If you have any additional information, feel free to send it to me for inclusion in this section

To medicate or not to medicate, that is the question.

Pharmacological treatments are the most widely used treatment of ADHD. The medication used provides a short term suppression of the classical symptoms of ADHD, there by allowing the children to focus at home and in class without being disruptive.

Contrary to belief, stimulant medication is NOT addictive. Research has also shown that by using stimulant medication, there is less likelihood of abuse of "recreational drugs".

The decision to medicate should be based upon relieving the child of symptoms that are interfering with academic or social development.

The three most common pharmacological treatments in use are: (By clicking on name you'll be able to read the extensive information collected by the Medsafe, A business unit of The Ministry of Health). Methylphenidate - Brand name: Ritalin Dextroamphetamine - Brand name: Dexedrine Pemoline - Brand name: Cylert Cylert is not used in New Zealand so information is from mentalhealth.com

Pharmacological treatments can be broken down into several groups:

• Stimulants
• Atomoxetine Hydrochloride(brand name Strattera) by Eli Lilly. The first 24hour non-stimulant medication for ADHD (not funded in NZ at present but ask your doctor about Eli Lilly's free 1 month trial.).
  
• Bupropion
• Tricyclic Antidepressants
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
• Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Neuroleptics
• Others

Stimulants are by far the most commonly used medication.

BIG NEWS about CONCERTA in New Zealand

PHARMAC is pleased to announce the approval of funding for a new treatment for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), methylphenidate extended-release (Concerta), from 1 September 2008.
Concerta will be fully subsidised for patients who have previously tried other funded methylphenidate formulations and received inadequate response because of administration or compliance difficulties, or where there is significant risk of diversion of immediate-release methylphenidate. Clinicians will need to make Special Authority applications for subsidy.

Concerta will be funded subject to the following restrictions:
Only on a controlled drug form
SAXXXX Special Authority for Subsidy
Initial application only from a paediatrician, psychiatrist or any other medical practitioner on the recommendation of a relevant specialist. Approvals valid for 24 months for applications meeting the following criteria:
All of the following:
1 ADHD (Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder); and
2 Diagnosed according to DSM-IV or ICD 10 criteria; and
3 Either:
3.1 Applicant is a paediatrician or psychiatrist; or
3.2 Both:
3.2.1 Applicant is a medical practitioner and confirms that a relevant specialist has been consulted within the last 2 years and has recommended treatment for the patient; and
3.2.2 Provide name of the recommending specialist
4 Either:
4.1 Patient is taking a currently subsidised formulation of methylphenidate hydrochloride (immediate-release or sustained-release) which has not been effective due to significant administration and/or compliance difficulties; or
4.2 There is significant concern regarding the risk of diversion or abuse of immediate-release methylphenidate hydrochloride.
Renewal only from a paediatrician, psychiatrist or any other medical practitioner on the recommendation of a relevant specialist. Approvals valid for 24 months for applications meeting the following criteria:
Both:
1 The treatment remains appropriate and the patient is benefiting from treatment; and
2 Either:
2.1 Applicant is a paediatrician or psychiatrist; or
2.2 Both:
2.2.1 Applicant is a medical practitioner and confirms that a relevant specialist has been consulted within the last 2 years and has recommended treatment for the patient; and
2.2.2 Provide name of the recommending specialist
This information from Pharmac