What is the best ADD meds?

Question

Ok I'm 21 and was just Dx ADD, what do you think is the best med that you can be put on? Right now that doc has me on Concerta, but I know of Adderall and Strettera, of these or others what do think is the best one???

Answer 1

I find it rather interesting that ADD and ADHD are usually treated with stimulant drugs.

The most common medication prescribed is Methylphenidate (ritalin). Ritalin acts as a Dopamine/Norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, in some respects very similar to cocaine. Ritalin, however, is far longer acting than cocaine. This means that after a certain point, taking more ritalin will not result in an increased feeling of "high", and there is much less of a "crash" afterward, thus reducing the risk of addiction, though it is still possible. Concerta is is just a time release mixture of several Methylphenidate derivatives.

Apart from Methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine derivatives are often prescribed for ADD and ADHD. Adderal is, again, just a time release formula of several different d-amphphetamine salts. Amphetamines supposedly work by interfering with dopamine transport, causing the concentration of dopamine to increase. Amphetamines also interfere with other mono-amines, thus the occurance of side effects. The amphetamine relative modafinil (Provigil) is sometime prescribed "off label" for attention deficit, though it has somewhat different effects. Because of their potential for abuse and addiction, both d-amphetamine, and methylphenidate are schedule II controlled drugs.

Strattera (atomexitine) is a rather unique drug that primarily acts as a reuptake inhibitor for norepinephrine. It also acts on serotonin, and to a small extent, dopamine. Strattera is used both for ADD and also depression.

It has been shown that simple caffeine, if taken on careful and regimented basis, can help with the symptoms of ADD and ADHD. Caffeine is not as long acting as prescription drugs, so if it is not taken on a controlled basis, it can make symptoms worse, not better. It can also cause tolerance, partial addiction, and has been shown to actually *decrease* overall brain activity, if taken in very large doses.

As a final note, the symptoms of ADD can often be caused by many other problems, such as sleep disorders. In that case, prescribing stimulants is bound to be much less effective. Ritalin, has often been criticized for being overprescribed, as a "magic bullet" for *any* behavior problems in children. I might add, that it is often not enough to simply prescibe drugs for ADD. Ritalin or other stimulants are only a stopgap measure, and without consistent behavior therapy and training, to help deal with ADD related behaviors, the condition is bound to stay the same or get even worse.

Answer 2

My son has been on them since about 7 (now 16) we were always changing them. They seemed to work for a year or two then they would kinda fizzle. Doctors can only up the dosage so much then you have to change. Ritalin was the first, and it worked great for 2 years I believe. There was one that started with "d" but I don't remember the name, what I do remember is he didn't like it. It seemed to drain him of energy, he was calmer and more attentive but, kinda "dopey" or something. I think he may be on Adderall now (he lives with his mother). It works but not nearly as any of the meds did when he was under 10 years old.

Answer 3

I take Clonodine for ADHD. You could are attempting it, it is a good fit for me. It helps loads and doesn't make me depressed so long as i don't take an excessive amount of. I take the .1 miligram tablet, one 1/2 in the morning and one half of in the night and it's working relatively well for me. It is usually feasible that you just had been taking an excessive amount of Strattera. Which you can fiddle with it a bit and try taking much less to look in case you believe higher. Excellent luck!

Answer 4

i have add as well and am almost 21 i however am on ritalin and it seems to work fine. yes i haev to take one pill in the morning and one in the afternoon but its not that big a deal. it keeps me focused for about 4 hours at a time. i have tried straterra and i didnt like it so much because it stayed in your system too long for me. i take it on days i have work or school and on weekends i just dont take it. it might not be the ting for you but give whatever medication your on about a month to try and get adjusted...... hope this helped

Answer 5

The one I was on though it can be addictive was Ritalin as it's similar to being on speed if not taking at the proper time.

Answer 6

I took all of them when i was younger but they just made me shy and this made get bullied and ritalin made me loose a rapid amount of weight in a week

Answer 7

well i take adderal and it works for me stratera didn't work it gave me bad headaches so adderal works