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ADD is attention deficit disorder. It is characterized by a poor or short attention span and impulsiveness inappropriate for the child’s age. When accompanied by hyperactivity, it is called ADHD. The diagnosis of ADD is made by observing the child’s symptoms—not from lab work or any traditional diagnostic tests. The diagnosis is made by observing at least eight of the following symptoms—not very scientific, but that is how it is done.

  1. Restlessness or fidgeting & unable to stay seated when required to do so.
  2. Easily distracted by extraneous stimuli.
  3. Has difficulty waiting for his or her turn in games or group situations.
  4. Has difficulty following instructions from others, even if the instructions are understood.
  5. Has difficulty sustaining attention in tasks or play activities.
  6. Often shifts from one uncompleted task to another.
  7. Often talks excessively.
  8. Often interrupts or intrudes on others.
  9. Often doesn’t seem to listen to what’s being said.
  10. Often loses things necessary for tasks or activities at school or at home.
  11. Often engages in physically dangerous activities without considering possible consequences.

Diagnosis is based on the number, frequency, and severity of symptoms. Of course, this “diagnosis” depends on the subjective opinion of the observer. Many people look at these symptoms and say that it is simply a child acting like a child. Drugs are often prescribed. Read the side effects of the ADD/ADHD drugs below, then decide if you think there might be a better way to treat a child. 

What kind of exam was performed?

Too often a diagnosis of ADD or ADHD is handed down without any physical exam or lab work. We are not even talking about “alternative” medicine here, just good old-fashioned traditional medical diagnosis. Some of the medical problems that can cause a child to have poor concentration include anemia, hypothyroidism, hypoglycemia, insulin insensitivity, or heavy metal toxicity, to name a few. Often, the child just needs better nutrition. Drugging a child (often with addictive substances) based on observations of his or her behavior, and without a diagnostic workup, is very poor medical practice.

Adderall XR (amphetamine): This is a stimulant, and it can be addictive. Stopping use can produce withdrawal symptoms (such as severe tiredness, sleep problems, mental/mood changes such as depression). Side effects include loss of appetite, weight loss, dry mouth, stomach upset/pain, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, headache, diarrhea, fever, nervousness, and trouble sleeping may occur.

Concerta (methylphenidate): Side effects include nervousness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weight loss, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, or headache. It can increase body temperature and cause excessive perspiration. Use of stimulants can increase your risk of high blood pressure and increased heart rate. It can also raise your risk of stroke or heart attack. Heart-related problems can occur in people who have pre-existing heart defects or problems.

Evekeo (amphetamine): Side effects include nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, impotence (in males), dry mouth, headache, nervousness, dizziness, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weight loss, irritability, or restlessness. It may be habit forming. Evekeo may cause unusual thoughts or behavior, especially if you have a history of depression, mental illness, or bipolar disorder. Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect.

Dexedrine (amphetamine): Commonly reported side effects of amphetamine/dextroamphetamine include headache, insomnia, weight loss, anorexia, and xerostomia. Other side effects include nausea, and emotional lability. Amphetamines can be addictive. More serious side effects (call your doctor) include bladder pain, bloody or cloudy urine, burning or painful urination, and rapid heartbeat. Stimulants have caused stroke, heart attack, and sudden death in people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or a heart defect.

Focalin XR (dexmethylphenidate): Side effects include trouble sleeping, nervousness, dizziness, dry mouth, heartburn, nausea, stomach pain, headache, loss of appetite, or weight loss may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, a doctor needs to be notified. Common adverse reactions (at least 5% and twice the incidence among placebo-treated patients) are dyspepsia, decreased appetite, headache, and anxiety for pediatric patients and dry mouth, dyspepsia, headache, and anxiety for adult patients. New or worse behavior and mood changes like change in thinking, anger, and hallucinations have happened with Focalin.

Quillivant XR (methylphenidate): Side effects include decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea, stomach pain, dry mouth, vomiting, trouble sleeping, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, mood swings, agitation, irritability, dizziness, shaking, blurred vision, increased blood pressure, fast heartbeat, increased sweating, and fever. Other serious side effects include slowing of growth in children, seizures, priapism, and eyesight changes or blurred vision. Can be habit-forming. Heart problems warning: Methylphenidate may cause stroke, heart attack, or sudden death in people with heart issues. People with serious heart problems shouldn’t take this drug.

Ritalin (methylphenidate): Side effects include decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea, stomach pain, dry mouth, vomiting, trouble sleeping, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, mood swings, agitation, irritability, dizziness, shaking, blurred vision, increased blood pressure, fast heartbeat, increased sweating, and fever. Other serious side effects include slowing of growth in children, seizures, priapism, and eyesight changes or blurred vision. Can be habit-forming. Heart problems warning: Methylphenidate may cause stroke, heart attack, or sudden death in people with heart issues. People with serious heart problems shouldn’t take this drug.

Strattera (atomoxetine hydrochloride): Side effects can include constipation, insomnia, decreased appetite, and xerostomia. Other side effects include dermatitis, dysmenorrhea, erectile dysfunction, dizziness, dyspepsia, ejaculatory disorder, urinary hesitancy, ejaculation failure, and diaphoresis. Watch for suicidal thinking and behavior, clinical worsening, or unusual changes in behavior.