Five Common Drugs for ADD

Millions of people have been diagnosed with ADD/ADHD symptoms and are seeking relief through medication. Before you begin taking one of the commonly prescribed drugs for ADD, arm yourself with information about their potential side effects. Do your own research, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, and stay alert for side effects once a medication has been prescribed.

The following is a highly-condensed list of five of the most common drugs for ADD and the side effects most often reported for each:

·         Strattera  - A non-stimulant used to treat ADD symptoms. Most commonly reported side effects include dizziness, irritability, headaches, decreased appetite, sexual dysfunction, disruption of the menstrual cycle, and nausea. This list is not exhaustive; all potential side effects should be explained by your doctor or pharmacist before you begin taking the medication.

·         Adderall – An amphetamine-type stimulant frequently prescribed for attention deficit disorder (ADD/ADHD). Common side effects for Adderall can include back pain, irregular heartbeat, and painful urination with bloody urine. Ask your doctor which underlying physical conditions might be exacerbated by taking Adderall.

·         Concerta – Another of the commonly prescribed drugs for ADD, Concerta is a central nervous system stimulant. You may experience some or none of the side effects commonly reported, including rash, rapid heartbeat, chest pain, and fever.

·         Ritalin – This is an older generation stimulant, one of the first prescribed for ADD symptoms. Side effects reported from using Ritalin are similar to those reported for Concerta, including chest pain, rash, fever, joint pain, and rapid heartbeat.

·         Kapvay – One of the non-stimulant drugs for ADD, Kapvay, also known as Clonidine, is usually used to enhance the effect of another ADD medication in children ages six to seventeen. Some of the possible side effects of taking Kapvay are drowsiness, dizziness, loss of energy, and constipation.

As with any medication, common drugs for ADD have their pros and cons. In addition to potential side effects, you should also be aware of drug interactions that can occur. Work with your doctor to decide which possible side effects would be the least disruptive for you as you are getting your ADD symptoms under control.

ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE: NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD

Are Biofeedback Devices Safe?

When a doctor or therapist suggests that biofeedback therapy might help in alleviating persistent symptoms, there are a number of questions the patient might have. They may be wondering what type of equipment will be used, and they may have questions about what the devices actually do to relieve symptoms. But the question on the minds of most patients is this – are biofeedback devices safe?

To answer these questions, let’s begin with an explanation of the equipment used. Biofeedback devices commonly include an electroencephalogram (EEG) machine and electrodes that are attached to the scalp and other parts of the body. The equipment also includes a computer monitor through which feedback on brainwave activity and body functions, such as heart rate and skin temperature, is visible.

The process by which relief of symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure occurs, involves walking the patient through relaxation exercises while he is attached to the biofeedback device. Because he is given audible or visual cues when the troubling symptom stabilizes, he is able to quickly see the results of his own efforts.

While biofeedback training is not a cure for these conditions, it can bring relief from symptoms and reduce or eliminate the need for more aggressive therapies. The number of sessions needed to fully train the patient in these techniques varies based on the patient’s own level of motivation and ability to learn, as well as the severity of the symptoms.

And now to the question of whether or not biofeedback devices are safe. The simple answer is, “Yes.” None of the equipment used is invasive; therefore, there is no risk of infection or injury. The electrodes used to provide feedback on bodily functions do not deliver any kind of current back to the patient. The relaxation techniques being taught during the sessions are no more dangerous than the practice of meditation.

Undertaking biofeedback training is safe, non-invasive, and effective in alleviating the symptoms of a number of medical conditions. The person for whom biofeedback training is prescribed can approach this type of therapy with confidence. 

ABOUT BRAINCORE THERAPY AND BIOFEEDBACK NEUROFEEDBACK

How to Research ADD Natural Remedies

A diagnosis of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) for your child may have you wondering if medication is the only answer. Many parents are concerned about the potential side effects and drug interactions of the most common medications given for ADD. If you aren’t sure how to start your research on ADD natural remedies and alternative therapies, here are some suggestions:

1.       Talk to your child’s medical care provider about which natural remedies for managing your child’s ADD symptoms show promise. If he is up-to-date on research into alternative therapies, he may be able to suggest other things to try besides prescription medications.

2.       Ask your doctor if he can refer you to an alternative medicine practitioner in your area. These two disciplines sometimes work hand-in-glove to bring the greatest relief of symptoms to the patient.

3.       If you want to investigate how biofeedback training might help your child learn to manage his symptoms, look for a biofeedback/neurofeedback practitioner in your area. Many mental health professionals, doctors, and chiropractors now offer this type of treatment in conjunction with therapy to help in managing ADD symptoms.

4.       Contact your local mental health center for listings of ADD/ADHD parent support organizations. Parents often share helpful information on what has worked in the way of ADD natural remedies, as well as traditional medical protocols, for their child’s ADD. As with any alternative therapy, be sure to keep your child’s doctor in the loop when considering other ways of bringing your child relief.

