ADHD

66 posts

Russell Barkley, Ph.D., is considered by many professionals to be the most authoritative expert (researcher), on the cognitive/behavioral aspects of ADHD.

Russell Barkley, Ph.D., is considered by many professionals to be the most authoritative expert (researcher), on the cognitive/behavioral aspects of ADHD. In his book, Adult ADHD (2010), he details a study where he followed a group of non-ADHD young kids to age 30 and compared them to a group of […]

Can stimulants permanently stunt growth in children?

I have not seen previous reports of permanent growth suppression from long-term use of stimulants during childhood.  Expert consensus and my clinical experience is that height may be slightly delayed but is genetically determined (assuming adequate nutrition). The package insert for methylphenidate products (Ritalin, Concerta, Focalin, Daytrana, Metadate), cautions that […]

I took Adderall for ADHD. I then switched to Vyvanse for 2 months. It stopped working. I have anxiety and moodiness on it…which makes the ADHD worse. I can’t concentrate and am going back to the doctor. What do you recommend and should I take Tenex?

What does it mean when stimulants stop working and/or start causing anxiety or moodiness?  Stimulants usually have a stronger effect when they are first started and then the dose has to be increased to achieve a good response.  Some patients will become tolerant to at least some of the stimulant […]

My doctor prescribed methylphenidate for weight gain from Effexor and Lexapro. It makes me sleepy/drowsy. Is there a better drug for appetite suppression?

There are occasional patients who become sluggish or sedated with methylphenidate for reasons that aren’t clear.  If you are taking Effexor or Lexapro in the am then these could interfere with the activating effects of the stimulant.  Lexapro and Effexor are usually taken in am when first started, but after […]

My brother is 16 and he has ADHD. What is the right starting dose for medication?

It is usually better to start low and increase until no additional benefits or side-effects. Weight can be used to determine maximum dose, 2mg/kg for methylphenidate and 1.5mg/kg for amphetamines.  The following chart was published by Biederman and Wilens at the Harvard department of psychiatry. More people prefer amphetamines.  Only 16% prefer methyphenidate.  […]

I have Mitral Valve Prolapse and also have ADD. I have just been prescribed Vyvanse. In the afternoon I have experienced difficulty getting a deep breath and also tiredness in my left arm. I have also had pain in my lower abdomen. I take Toprol for the MVP. I have been taking Vyvanse for 2 weeks. Could the Vyvanse be causing these side-effects?

Vyvanse has less effect on the cardiovascular system than Adderall but all stimulants have possible cardiovascular side-effects.  You should stop taking it and see if the symptoms go away.  If not you need to see your cardiologist or internist.  If the side-effects do go away you may want to discuss options […]