A General Overview of ADD Medicine

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ADD or Attention Deficit Disorder is commonly diagnosed in children, but can also affect adults. Medication is a main treatment for ADD. However, as with any medication ADD Medicine should be taken with care and under the supervision of a doctor.

Medicines Used for ADD Treatment

The main group of ADD Medicine used is psycho stimulants. They are stimulants which means in the typical person they would cause a stimulating effect, but in people with ADD they have the opposite effect and calm the person down. Brand name psycho stimulants include, Concerta and Ritalin.

Other groups of stimulants often used to treat ADD include dextroamphertamines, pemoline and d- and l-amphetamin racemic mixture. Dextroamphertamines include the brand name drugs Dexedrine and Dextrostat. Pemoline is sold under the brand name of Cylert.

Adderall is the brand name of a d- and l-amphetamin racemic mixture drug.Other types of ADD Medicine include atomoxetine, clonidine, despiramine, imipramine and buproprion.

Side Effects of ADD Medications

ADD Medicine can cause side effects and knowing these possible effects is important in ensuring proper treatment. The side effects can vary by drug and by person, but the main side effects reported are:

• loss of appetite
• upset stomach
• headaches
• weight loss
• insomnia

Less reported side effects include:

• rapid heart beat
• chest pain
• vomiting

Taking Medication

Usually obeying doctor’s orders about taking medication can help you to avoid many common side effects. Taking the ADD Medicine correctly will help it to work and do what it has to do to treat the condition. Here are some pointers about the proper way to take ADD Medicine:

• Take it at the time and dosage given by the doctor.
• Take before eating
• Do not crush or cut pills unless directed or told you can do so.
• Understand that some medication is controlled so you must follow the rules about picking up prescriptions and refilling prescriptions.

Other Important Information

The medication used to treat ADD is supposed to help improve the ability to concentrate  and improve self-control. It may not be able to completely get rid of all the symptoms of ADD. It is important to understand that the medication will only work when it is taken properly.

Some people will have to take the medication for the rest of their others. Others may only be on it for a short period of time. The length of treatment varies from person to person. It is important to get regular check ups with the doctor to see how the medication is working and so that adjustments can be made, if needed, to the ADD Medicine.

The most important thing to understand is that treating ADD is an attempt to help a person to cope with the condition. It will not cure it and it will not mean that other treatments, such as counseling, are not needed. Medication works best in combination with other treatment methods.

Please also check out my other guide on symptoms of add and bipolar mania



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