To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: DG DISPATCH - AACAP: Adderall Offers Alternative To Ritalin URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/13E77E.htm Doctor's Guide October 26, 1999
By Lara Pullen Special to DG News
CHICAGO, IL -- October 26, 1999 -- Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD) is the most common behavioral reason for referral to a pediatric specialist. While the dominant treatment for AD/HD has traditionally been stimulant class medications such as Ritalin (methylphenidate hydrochloride), there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that Adderall (amphetamine mixed salts) is equally effective.
At the 46th annual meeting of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Dr. Peter Ahmann of the Marshfield Medical Research Foundation, in Marshfield, WI, reported on the response rate of Adderall in children newly diagnosed with AD/HD.
Adderall is a mixture of amphetamine salts that was approved for the treatment of AD/HD in the 1970's, but only more recently has been specifically marketed for prescription to AD/HD children.
The study included 154 school-age children ages five-18 who were referred to the clinic because of school problems. The four-week crossover trial consisted of alternating placebo and Adderall after each seven-day period. Adderall (0.15 mg/kg/dose or 0.3 mg/kg/dose) was given at six-hour dosage intervals (i.e. twice a day).
Response to Adderall occurred in 117/143 patients (82 percent). Adderall was well tolerated, with a side effect profile similar to that reported for other psychostimulants.
"It [Adderall] is a comparable drug and the main advantages are that it is rapid onset, long lasting, and inexpensive - relatively speaking," Dr. Ahmann summarized.
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