Medications for ADHD

There are many medications available to treat the symptoms of ADHD. There are medications for children as well as adults. There are also alternatives that are available to treat ADHD.

Many medications have side effects that parents do not want their children to suffer. Some Medications that are well known are Adderall, Concerta, Ritalin, Strattera, and Wellbutrin.

Stimulants such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta increase brain activity and tend to increase a child�s alertness and ability to pay attention. The most common side effects of these drugs are mood changes, headaches, irritability, insomnia and loss of appetite.

Non-Stimulants, such as Strattera, increase attention and impulse control by monitoring a brain chemical believed to affect those behaviors. Side effects similarly include moodiness, fatigue and decreased appetite.

Anti-depressants, such as Wellbutrin, relieve anxiety and regulate mood by altering brain chemical composition. These drugs are commonly prescribed to children suffering from both ADHD and depression. Side effects can include dizziness, weight loss and suicidal thoughts.

Adderall - Adderall is a brand-name pharmaceutical psychostimulant or sympathomimetic amine composed of mixed amphetamine salts. Adderall is commonly prescribed for treatment of ADHD in children and adults.

After administration of Adderall students have been shown to give higher teacher ratings and perform better in mathematics within 1.5 hours of initial dose. Depending on dosage, these beneficial effects can also last several hours allowing improved performance throughout the day.
Concerta and Ritalin - Concerta and Ritalin are brand names of drugs that consist of Methylphenidate (MPH). Methylphenidate is a prescription stimulant used to treat ADHD.

Methylphenidate is a central nervous system (CNS) stimulant, it works by reducing impulsive behavior, and facilitating concentration on work and other tasks. Adults with ADHD have reported that taking methylphenidate increases their ability to focus on tasks and organize their lives.
Strattera - Atomoxetine is a non-stimulant drug approved for the treatment of ADHD. Strattera is a form of the hydrochloride salt of atomoxetine. Classified as a norepinephrine (noradrenaline) reuptake inhibitor, atomoxetine is approved for use in children, adolescents, and adults.

Its advantage over stimulants for the treatment of ADHD is that it has less abuse potential than stimulants, is not scheduled as a controlled substance. Although the effects of the drug can be noticed right away it does not start properly working for 3-4 weeks. Users should expect to feel tired and groggy for a few weeks. Eventually, the system adapts to the drug and the benefits can be felt. Users are recommended to continue taking the drug for at least three weeks before deciding to discontinue its use.
Wellbutrin - Bupropion is an atypical antidepressant that acts as a norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and nicotinic antagonist. Wellbutrin is a brand name drug that consists of Bupropion. Bupropion is a dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor. It is about twice as potent an inhibitor of dopamine reuptake than of norepinephrine reuptake.

As bupropion is rapidly converted in the body into several metabolites with differing activity, its action cannot be understood without reference to its metabolism. Bupropion does not inhibit monoamine oxidase or serotonin reuptake. However, it has been shown to indirectly enhance the firing of serotonergic neurons, via activation of downstream norepinephrine flow.

Specialists stress the need for ADHD treatments not to solely rely on drugs like the ones mentioned above. They advise a comprehensive treatment plan that includes ADHD education, coaching and support groups; regular visits to your doctor; therapy or counseling regarding ADHD; involvement in recovery programs, and family and relationship counseling when appropriate.

Listol and Other ADHD Alternatives

There are several alternatives to treating ADHD other than prescribed medications. The most popular alternatives are natural supplements, diets and behavior therapy.

Natural Supplements - When researching natural remedies as a treatment for ADHD, look for ingredients which have been shown to be the most useful. There are many natural remedies available, such as Listol, that focus specifically on child ADHD treatment.

Every child is unique and will react uniquely to medication, so trust your instincts and give the remedy time to take effect. As always, consult a doctor if you have questions, but you may find that homeopathic medications provide your child with a safe and natural path to an ADHD symptom-free life.
Diet - There are diets that are helpful in ADHD as well. ADHD in many cases has been linked to diet, which includes food allergies and nutritional deficiencies. By eliminating certain foods or adding others may reduce symptoms or eliminate them altogether.

Hyperactive children are especially vulnerable as they are �hyper' sensitive to sugar and other stimulants. Making healthy food choices for you and your child is not difficult. There is no downside to adopting a healthy eating program and huge benefits for everyone, whether dealing with a current health issue or preventing future ones.
Behavior Therapy - A non-medical approach used in treating children with ADHD is known as behavior therapy or behavior management. Behavior therapy is based on several simple and sensible notions about what leads children to behave in socially appropriate ways. Children generally want to please their parents and feel good about themselves. When the relationship between parent and child is basically positive, this is a very important source of motivation.

Children behave appropriately to obtain positive consequences for doing so like rewards and privileges. They will also behave appropriately to avoid the negative consequences that follow inappropriate behavior.

The goal of behavior therapy is to increase the frequency of desirable behavior by increasing the child's interest in pleasing parents and by providing positive consequences when the child behaves. Inappropriate behavior is reduced by consistently providing negative consequences when such behavior occurs.

There are many alternatives available and it is important to work with your child to find the appropriate treatment for them whether it is a prescribed medication or a natural supplement. It is always suggested to talk to your childs physician to make sure you are treating the ADHD appropriately. There are nutritionists and therapists that are good resources when trying to figure out the best way to help your child.