Why do I take so many medications?
When I finished medical school 20 years ago, I rarely saw patients taking 10 different medications… even five was a lot. Now I frequently see patients taking five or ten different medications. A recent...
View ArticleHow to Swallow a Pill
Many children have trouble swallowing pills. There are a variety of reasons for this difficulty. Some children truly do not have the mouth and throat control to swallow a solid pill. This can be seen...
View ArticleStimulant Medication and AD/HD
What are the Stimulants? When we talk about the use of stimulant medications in psychiatry, we generally are referring to methylphenidate (Ritalin) amphetamine (Dexedrine, Adderall) methamphetamine...
View ArticleMedication for Children and Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders
Medication For Children with Psychiatric Disorders It is important for the clinician discuss the initiation of medication versus a specific type of psychotherapy with the informed consent of the...
View ArticleAdult Depression: Effective Treatments
Depression in Adults: Effective Treatments Introduction Everyone has times they feel sad and don’t enjoy life. For some people the emotional pain becomes so severe or prolonged that it becomes a...
View ArticleAtomoxetine: An Non-Stimulant for AD/HD
Atomoxetine, brand name, Strattera, was approved by the FDA for distribution in November 2002. It became available in US pharmacies in early 2003. Despite its hefty price tag, it is becoming widely...
View ArticleNon-Stimulant Medication for Children, Adolescents and Adults with ADHD
60-80% of youth and adults with AD/HD gain significant relief from stimulants. However some individuals require other medications to treat their AD/HD symptoms. There are several reasons for choosing a...
View ArticleWhy does my medication give me side effects?
The cold remedy you take makes you sleepy. The antidepressant gives you a headache. The sinus decongestant makes your heart race. Why are side effects so common? To understand this you need to realize...
View ArticleDaytrana
Is It Ready for Prime Time? Methylphenidate absorbed through the skin. In 2006, Shire Pharmaceuticals released Daytrana for the treatment of AD/HD in children aged 6-12. In 2010 the approval was...
View ArticleIs It Still Safe to Give Antidepressants to Children and Adolescents?
Or…Can Antidepressants Cause Suicide? Fluoxetine, (Prozac) was the first SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) to be approved in the United States for use in depression. It was FDA approved...
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