“ADHD Meds Are Like Coke or Crystal Meth” — ADD Tip o the Day 395

This is the title of an article by Channing Tatum (should I know who that is? – ok, i just googled him, interesting) on medicines for ADD or ADHD.

Like many bizarre or erroneous ideas, there is a grain of truth – ritalin and the other stimulants (and some anti-depressants) work on the same neurochemicals -norepineprine and dopamine. There is some difference in the chemical structure and ritalin does not have its effect as fast, thus minimizing any “high” if used properly.

Mr. Tatum describes his eventual bad experience with ADD medication.  He then generalizes to say that this is what the meds do, as though everyone would have a similar experience.

Was it just him?  Each person is different, and can have different reactions to medication, sometimes quite strange reactions.

Was it the medication?

Sounds like it probably was, but could it have been something else? Or was he taking something else that interacted with the ADD medication.  Possibilities.

I am reminded of a patient who stopped taking her vitamins because she gained weight while on them.  So she assumed the weight gain was due to the vitamins.  Of course, she didn’t stop to consider what she was eating.

These medicines are not for everyone, but have done wonders for many.

channing’s comments clik

bryan’s comments on the article clik

doug

have just gone over 22000 hits – Thank You!! and for your wonderful comments.