|  | Conditions Treatments | ADHD

The Benefits & Dangers of ADHD Medications

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, more commonly referred to as ADHD, is a condition with a host of different treatment options. Medications for ADHD can generate positive outcomes in many patients, but there are some risks associated with some of the products used to treat the disorder. Despite the dangers, ADHD medications can safely serve their purpose. Patients who typically achieve the most success are taking a healthy, doctor-prescribed dosage amount while being closely monitored.

  1. Benefits

    • ADHD medications can completely revolutionize a patient's ability to focus. Many of the available medications are pure stimulants as a base with other additives to help refine a person's capacity to think, analyze and work. ADHD commonly surfaces in children who set themselves apart from their classmates because they can't sit still or accomplish one task at a time. ADHD medications can produce incredible results in minimal time by targeting specific centers of the brain that regulate deep thinking and attentiveness.

      According to a statement on Kidshealth.org, "ADHD medications have been shown to help teens with ADHD in all sorts of areas, such as reducing smoking, substance abuse, injuries and automobile accidents, and helping improve relationships in and out of the home."

      Approaches to address ADHD's symptoms of hyperactivity, short attention span and impulsiveness usually target brain receptors. The areas of the brain ADHD medications target regulate behavior and can promote the smooth passing of chemical signals in the central nervous system. Sometimes these receptors either pick up information too slowly, don't pick it up at all or pick it up too quickly and want to move on to the next thing immediately. ADHD drugs can help regulate the speed of these receptors and create a climate for improved cognitive ability and focus.

    Side Effects and Dangers

    • ADHD medications do have potential side effects. These include: increased heart rate and blood pressure; tremors; mood swings; confusion; paranoia; hallucinations; delusions; sweating; dry mouth and eyes; vomiting; and irregular breathing. The risk-to-reward ratio often depends on the dosage and the type of drug used. Close patient monitoring and proper diagnosis, choice of drug and dosing amounts are essential to prevent abuse and addiction when it comes to ADHD drugs.

      The fast effects of powerful medications can be a double-edged sword. The most common problem with ADHD medication is abuse, and it can happen to those with or without an actual prescription. Sometimes people with ADHD grow weary of the side effects or get used to taking less of the drug than is prescribed so they can sell excess pills to people without the disorder. Some of the most popular ADHD drugs have a street value because of their similarity to speed. In fact, patients and addicts often snort pills rather than swallowing them, hoping for a different or more potent effect. Addiction can set in easily, and even the most unsuspecting patients can end up taking much more than the suggested dosage.

    References

    • Consider the story of Tim Darling, who secured a wrestling scholarship to attend Penn State in 2007. Darling was arrested June 17 and "accused of changing two prescriptions by hand to receive more tablets of the psycho-stimulant Adderall," Penn State Clips reported. "According to court documents filed in Centre County, Darling changed one prescription from 15 tablets to 45 tablets and another from 30 tablets to 80 tablets. On June 11, a pharmacy contacted Penn State's Student Health Center, which confirmed the amounts were incorrect, the documents show." Darling lost his scholarship as a result of the charges.

      The September 2009 issue of Pediatrics magazine featured a study that found that the rate of ADHD medication abuse (measured by an increase in calls to poison centers) shot up 76 percent from 1998 to 2005. The same study reports that during the same time period, the rates of prescriptions issued for these medications rose about 80 percent. The drugs most often prescribed for ADHD are mixed amphetamine salts (Adderall) and methylphenidate (Ritalin, Concerta), according to the study. Other drugs used to treat ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder) and ADHD include: Focalin XR; Metadate CD; Daytrana (patch); Vyvanse; Dextrostat; Dexedrine; Strattera; and sometimes even anti-depressants like Wellbutrin.

    Non-Pharmaceutical Solutions

    • Those who are wary of the side effects and potential complications that can come from medicating a patient for ADHD can also choose a variety of less risky options. The disorder can also be addressed with homeopathic remedies, psychiatric approaches, and changes in teaching methods.

    Diet and ADHD

    • Even something as simple as a patient's diet can improve brain function.Vitamins and minerals that help promote healthy brain function include: calcium, magnesium, Chromium, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), taurine and vitamin B complex. Lemons, grapefruit, oranges, bananas, apples, kiwis, tomatoes, strawberries, peaches, red grapes, eggplant, beets, onions, sweet potatoes, broccoli and spinach are some so-called "brain foods" found in any supermarket.

      It's also important to avoid certain foods that can promote unhealthy brain function. If junk food is eliminated you should clearly see a difference. Candy, chocolate, apple cider vinegar, bacon, butter, hot dogs, luncheon meat, milk, margarine, salami, soy sauce, mustard and anything with artificial ingredients, preservatives and monosodium glutamate (MSG) should be left on the shelf when shopping.

ADHD - Related Articles