ADHD NOTES
SIDE EFFECTS FROM MEDICATIONS FOR ADHD
Medication
Allergic reaction
Swelling of the face
Irregular heartbeat
High blood pressure
Low blood pressure
Halluci-
nationsInsomnia
Anxiety
Headache
Dry mouth
Diarrhea or constipation
Tremors
Decreased sex drive
Nausea
Depression
Adderal
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Cylert
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Dexedrine
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Wellbutrin
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Paxil
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Prozac
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Desipramine
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Clonidine
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Risperidone
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
THE NEUROLOGY OF ADHD
The lower portion of the brain contains an area known as the Reticular Activating System. It keeps the higher brain centers alert and ready for input. There is some evidence that this area is not working properly in ADHD, and that the brain is, in effect, "going to sleep." Hyperactivity is really the brain's attempt to general new stimulation to maintain alertness. For more information see: Kinomura et. al., Science, Jan 26, 1996, vol. 271, pp. 512-515.
ADHD CHECKLIST
How do I know if I, my child or my spouse has ADD/ADHD?
Inattention (need 6 of 9)1. Often fails to give close attention to details or makes careless mistakes in schoolwork, work or other activities.
2. Often has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
3. Often does not seem to listen when spoken to directly.
4. Often does not follow through on instructions and fails to finish schoolwork, chores or duties in the workplace(not resulting from oppositional behavior or not understanding instructions).
5. Often has difficulty organizing tasks and activities.
6. Often avoids, dislikes, or is reluctant to engage in tasks or activities that require sustained mental effort (such as schoolwork or homework).
7. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities (e.g., toys, school assignments, pencils, books or tools).
8. Often easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
9. Often forgetful in daily activities.Hyperactivity-Impulsivity (need 6 of 9)
1. Often fidgets with hands or feet or squirms in seat.
2. Often leaves seat in classroom or in other situations in which remaining seated is expected.
3. Often runs about or climbs excessively in situations in which it is inappropriate (in adolescents or adults, may be limited to subjective feelings of restlessness).
4. Often has difficulty playing or engaging in leisure activities quietly.
5. Is often "on the go" or acts as if "driven by a motor".
6. Often talks excessively.
7. Often blurts out answers before questions have been completed.
8. Often has difficulty waiting turn.
9. Often interrupts or intrudes on others (e.g., butts into conversations or games).
Requirements
Present at least 6 months, maladaptive and inconsistent with development level. Some symptoms that caused impairment were present before age 7. Some impairment from the symptoms is present in two or more settings (e.g., at school or work and at home). There must be clear evidence of clinically significant impairment in social, academic or occupational functioning.
from http://add.about com
6/18/02