ADHD Meds Online

ADHD Medications

ADHD is also known as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. This is often a chronic, long-lasting condition that has affected millions of children and is know to also persist right into adulthood. The most common issues associated with this condition include impulsive behavior along with inattention and hyperactivity.

Children that have ADHD will often struggle from poor school performance, low self-esteem, and very often troubled relationships. ADHD was named Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in the past, but is now known by its current name.

The Symptoms of ADHD

It can take several months for the symptoms of ADHD to appear. In many cases, the first symptoms will hyperactivity and impulsive behavior patterns. This may then be followed by inattention to what is being said or done around the person. Some of the more specific symptoms may include fidgeting, problems with organizing thoughts or activities, and constant talking. It is important to remember that most children will behave in these fashions, only they do so at a lower level of intensity. For this reason, it is very important that only a professional doctor make the ADHD diagnosis.

The Causes of ADHD

No one is truly sure what causes ADHD. Some experts feel the disorder may be the result of various social factors or that it may be the result of certain child-rearing practices. Others, however, such as research scientists, have other feelings and they are currently working on various theories concerning the cause of ADHD. Some of these new theories suggest cause may be linked to brain injury, environmental agents, or even to heredity and genetics.

ADHD Diagnosis

Diagnosing ADHD is difficult in some cases. One reason it is difficult is because most people will naturally exhibit the same type of symptoms, such as hyperactivity, impulsive behavior, and inattention) at one time or another. This is normal. In order to make a diagnosis of ADHD these symptoms must be present a higher level and over a longer period of time. The behavior must also be shown to be age-inappropriate for the individual exhibiting the behavior.

ADHD Treatment

Behavior therapy has been shown to be effective in treating ADHD, but only as one part of an overall plan. In terms of behavior therapy, social skills lessons, psychotherapy, and interventions all play a part in treatment. There are also certain drugs that can be beneficial, but these must be prescribed carefully. The most common types of medications used in treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder belong to the class of drugs which know as stimulants. These medications cannot cure the condition. They can only help reduce the symptoms. It should also be noted that what works for one person may not work for the next. Only a trained doctor can discover the right drug and the right dose for each person.

Not everyone agrees with current ADHD treatment methods. The condition has spawned much debate over the last several years. There are some who are worried that overly active boys are being diagnosed with this condition when they, in fact, are only active boys. A major concern is that these misdiagnosed children are being treated with powerful psycho-stimulants unnecessarily. There are also debates over the possible hazards of long-term stimulant use in both children and adults.

Medicines for ADHD

ADHD has been treated with medications for decades. The drugs that appear to be very effective are those known as stimulants.

Stimulant drugs that are used to treat ADHD can be very effective, but they can be abused as well, leading to addiction. This often happens when patients exceed their prescribed doses. The various medicines that listed here are all considered controlled substances. They cannot be taken without a prescription.

In terms of ADHD medications, there are only four that have been specifically approved in the treatment of adult ADHD. They are: Adderall XR, Vyvanse, Concerta, and Focalin XR.

ADHD Medications: Non-stimulants

For ADHD, there are only two non-stimulant drugs currently approved for the treatment of this condition: Strattera (Atomoxetine HCL) and Intuniv (Guanfacine ER).

Strattera has been approved for use in children who are aged six and older. It can also be used with adults and teenagers. The non-stimulant Intuniv has been approved for treating ADHD only for those between the ages of 6 and 17.

It should be noted that many doctors, as well as parent, prefer to use non-stimulant ADHD medications. The reasons are simple: Non-stimulants have less potential for being abused when compared to the stronger ADHD stimulant drugs.

It should also be noted that other types of drugs can be used. For instance, for those who have ADHD along with other disorders, antidepressants may be used in order to control depression or anxiety.

ADHD Controversies

There are some health care professionals who are worried that children, in particular young, active boys, are diagnosed with ADHD incorrectly, and that these same boys are being put on powerful medication. There is also controversy over the health issues associated with taking stimulants for long periods of time.

ADHD Management

For those with ADHD, school can be a problem area. Most of us know that a successful education requires the student to pay attention as well as control his or her behavior and impulses. This, of course, is where those with ADHD have problems. But there is hope. Many schools have been able to find ways to help their students that have ADHD. Today, teachers and other school faculty will evaluate and assess a student's strengths and weaknesses. This allows them to design and implement an Individualized Educational Program (IEP). In addition, teachers will allow for frequent breaks so the child stay more focused. When teachers and parents communicate with each other, the ADHD student normally does better in school.