{EAV:215f03c1d7b0eacf} Most of the
newest ADHD meds released in the last two years have shown some sophistication
in better targeting of some of the receptor areas of the brain connected with
working memory. This is not such a great advance as is claimed by some of the
pharmaceutical companies. But let us look at the issues of ADHD meds in general
to help us through the maze.
The anxiety
issue is often underestimated
There was a
lot of fuss about how the stimulant meds were potentially harmful for the heart
and the circulatory system. Latest studies show that this is largely unfounded
but what has come to light is the role that these meds can play in increasing
anxiety.
This has
remained largely unaddressed but the newer meds seem to have gone some of the
way to relieving this issue mainly because they are non-stimulants.
Examples of non
stimulants meds
For
example, Clonicel is the newer version of Clonidine . The main ingredient here
acts on the target receptors in the area of the brain which copes with stress
and tension. Results have shown that there are better results in some children
and they were showing fewer temper tantrums and above all less irritability and
less anxiety.
Other meds
for ADHD have concentrated on issuing extended release versions and these are
very popular now as they can reduce the number of times dosages have to be taken.
Why Ritalin and other
meds have been superseded
The more
traditional types of ADHD meds which were basically a mix of amphetamine salts,
such as Ritalin and Concerta have had
mixed results because they were targeting the areas of the brain which govern
our production of dopamine and norepinephrine. These are essential, not only in
keeping us motivated and on task but also in helping us to concentrate and to
actually finish the task without wandering off. But they needed to be fine tuned.
The alpha 2a agonists
The newer
meds such as Intuniv have done that
tweaking in that they contain the famous alpha 2a agonist which can target much
more efficiently the areas of the brain which are involved in memory, executive
tasks and also in improving focus and the attention span. These drugs also seem
to be more efficient in controlling the irritability and anxiety factors
although every child seems to have a different reaction.
Why Focalin has become
popular
Lots of parents
are now going for Focalin extended release instead of Adderall because again
this seems better equipped to deal with attention problems. The reason is that
Focalin contains the dexmethylphenidate hydrochloride
ingredient while Adderall contains a more general mix of amphetamine salts.
With
Focalin attention can be improved but there is one side effect in many children
which makes them giddy and unusually euphoric. The very opposite of being
anxious.
As we have seen, the newest ADHD meds have
made some progress in the following areas of reducing anxiety and other nasty
side effects although they are sometimes replaced by others as we have seen
above with h example of Focalin
ADHD meds and what
else?
But the
simple fact of the matter is that ADHD meds can only do so much. They can be just
weapon in an armoury that has to watch out for behavioural issues and knowing
how to solve then, looking after dieting, physical exercise and also ensuring that the child is not
entirely dependent on his medication. Meds are really just the tip of the iceberg.
So much will depend on the school and home environment.