What is ADHD?

Almost all children have behavior issues from time to time. But, for children with ADHD, behavior problems are persistent and occur over a long period of time. For a child with ADHD, their symptoms can create challenges all day, every day — at home, at school and at play. That can make both child and parent feel frustrated and alone.

ADHD is a real and treatable medical condition that affects 5 million children in the United States. ADHD symptoms fall into 3 basic subtypes, which include inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive behavior, and a combination of both. These symptoms are persistent (in other words, they must be present for at least 6 months) and occur more frequently in children with ADHD than other children their age. For ADHD to be diagnosed, some symptoms must have been present and affecting behavior before age 6.

Among other symptoms, a child with ADHD may have trouble sitting still, finishing tasks, or following directions. ADHD can affect your child at school, at home, and at play.

Over the years, ADHD has been called ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). While some still refer to the condition as ADD, the term is no longer in widespread use. ADHD is the updated clinical term as it most accurately describes all aspects of the condition.

In the United States, approximately 9% of the school-age population is diagnosed with ADHD. It’s the most commonly diagnosed behavioral condition in children today. Twice as many boys are diagnosed with ADHD as girls.

ADHD is not a discipline problem or a reflection of a child’s intelligence. Nor is it a result of poor parenting. ADHD is thought to be a biological condition that affects certain types of brain functioning. While the exact cause of the condition is still unknown, scientists have focused their research on chemical messengers, or neurotransmitters, in the brain. These messengers are believed to play a role in behaviors like attention and movement.

Much like height or eye color, ADHD can be inherited. Studies suggest that 76% of ADHD is linked to family genetics. So the condition is more common among people who have a close relative with ADHD. Adults with ADHD have a 50% chance of passing it on to their children.

While there’s no cure for ADHD, the symptoms of the condition can be effectively managed with treatments like CONCERTA®. CONCERTA® is a once-a-day prescription medication that can help your child focus at school and at home. It can even improve their social interactions.

If you think your child has ADHD, take the ADHD symptom screener, then schedule an evaluation with a healthcare professional. If your child is diagnosed with ADHD, ask about managing the everyday challenges of ADHD with CONCERTA®.

Signs & Symptoms of ADHD
A child can face challenging moments every day. Maybe it’s dealing with a new lesson at school, handling chores at home, or trying out for the team. But, if your child has ADHD, these moments can feel even more challenging. And that can be a lonely experience for your child – and for you, too.

ADHD is a condition that causes a child to display a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactive/impulsive behavior that is more frequent and more severe than other children their age. ADHD symptoms can affect children all day and every day—at school, at home, and with other children.

Your child may have a hard time with focusing, sitting still, and completing tasks they start. The symptoms of ADHD can cause issues with social interactions, too. It may be hard for a child with ADHD to control their impulses, even when they know they are expected to behave.

Common signs and symptoms of ADHD in children:
Easily distracted
Trouble following directions
Poorly organized homework
Often makes careless mistakes
Forgetful
Frequently interrupts others
Trouble waiting turn in games or activities
Cannot stay seated, often fidgets or squirms

Not every child with ADHD has every symptom, or experiences the symptoms of ADHD to the same degree. ADHD symptoms are persistent, and must be present for at least 6 months.

If you think your child may have symptoms of ADHD, create a customized Doctor Discussion Guide then schedule an evaluation with a healthcare professional. If diagnosed with ADHD, ask about managing everyday challenges with CONCERTA®.

CONCERTA® can help your child successfully manage the symptoms of ADHD. A once-daily dose can help your child focus at school and at home. CONCERTA® can also improve their social interactions.

ADHD Treatment Options
When properly diagnosed and treated, ADHD can be effectively managed. A comprehensive approach to treating ADHD can be an effective way to treat the condition. This includes prescription medicine and counseling or behavioral therapy.

Once diagnosed, your child’s healthcare professional may prescribe a medication for ADHD. There is no cure for ADHD, and no one treatment is right for everyone. So, considering your child’s medical history, his or her healthcare professional may recommend a treatment plan that weighs the benefits and risks of each ADHD medication.

To date, the most commonly prescribed ADHD medications are from a class of drugs called stimulants, though nonstimulants may also be an effective treatment option. Stimulants are proven to reduce ADHD symptoms like inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity.

Stimulants are believed to enhance the availability of the brain’s chemical messengers dopamine and norepinephrine. These messengers are believed to play a role in behaviors like attention and movement.

Methylphenidate, the stimulant medicine in CONCERTA®, has been used for over 50 years. Today, CONCERTA® is the #1 ADHD medication prescribed for children and adolescents with ADHD.

ADHD medications are available in short- and long-acting formulations. The short-acting forms can last up to 4 hours. Long-acting forms, like CONCERTA®, are time-released. CONCERTA® starts working at 1 hour and lasts through 12.5 hours.* So it offers ADHD symptom control throughout the day, including those all-important homework hours between 4 and 6 pm.

Choosing a Healthcare Professional

Does your child show signs of inattentive, hyperactive, and/or impulsive behavior? Do you suspect he or she may have ADHD? If yes, it’s important to schedule an appointment with his or her healthcare professional.

