egulate the manufacture, storage and flow of its own neurotransmitters when needed by the brain. Ritalin is the most commonly prescribed psycho-stimulant medication used for Attention Deficit Disorder for children. Other commonly prescribed medications for children are Dexedrine and now Adderall. There are newer medications being developed and undergoing clinical testing, including a long acting 10-hour formulation of methylphenidate. Medication management of ADHD is a crucial part of a comprehensive treatment plan, weather for a child or an adult.. (John Ratey, M.D.) The length of time a person takes a medication depends on each individual. Everyone is different. Some people only need a short treatment, for 1 to 2 years, while some people need treatment for years. Regular checkups with your doctor should always be a part of this process. All medications can have side effects. Medications that are used to treat Attention Deficit Disorders are no different. Psychostimulants may cause a decrease in appetite, stomachache or headaches. Usually, these effects are limited to the initiation of the medications and get better with time. Too strong of a dose may produce jitteriness, increased heart rate or sluggishness. Loss of appetite will result in weight loss for some people. This side effect seems to be more common in children. Adderal may produce greater appetite disturbance compared to those who use Ritalin. Some will suffer from insomnia (trouble sleeping). Some of the ways to reduce these side effects, such as, fast heart beats, chest pain or vomiting, while taking psychostimulants are: Using the lowest possible dose that still controls hyperactivity. Take the medication with food if it bothers your stomach. Ask your doctor about having drug free weekends, which means not taking any medications on Saturdays and Sundays. If weight loss is a problem, have an extra snack during the day, such as peanut butter a...
