Good Drugs

Teens with ADHD or depression generally must be treated by a professional or a team of professionals in order to experience long-term improvement. Often, the treatments are multidimensional, combining therapy, diet and medications. While therapy is generally accepted as an appropriate approach to treatment, too often, medications are seen as unnecessary or dangerous. Psychologist Dr. Marsha McCarty notes, "It is unfair to the child not to consider a medical intervention if that is indicated. These conditions often have a strong biochemical component and that aspect of treatment can't be overlooked. With diabetes you wouldn't withhold medication." For disorders such as those discussed in this issue of Teacher Talk, a wide variety of medications are used including: Ritalin®, Prozac®, and Xanax®.

The effectiveness of medication has been shown to be quite high but varies among patients. In ADHD children, for example, medication favorably affects 70% of the users. Research further indicates that with drug treatment, children develop a more positive self-image because they are more able to control their behavior. However, medication should not be considered a cure and needs to be combined with other behavioral interventions. It only treats the symptoms of the condition. Often, the child will be able to be taken off the medication as he or she matures.

Medication Conditions it treats How it works Possible side effects Notes

Desipramine
&
Imipramine
(Tofranil®) Inattention, distractibility, mini-panic state, impulsivity. Increase concentration of chemicals needed for nerve transmission to the brain. Fatigue, stomach upset, dry mouth, blurry vision, dizziness, tics. Typically these are used to treat ADHD combined with anxiety/mood disorder. Patient not necessarily depressed.

Ritalin® Inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity. Enhances functioning of norepinephrine & dopamine. Loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia, stomach ache, irritability, headaches. Non addictive. Works fast (within 30 minutes).
Cannot use with
decongestants.

Cylert® Inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity. Enhances functioning of norepinephrine & dopamine. Insomnia, stomachache, irritability, headaches. Usually used for ADD with Hyperactivity.
Cannot use with decongestants.

Prozac® Depression, PMS /irritability, obsessive /compulsive. Enhances serotonergic functions. Can cause anxiety symptoms. Used for treatment of clinical depression.

Zoloft® Depression, PMS /irritability, obsessive /compulsive. Enhances serotonergic functions. When used with an MAOI* serious side effects can occur. Chance of temporary motor ability impairment common to this kind of medication.

Xanax®

Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder. Central nervous system depressant. Drowsiness, light- headedness. (Side effects typically subside after short period of use.) May cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.

Lithium Rage outbursts, tantrums, violent behavior. Stabilizes moods. Nausea, thirst, hand tremor, acne. Takes 1-3 weeks to take effect.

*MAOI - monoamine oxidase inhibitor.

For more information about medications please refer to The Physicians Desktop Reference or ask your family doctor or pharmacist.

This document was last updated 8/13/97 by Chandra Hawley.
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Medication	Conditions it treats	How it works	Possible side effects	Notes
Desipramine & Imipramine (Tofranil®)	Inattention, distractibility, mini-panic state, impulsivity.	Increase concentration of chemicals needed for nerve transmission to the brain.	Fatigue, stomach upset, dry mouth, blurry vision, dizziness, tics.	Typically these are used to treat ADHD combined with anxiety/mood disorder. Patient not necessarily depressed.
Ritalin®	Inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity.	Enhances functioning of norepinephrine & dopamine.	Loss of appetite, weight loss, insomnia, stomach ache, irritability, headaches.	Non addictive. Works fast (within 30 minutes). Cannot use with decongestants.
Cylert®	Inattention, distractibility, hyperactivity.	Enhances functioning of norepinephrine & dopamine.	Insomnia, stomachache, irritability, headaches.	Usually used for ADD with Hyperactivity. Cannot use with decongestants.
Prozac®	Depression, PMS /irritability, obsessive /compulsive.	Enhances serotonergic functions.	Can cause anxiety symptoms.	Used for treatment of clinical depression.
Zoloft®	Depression, PMS /irritability, obsessive /compulsive.	Enhances serotonergic functions.	When used with an MAOI* serious side effects can occur.	Chance of temporary motor ability impairment common to this kind of medication.
Xanax®	Generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder.	Central nervous system depressant.	Drowsiness, light- headedness. (Side effects typically subside after short period of use.)	May cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly.
Lithium	Rage outbursts, tantrums, violent behavior.	Stabilizes moods.	Nausea, thirst, hand tremor, acne.	Takes 1-3 weeks to take effect.