Your child’s healthcare professional may make a diagnosis. Or may refer you to a specialist who’s more experienced in diagnosing ADHD, like a child psychiatrist or neurologist. Psychologists and nurse practitioners can diagnose ADHD. And some are licensed to write prescriptions for medication.

Since no single laboratory test for ADHD exists, ADHD can be difficult to diagnose. Your child’s healthcare professional will likely guide you through a list of questions that rate ADHD symptoms and rule out other potential conditions. You may be asked about your child’s experiences at school, at home, and in social settings.

A comprehensive approach to treating ADHD includes both medication and behavioral therapy. This is thought to be an effective way to treat children with ADHD. Psychologists, social workers, counselors, and family therapists can provide behavioral therapy for children with ADHD.

Be prepared to talk with your child’s healthcare professional by creating a customized Doctor Discussion Guide. If diagnosed with ADHD, ask how treatment with CONCERTA® may help your child manage ADHD symptoms.

CONCERTA® Basics

CONCERTA® is a prescription product approved for the treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as part of a total treatment program that may include counseling or other therapies.

One dose of CONCERTA® provides long-lasting ADHD symptom control. CONCERTA® starts working at 1 hour, and lasts through 12.5 hours.* So one morning dose covers your child’s busy day — including the all-important homework hours between the hours of 4 and 6 pm.

Methylphenidate, the medication in CONCERTA® has been prescribed for over 50 years. CONCERTA® is recommended among first-line therapies by the American Academy of Pediatrics, as part of a total treatment program. This includes both medication and behavioral therapy.

CONCERTA® is proven to help manage the symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. With these symptoms under control, your child can focus better and pay closer attention to the things he or she is doing throughout the day. All of this may help your child manage ADHD symptoms at school, at home, and at play.

In a study, teachers reported that children taking CONCERTA® showed improvements in ADHD symptoms as measured in areas such as focusing better, paying better attention, and completing projects they started.** In a laboratory school study, improved attention in children was demonstrated by completing more math problems accurately throughout the day, compared with placebo. CONCERTA® is also proven to help improve social interactions.

CONCERTA® is approved for doses up to 54 mg per day in children and 72 mg per day in adolescents. Children are typically started on a daily dose of 18 mg of CONCERTA®. But, like many ADHD medications, your child’s dosage may need to be adjusted to achieve better results. This approach is called titration. Your child’s healthcare professional can determine which dose is right for your child. CONCERTA® has not been studied in children under age 6.

Over 53 million prescriptions have been written for CONCERTA®. With more than 9 years of proven safety, CONCERTA® has been studied in clinical trials in over 2,700 children and adolescents. And CONCERTA® is the #1 ADHD medication prescribed for children and adolescents with ADHD.

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, you’re not alone. You can find answers, help and hope. Ask your child’s healthcare professional about managing your child’s ADHD symptoms with CONCERTA®.

* The ABC Studies (Attention and Behavior with CONCERTA®) were two well-controlled studies that evaluated the efficacy of CONCERTA® for ADHD symptoms versus placebo in children aged 9-12 with ADHD in a classroom setting. The most common adverse events (>10%) in the ABC Clinical Trials were abdominal pain upper, irritability, decreased appetite, and headache.

** This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Interactive on behalf of McNeil PediatricsTM, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. between May 21 and June 2, 2008, among 150 adults who had a child aged 6–17 who had been diagnosed with ADHD and was taking CONCERTA® for more than 3 months at that time.

Is CONCERTA® Right For My Child?
Everyday activities can be a challenge when your child has ADHD. But making the decision to treat your child’s ADHD symptoms is an important first step. If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, ask a healthcare professional how CONCERTA® can help your child manage ADHD symptoms.

With more than 9 years of proven safety, CONCERTA® is the #1 prescribed ADHD medication for children and adolescents with ADHD. CONCERTA® has been proven well tolerated in clinical studies of over 2,700 children and adolescents.

Methylphenidate, the medication in CONCERTA®, is recommended among first-line therapies by the American Academy of Pediatrics as part of a total treatment program for ADHD. Part of this includes a team of people focused on helping your child like family members, caregivers, teachers, and your child’s healthcare professional. This treatment approach may also include behavioral therapy.

In a study, teachers reported that children taking CONCERTA® showed improvement in ADHD symptoms as measured in areas such as focusing better, paying attention better, and completing projects that they started.

In clinical studies, CONCERTA® showed a positive effect on the important area of social interactions. In one study, parents of adolescents (aged 13-18) receiving CONCERTA® reported a decrease of 34% in conflict situations such as arguing or misbehaving when compared to placebo.

In another study with children aged 6-12, teachers reported improved peer interactions with children receiving CONCERTA® compared to placebo.

CONCERTA® has a low incidence of side effects. In clinical studies, less than 3% of children and adolescents experienced insomnia and less than 1% experienced a loss of appetite or moodiness. The most common adverse reaction was upper abdominal pain (5.9%).

