Question

what is ADD/ADHD medication? (who has it, who gets it etc)

what are the treatments? medication+stimulants and therapy)

what are the effects of the medication on babies (who are already born)

-what are the effects of medication on babies in the womb (if the mom is taking the medication and she has ADD)

Answer 1

1. These are the medications which can help reduce symptoms of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and impulsivity in children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), formerly known as ADD. Symptoms always begin in childhood. Adults with ADHD may have trouble managing time, being organized, setting goals, and holding down a job. To be diagnosed with ADHD, a person must have shown symptoms for more than six months, and in more than one setting.

2. The two main types of ADHD medications are stimulants and nonstimulants.

Central nervous system stimulants

Central nervous system (CNS) stimulants are the most commonly prescribed class of ADHD drugs. These drugs work by increasing the amounts of the brain chemicals called dopamine and norepinephrine. The effect improves your child’s concentration and helps them focus better.

Common CNS stimulants used to treat ADHD include:

• amphetamine-based stimulants (Adderall, Dexedrine, Dextrostat)
• dextromethamphetamine (Desoxyn)
• dextromethylphenidate (Focalin)
• methylphenidate (Concerta, Daytrana, Metadate, Ritalin)

Nonstimulant medications:

Your child’s doctor may consider nonstimulant medications when stimulants haven't worked or have caused side effects that your child finds hard to handle.

Certain nonstimulant medications work by increasing levels of norepinephrine in your child’s brain. Norepinephrine is thought to help with attention and memory. These nonstimulant treatments include:

• atomoxetine (Strattera)
• antidepressants like nortriptyline (Pamelor)

Other nonstimulant medications can also help with ADHD. It isn’t fully known how these medications help with ADHD, but there is some evidence that they help certain chemicals work better in the part of the brain involved with attention and memory. These other nonstimulants include:

• guanfacine (Intuniv)
• clonidine (Kapvay)

Plus proper behaviour therapy, psychotherapy, meditation, exercise and sleep are beneficial as well.

3. Apart from being effective in reducing symptoms of ADHD, some children do experience some adverse effects such as:

• Sleep problems
• Decreased appetite
• Delayed growth
• Headaches and stomachaches
• Rebound (irritability when the medication wears off)
• Tics
• Moodiness and irritability

4. Exposure to ADHD medication in utero was associated with an increased risk for moderately preterm birth, admission to a NICU, and for CNS-related disorders in infants.