes sense and it is very organized. I have since quit taking Adderall because I started to abuse it.

Answer 7

It's all very dangerous and very false. ADHD is a myth, and it's a new politically correct so-called "disease" mainly ascribed to children who display signs of normalcy, and especially masculine normalcy.

Answer 8

ridlin

Answer 9

marinal