5.       Talk to your doctor about a referral to a dietician who can give you information on the best possible diet for your child with ADD. A proper diet supports not only your child’s body but also his brain function, making it one of the simplest ADD natural remedies to put in place.

Receiving a diagnosis of ADD for your child can be unsettling and the best answer isn’t always prescription medication. If you are interested in ADD natural remedies and alternative therapies, use the steps above to get started with your research. It takes time to gather the information to advocate for your child’s best medical care, but there is truly no better use of a parent’s time.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADHD/ ADD

Exploring ADD Natural Remedies

Distraction, irritability, impulsivity, and difficulty connecting with others are only some of the frustrating symptoms of attention deficit disorder, ADD. The person seeking help to manage these symptoms may consult with their physician and be prescribed one, or a combination of, medications such as the amphetamine stimulant Adderall, the non-stimulant Strattera, or one of the older generation medications such as Ritalin; however there are a number of ADD natural remedies worth exploring.

Here are brief explanations of three of the categories of ADD natural remedies:

·         Specialized Diet for ADD – This is an area of some controversy, as little hard research has been performed on the actual impact of specific foods on ADD symptoms. It may be helpful to begin eliminating suspect foods and watching for an improvement of symptoms. There are reports of improved ADD symptoms in some people when such foods as sugar, refined carbohydrates, gluten, and artificial food additives are removed from the diet.  The overall goal, not only for those with ADD but anyone who wishes to live a healthier life, is to have the healthiest diet possible to support brain and body functions.

·         Biofeedback Therapy – Another of the ADD natural remedies gaining ground with those who hope to avoid extended medication use is biofeedback therapy. Biofeedback therapy involves training the person with ADD symptoms to self-regulate brain wave activity. By such innovative means as video games, the patient is taught to bring their brain waves back into normal rhythm. This may bring significant relief of ADD symptoms.

·         Supplement Therapy – A third area of ADD natural remedies worth exploring, by itself or in conjunction with the others mentioned, is the use of specific supplements. Supplement therapy for ADD symptoms is another area in need of solid research, but parents of children with ADD in particular, have reported positive outcomes when adding certain supplements to the diet. Those to explore include zinc, gingko biloba, and Omega 3 fish oil.  As with all therapies, they should be investigated with the assistance of the person’s health care provider.

The symptoms of attention deficit disorder can have serious negative impact on the life of the person suffering with them. For many ADD sufferers, a lifetime of medication use is not desirable. The abundance of ADD natural remedies to alleviate symptoms may offer those people the safe, medication-free relief they are seeking.

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD/ ADHD

Natural Ways For Dealing With Insomnia

When searching for natural options for insomnia, you will find some remarkably effective and simple treatments available. Many people with insomnia worry about taking medicines like sleep aids and prescription SSRIs. However, there are numerous natural treatments available, which have been proven very effective for those who have sleeping problems.

The Right Diet

Probably the most overlooked natural option for insomnia is paying attention to your diet plan. You will find that if you include or remove certain meals from your diet, this will improve your sleeping. Some nutritional changes to think about include:

·         Staying away from sweets - Sugar not only gives instant energy, but it may disrupt bloodstream sugar levels. As bloodstream sugar levels fall, your sleep could be disrupted. If you don’t want to eliminate sweets altogether, try restricting yourself to not eating anything with sugar after 5:00 p.m. This gives your body time to process the sugar before bedtime and will ensure that you'll have a more restful night’s sleep.

·         Eating magnesium wealthy meals - Magnesium deficiency is an underlying problem for a lot of insomnia sufferers. Studies have proven that it is an all-natural sedative and plays a vital role in sleep regulation. Dark leafy vegetables, nuts, seed products, and whole grain products are excellent sources of magnesium.

·         Getting enough calcium - Like magnesium, calcium also plays an important role within the sleep cycle, particularly during REM (rapid eye movement) sleep. The lack of deep sleep continues to be associated with calcium deficiency. Adding items like milk, cheese, and yogurt to your diet will help you restore proper amounts of calcium to your body.

Nutritional Supplements

There are numerous nutritional supplements that are natural options for helping with insomnia, two of which are melatonin and lavender. Supplements won't have the same impact on everybody, so it is recommended that you test numerous natural options to discover what works best for you. Some effective but less known sleep-aid supplements include:

·         Wild lettuce - This supplement has been utilized because of its medicinal qualities since ancient Egypt. It is used to treat headaches, chronic discomfort, anxiety, and insomnia.

·         L-theanine – This supplement is present in eco-friendly tealeaves. It helps relieve the anxiety that disturbs normal sleep. L-theanine increases feelings of wellness and induces brain waves that correspond with relaxation. Additionally, it may decrease your heartbeat and lower reactions to worry. However, it might also hinder certain prescription medicines, so before taking L-theanine, talk to your physician first.  

