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Autism
ADD/ADHD, Dyslexia
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Overview
Testing
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ADD /
ADHD, Dyslexia. It's a family issue. Improve
grades and self-esteem. Evaluation and non-drug therapy that
really works!
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7. What are the drugs commonly prescribed for ADD?
The most commonly prescribed drugs for the treatment of the
symptoms of ADD, as well as the percentage of usages for which we've collected
the data at our Centers are as listed in Table II on the next page.
These percentages are reflective of the cities in which we
have our Centers and may not be representative of other cities or regions.
Fortunately, we see these drugs as optional with our
program. Approximately 80% of the children that come to us on medications are
off within 8-12 weeks of starting therapy. Another 10% are off within 6 months.
The other 10% in addition to cognitive dysfunctions are usually
struggling with substantial external issues (abuse, neglect, ongoing trauma)
that need to be addressed through other means such as counseling.
However, without adequate cognitive therapy and development, the
counseling may be rather ineffective.
Table II. Common Medications
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46%
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Ritalin®
(methylphenidate) – the most common psychotropic in use.
Concerta® a time
release form of Ritalin. Mfr:
Novartis of Germany.
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40%
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Adderall®
Combination of 4 amphetamines one of which is dextroamphetamine sulfate
(see Dexedrine).
Been
around since mid-70’s and known as Obetrol
prior to 4/94. Mfr: Richwood Pharmaceutical Company.
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7%
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Dexedrine®
(dextro-amphetamine sulfate or "d-amphetamine") Mfr: SmithKline
Beecham.
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5%
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Wellbutrin®
(Bupropian hydrochloride) Primarily for use in fighting depression - Mfr:
GlaxoWellcome.
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<2%
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Cylert®
(Pemoline) - Has fallen out of favor due to substantial risk of liver
damage, and the recent death of several youngsters from liver failure.
Mfr: Abbott Pharmaceutical
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For potential adverse side effects, see the table below.
So why are
psychotropics like Ritalin given for ADD-behavior?
[ Back ] [ Next ]
Potential Adverse Effects of Psychostimulant Medications
(see footnotes for letter explanations)
| Organ
System |
Adverse
Effect |
Dextroamphetamine (Dexedrine ®)
Adderall ® is
similar |
Methylphenidate (Ritalin ® ) |
Pemoline
(Cylert ®) |
| Cardiovascular |
Palpitations
Tachycardia
Increased blood pressure |
X
X
X |
X
X
X |
a |
| Central Nervous System (CNS) |
CNS stimulation
Psychosis
Dizziness
Insomnia
Headache
Nervousness
Irritability
Tics and other abnormal involuntary movements |
X b
X c
X
X
X
X
X
X |
X b
X
X
X
X
X
X
X |
X
X
-
X
-
X
X
X |
| Gastrointestinal |
Anorexia
Nausea
Vomiting
Stomachaches
Stomach cramps or pain
Dry mouth |
X
X
X
-
X
X |
X
X
X
-
X
X |
X
X
-
X |
Endocrine/
metabolic |
Weight loss
Growth suppression |
X c
X d |
X c
X d |
X c
e |
| Other |
Leukopenia
Skin rash or hives
Hypersensitivity reaction
Blurred vision
Jaundice
Anemia
Elevated liver enzymes |
-
X
-
X f |
X
-
X
X f
X f
X f
X f |
X f
X
-
-
X f
X f
X fg |
a - Not at recommended doses.
b - CNS stimulation is excessive.
c - With prolonged use.
d - Growth rebound occurs after temporary discontinuation of drug.
e - Reported only in doses >4 mg/kg/day.
f - Rare
g -Rate of liver enzyme elevations originally reported at 2%, but the incidence
reports over the last 10 years suggest a rate between .02% and .1% (Sallee FR,
Nabulsinbulsi A, Sethuraman G, unpublished data, 1995)
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