| Medication has long since been the cornerstone for | | | | Stratera was linked to increased suicidal thoughts |
| treating Attention Deficit Disorder. There are several | | | | among children in an extensive study. This, of course, |
| medications on the market and their effectiveness is | | | | should be of great concern to parents, as well as |
| rarely at question; however, they do not come without | | | | doctors treating a child with ADD. |
| their side effects and criticisms. | | | | Side effects that are common with these medications |
| The most common medication is methylphenidate, | | | | include loss of appetite, stomachache, headache, |
| more commonly known as Ritalin and Concerta. Other | | | | insomnia, fast heart beat, vomiting, and chest pain. |
| stimulant medications are pemoline, known as Cylert; | | | | Many of these effects can be reduced or eliminated |
| dextroamphetamine, known as Dexedrine and | | | | with the lowering of medication dosage, eliminating |
| Dextrostat; and d- and l-amphetamin racemic mixture, | | | | doses close to bedtime, and taking medication with |
| known as Adderall. | | | | food. |
| Stimulant medications would typically make a person | | | | Due to the possible side effects, as well as the |
| more active; however, with Attention Deficit Disorder, it | | | | negative connotation surrounding over-medicating |
| has a calming effect. Therefore, it quiets impulsive and | | | | children, there are a lot of people against administering |
| disruptive behavior quickly and effectively. For this | | | | medication for ADD. However, this may also be due to |
| reason, many teachers and parents sing its praises. | | | | the misconception that ADD is not a real disorder and |
| However, this is only a treatment and not a cure for | | | | is a parent's way of getting out of controlling or |
| Attention Deficit Disorder. Ultimately, it is a temporary | | | | disciplining their child. This, of course, is not true and |
| form of relief. | | | | such unfounded opinions should not be considered in |
| Other types of medicine sometimes used to treat | | | | seeking a treatment course for your child. Professional |
| ADD include atomoxetine, known as Stratera; | | | | advice will prove to much more helpful in making sound |
| buproprion, known as Wellbutrin; clonidine, known as | | | | decisions for your child and your family. |
| Catapres; imipramine, known as Tofranil; and | | | | It should also be understood that, while medication may |
| desipramine, known as Norpramin. | | | | be effective, it is not a cure for ADD. Many doctors |
| However, Stratera was recently the subject of a | | | | suggest using medication in conjunction with behavioral |
| public health advisory issued by the Food and Drug | | | | therapy to achieve the full benefit of both treatment |
| Administration. The FDA issued a statement saying | | | | methods. |