Strattera, The New ADHD MedicationWritten by Jeannine Virtue
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Two of trials also tested Strattera's effectiveness against methylphenidate and stated that preliminary evidence indicates comparable effects between atomoxetine (Strattera) and methylphenidate (Ritalin). Researchers did, however, state that larger, double-blind studies are needed to better compare drugs against each other. We do expect Strattera (atomoxetine) to become one of forerunners in ADHD medication, with millions of children on this new drug in a short amount of time. Although Strattera (atomoxetine) sounds like a good choice - as ADHD medications go - Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center takes a wary position until further testing is completed and analyzed. It is important to note that this new ADHD medication is new, with tests for effectiveness lasting between six and 10 weeks and safety of this drug only tested for about one year. The short-term studies showed that Strattera (atomoxetine) increased heart rate and blood pressure in children. The long-term effects of increased heart rate and blood pressure are still unknown. Children fell below their height and weight growth curves on longer-term study and again, it is still unknown whether this will have an affect on adult height. Also of concern are side effects to sexual functioning reported in adult and how that will affect children whose sexual organs are still developing. In all fairness, this side effect likely would not surface for Ritalin, Adderall or other ADHD medications since those are for children. Since Strattera (atomoxetine) will also be marketed as an adult prescription, clinical tests were done on adults, which then unearthed sexual side effects. Our last concern deals with verbiage on Strattera (atomoxetine) web site. The following is an excerpt from www.strattera.com FAQ page; "15. Is there a cure for ADHD? Like other chronic disorders, ADHD is not curable. Some patients have a remission of disease, and may lead productive adolescent and adult lives...." Eli Lilly and Company knows better and we question why web site classified Attention Deficit Disorder as a "disease," and one that people "have a remission" from. Attention Deficit Disorder is NOT a "disease." In fact, Attention Deficit Disorder was not even a "disorder" until 1980 by American Psychiatric Association classified it as such. Furthermore, people do not "have a remission" from Attention Deficit Disorder, though many children with Attention Deficit Disorder lead productive adolescent and adult lives.
Jeannine Virtue is a freelance journalist and mother of an Attention Deficit Disorder son. Visit the Attention Deficit Disorder Help Center at www.add-adhd-help-center.com for effective drug-free alternatives to ADHD medications.
| | weight lossWritten by amber snyder
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of insulin and estrogen. When this occurs, cells divide more rapidly and if something in cell goes awry, resultant cancer cell also reproduces and follows a pattern of rapid replication. Solutions are available: Herbalife's Weight Management Program have helped thousands of people around world lose weight and maintain their weight loss over time. The program delivers improved health at cellular level.
Amber author of Total Health at Home newsletter. Offering advice, tips on health and weight management for the whole family. Http://www.totalhealth.homestead.com
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