Other Effective Treatments

Apart from adding supplements and monitoring your diet plan, there are other natural options for insomnia. Therapy has become a promising avenue for treating insomnia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy might help patients change sleep-related actions that could be leading to insomnia.

Neurofeedback therapy utilizes computer systems to help individuals retrain their brainwaves to healthy designs. This therapy has no side effects, is non invasive and has been proven to help with different conditions including chronic discomfort, headaches, anxiety, and insomnia. 

Tips For Living with Autism

Living with autism can be difficult, but there are some simple changes you can implement that will make a big difference. In 1994, 1 in 10,000 children were diagnosed with autism, while studies today put the number at about 1 in 88. With the increase in the amount of diagnoses, people are requesting help and advice in coping with the disorder. Within the last ten years there's been an enormous rise in the research and knowledge available. There are several ways to help with the autism diagnosis:

1. Be considered a Self-Advocate

Being a self-advocate can make coping with autism a great deal simpler. It is important to know how to correctly explain and communicate your autistic child’s educational, physical, and emotional needs to caretakers and instructors. The more comfortable you feel about discussing autism, the easier it will l be for other people to understand and adapt. As children get older, it is important to encourage them to begin speaking up on their own behalf.

2. Dietary Considerations

Changing certain foods can sometimes make a difference in behavior associated with autism. Food allergies are common in individuals with autism. Some foods to look at when making dietary changes are:.

·         Gluten – is found in almost all grains, such as wheat, rye, barley, spelt, oats, and semolina

·         Casein – is found in animal milk items, anything with lactose, as well as the wax on some fruits

·         Soy – Soy isn't just present in items like soybeans and soy sauce, but can also be contained in virtually every processed or packed food you'll find

·         Corn –is generally present in virtually every packed or processed food

Individuals with autism should speak with a healthcare professional in regards to making dietary changes.

3. Develop a Strong Social Network

A powerful support network is essential for the happiness and health of people diagnosed with autism, as well as their families. It is crucial that you develop a network of people that will help you with various types of support, such as:

·         Social - This group includes friends, classmates, and co-workers who will help you with handling daily achievements and disappointments.

·         Emotional - This group includes friends and family who may serve as reliable confidants who can help when you really need anyone to share feeling, concerns, along with other emotional elements.

·         Educational - This group includes doctors, instructors, care providers, and practitioners, along with other experts within the area, that can provide you with suggestions about major choices regarding treatment and care. This group may also include parents of other autistic children.

·         Practical - This group includes anybody close by that may assist you for emergencies that inevitably arise.

By developing a strong social network, you'll be far better equipped to tackle any situation; this can make coping with autism much easier. 

NEUROFEEDBACK FOR AUTISM

ADD Medications and Drug Interactions

Once a person has been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, (or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD), they may be prescribed one or more medications to help with their symptoms. ADD medications vary greatly as to their potential side effects and drug interactions. To avoid dangerous drug interactions and side effects, it is important to know the possibility for both.

To research these potential negative impacts, you must first know the class of drug prescribed. Here are some of the common ADD medications by class and some possible drug interactions and side effects.

Stimulants – Potential drug interactions include increased effect of the stimulant when also taking diuretics, impact on blood levels of blood thinners, and anti-seizure meds and a potentially dangerous interaction with MAOI antidepressants. Possible side effects of stimulants include headaches, depression, feeling jittery, dizziness, and upset stomach. Stimulants prescribed as ADD medications may include: Adderall , Concerta, Focalin, Vyvanse, Ritalin, Dexedrine, and Quillivant XR.

Non-Stimulants – The non-stimulant Strattera is being prescribed for patients who can’t tolerate the side effects of stimulant drugs. Potential drug interactions with Strattera include potentially dangerous reactions in combination with such drugs as Arava for rheumatoid arthritis, Eldepryl and Jumex for Parkinson’s disease symptoms and furazolidone for the treatment of diarrhea. This list of possible drug interactions is not exhaustive. The patient should discuss all other medications and supplements currently being used and contact their doctor before taking any other medication with Strattera. The common side effects of Strattera include sleepiness, mood swings, dizziness, headaches, and nausea.

Antidepressants – A third class of ADD medications includes antidepressants such as Wellbutrin, Elavil and Norpramin, although they are not officially recognized by the FDA as effective in treating ADD symptoms. Potential drug interactions for this class of drugs when taken with other antidepressants, pain relievers, or sleeping medications, in particular, can be serious. The patient should carefully discuss other drugs prescribed with their doctor or pharmacist when starting to take an antidepressant for ADD.

When a patient is diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder and is prescribed one or more medications to help manage symptoms, it is very important that they discuss potential drug interactions with their health care providers. Doing so can help ensure that the ADD medications they are prescribed will have a positive impact on their health.

ALTERNATIVE THERAPY vs ADD MEDICATION: NEUROFEEDBACK FOR ADD