While Wellbutrin XL (bupropion HCI extended-release) and Provigil (modafinil) are not currently FDA-approved for the treatment of ADD, they have shown some effectiveness in treating the symptoms.
Wellbutrin XL (bupropion HCI extended-release). Wellbutrin XL is a norepinephrine and dopamine reutake inhibitor (NDRI). It is an antidepressant. Like Strattera, this medication allows more norepinephrine to linger between the neurons. In addition, it also allows dopamine to share that space. Wellbutrin XL is FDA-indicated for depression but not for ADD. However, it has shown promise in helping reduce ADD symptoms in adults. Side effects include dry mouth, headaches, and nausea. In rare cases, seizures may occur, particularly in people who have a history of eating disorders.
Provigil (modafinil). Provigil is a long-acting stimulant that is currently FDA-approved to treat narcolepsy, a disorder that makes it difficult for people to stay awake. Some doctors prescribe this medication for ADD. Provigil may activate nerve cells in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, although the exact way Provigil works is not known. Side effects of Provigil include headache, nausea, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. Provigil has shown some evidence that it improves ADD symptoms, and it can be helpful to adults with ADD who have not had success with other medications. A flew, longer-lasting formulation of Provigil, called Nuvigil (armodafinil), was approved by the FDA in 2007.
HERBAL SUPPLEMENTS
Herbal supplements are pills or powders made from naturally occurring ingredients. Sometimes people look to herbal supplements as an alternative to prescribed medication. However, be aware that there is little scientific evidence that herbal supplements are effective in treating ADD. Also be aware that herbal supplements are not required to have FDA approval before being put on the market.
In addition, some studies have found that the concentration of an herbal supplement can vary greatly from product to product. For these reasons, make sure the supplement's manufacturer adheres to strict quality control measures - for example, by choosing to follow the FDA's Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) regulations; You may see "GMP" on an herbal supplement label, if so.
Make sure you tell your doctor if you are considering taking herbal supplements or if you are already taking them. Some herbal supplements, including kava kava, valerian root, and St. John's wort, interact with your body's central nervous system, can interact with your medication, and can affect the way your body absorbs medication.
OMEGA-3 AND OMEGA.6 FATTY ACIDS
There is evidence that omega-3 fatty acids can help improve the symptoms of ADD. Studies have found that people with ADD had a significantly lower level of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood than people without ADD. Fish oil and polyunsaturated fatty acids, which contain omega-3 and omega-6, have been found to increase this level. ADD symptoms improved somewhat in children who were taking both omega-3 and omega-6 supplements.
Commonly Asked Questions About Medication for ADD
It is completely normal for you to have questions about ADD medication. You are always encouraged to talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns. Here are five of the most commonly asked questions about medication.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE MEDICATION FOR , THE REST OF MY LIFE?
It is virtually impossible to know what will happen to you in the future - many people function much better on medication and continue to take it so that they can have the best quality of life possible. Others decide that they want to stop their medication to see if they still "need" it anymore. If you do decide to discontinue your medication, make sure you talk with your doctor first. You.don't want to stop ADD medications abruptly, particularly some nonstimulant medications. Your doctor will know how to safely decrease your dosage so you are less likely to experience side effects from discontinuation.
After stopping, some people decide they want to get back on their medication, while some decide that medication is no longer something they feel they need. It can be helpful to give yourself a "window" of two weeks after you stop your medication. After this time, check in with yourself and your family to see how you are doing. You may notice even before those two weeks are up that your medication really was helping you. It is okay to realize that you do need medication in order to function to your full potential.
Why Is The Doctor Changing My Medication (Again)?
There is no blood test for ADD like tests for other medical disorders, such as diabetes. So finding an ideal medication for you can involve trial and error, and that's why your doctor may need to change your dosage amount, or even your medication, so you can receive the most benefits and the least amount of side effects. There are several different medications available, and if one is causing problems for you, another might work better. It is very important to tell your doctor how your medication is affecting you - he will then be able to help you.
Remember, it may take a few weeks or more before you notice the benefits of some medications, particularly nonstimulant medication. Also, your doctor may start you out on a low dose and gradually increase it, so you may not notice a lot of changes right away. Remember to be patient and keep open lines of communication with your doctor.
How Can I Remember To Take My Medication?
The more severe your ADD symptoms, the less likely it is that you will take your medication regularly. You may forget to take your medication due to forgetfulness and distraction, or you may avoid taking it because of unwanted side effects. You are more likely to remember your medication if you are receiving more benefits than side effects.
In order to remember to take your medication, buy a weekly pill container, which is divided into sections that are labeled by the day of the week. The container helps you remember to take your medicine and also prevents you from taking it twice.
You may be able to get a pill container for free from your pharmacy or doctor's office. It is much easier to remember to fill your pill container when you do it on the same day every week. In addition, filling up more than one day of the week at one time is even more efficient.
Another way to remember your medication is to take it at the same time every day. Set an alarm, such as on your cell phone, to remind you. By taking your medication at the same time every day, not only are you getting into a good habit, but you are also making sure that your medication is evenly dosed in your body within every twenty-four-hour cycle.
IF I DIDN'T LIKE TAKING MEDICATIONS WHEN I WAS A CHILD, WHY TRY AGAIN?
It is important to figure out why you didn't have a good experience with medications when you were a child. Was it because someone was "making" you take a medication? Did you experience side effects? Did you have to leave your classroom every day so you could take your medication at the nurse's office?
No one can force you to take medication for ADD now that you are an adult. The choice is completely up to you. In addition, medications have improved since you were a child, Newer medication have more benefits and fewer side effects. As you learned earlier, medication are now in an extended-release formulation. This means you only have to take one pill a day. People who take extended-release formulations may experience fewer side effects as compared to the formulations, due to the more even amount of medication being release in the body from hour to hour throughout the day.
If you took stimulant medications for ADD when you were a child, there is good news. A study by Biederman and colleagues found that adults with ADD who took stimulant medications as children functioned better both socially and psychologically as compared to those with ADD who did not take stimulant medication as children. Children who took stimulant medication for ADD were also significantly less likely to develop depression and anxiety disorders later in life.
When you meet with your doctor, make sure you are honest with him about your experiences with medications in the past. Tell your doctor which medications you took and how they made you feel - this information can affect what your doctor prescribes for you. If you are not sure what medications you took, ask your parents or see if any of your previous medical records are available.
Isn't Taking Medication Just A Crutch?
ADD is a genetic and biological disorder, just as diabetes is. You wouldn't tell someone that taking insulin is a crutch! You may feel like you should be able to "conquer" ADD on your own and not need any treatment. But remember, when you have ADD, you have a low level of the neurotransmitter dopamine in your brain. Medication is a relatively safe and effective way of allowing your brain to get "the missing neurotransmitters it needs. Medication can help you reach your potential and be the person you know you could be. To learn more, you can check out Supplements For Add.