If your child has been diagnosed with ADHD, ask his or her healthcare professional how treatment with CONCERTA® can help your child manage the everyday challenges of ADHD.

What to Expect from CONCERTA®
As a parent, you’ll want know what to expect from your child’s treatment with CONCERTA®. Every child is unique and will have his or her own response to ADHD medication. For your child to get the most out of treatment, it’s important to work closely with your child’s healthcare professional. It is also important to discuss any side effects with your child’s healthcare professional.

Your child only needs to take CONCERTA® once a day, in the morning, with or without food. CONCERTA® starts working at 1 hour and lasts through 12.5 hours, to provide long-lasting ADHD symptom control.* CONCERTA® offers a unique time-released formulation that provides all-day ADHD symptom control. CONCERTA® improves focus. And can help your child control his or her hyperactive and/or impulsive behavior.

CONCERTA® comes in a range of doses so your child can get the right amount to help manage his or her symptoms. Most children are started on 18 mg of CONCERTA®. But it may be necessary to adjust this dosage to get the best treatment results. This adjustment process is called titration. CONCERTA® is FDA approved in dosages up to 54 mg per day for children and 72 mg per day for adolescents. Children under 6 years of age should not take CONCERTA®.

A typical dose adjustment schedule may look like this:

Week 1: One 18-mg tablet once daily
Week 2: Two 18-mg tablets once daily for a total of 36 mg
Week 3: Three 18-mg tablets once daily for a total of 54 mg

During the first few weeks of treatment, it’s important that you and your child’s healthcare professional discuss how your child’s treatment is going. This may help your child quickly get to the dose that works best. Track your child’s symptoms to monitor his or her treatment progress. It’s also important to discuss any side effects with your child’s healthcare professional.

CONCERTA® should not be taken by patients who have: allergies to methylphenidate or other ingredients in CONCERTA®; significant anxiety, tension, or agitation; glaucoma; tics, Tourette’s syndrome, or family history of Tourette’s syndrome; current or past use of monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI); esophagus, stomach, or intestinal narrowing. Children under 6 years of age should not take CONCERTA®.

CONCERTA® has over 9 years of proven safety. But, like all ADHD medications, CONCERTA® has side effects. In studies of children and adolescents taking CONCERTA®:
Less than 3% of patients had trouble sleeping
Less than 1% had loss of appetite
Less than 1% experienced moodiness
The most common side effect was upper abdominal pain (5.9%)

Your child’s healthcare professional should check height and weight often and may interrupt CONCERTA® if your child is not growing or gaining weight as expected.

*The ABC Studies (Attention and Behavior with CONCERTA®) were two well-controlled studies that evaluated the efficacy of CONCERTA® for ADHD symptoms versus placebo in children aged 9-12 with ADHD in a classroom setting. The most common adverse events (>10%) in the ABC Clinical Trials were abdominal pain upper, irritability, decreased appetite, and headache.

The Value of Continued ADHD Treatment

ADHD symptoms can impact your child 7 days a week, at home, school and in social settings. The symptoms of ADHD don’t take a weekend or summer break. So, medication may be a necessary part of your child’s everyday routine.

If you’re considering a break from CONCERTA® during weekends, holidays, or summer vacation, you should first consult with your child’s healthcare professional before making any decision about treatment changes.

A guideline for ADHD treatment recommends that treatment should be continued as long as ADHD symptoms remain present and cause impairment. Stimulant medications, like CONCERTA®, only work as long as they are taken, so stopping treatment can result in the rapid return of symptoms.

Managing your child’s ADHD symptoms can improve his or her ability to focus and get along with others, even during breaks from school. Continued treatment with CONCERTA® may help your child have a better time managing his or her ADHD symptoms during weekend or summer activities like long car trips, organized sports, or summer camp.

In clinical studies, CONCERTA® showed a positive effect on the important area of social interactions. In one study, parents of adolescents (aged 13-18) receiving CONCERTA® reported a decrease of 34% in conflict situations such as arguing or misbehaving when compared to placebo.

In another study with children aged 6-12, teachers reported improved peer interactions with children receiving CONCERTA® compared to placebo.

CONCERTA® can help your child manage the daily challenges of ADHD symptoms. So, by continuing with once-daily CONCERTA® you could be providing important support to help your child maintain focus and improve his or her social interactions in less-structured environments.

Source: http://www.concerta.net

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ZYPREXA is a brand name for a prescription medicine that is approved by the FDA for treating the symptoms of schizophrenia, acute mixed or manic episodes of bipolar I disorder and for maintenance treatment in bipolar disorder.

Important Safety Information

Facts About ZYPREXA
ZYPREXA has been prescribed to nearly 24 million people in 84 countries since its approval in 1996

ZYPREXA was the first of a newer generation of antipsychotic medications (called atypical antipsychotics) approved for the long-term treatment of schizophrenia

ZYPREXA was the first atypical antipsychotic approved for the treatment of acute bipolar mania

ZYPREXA has benefits in controlling positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions) and negative symptoms (apathy, social withdrawal) of schizophrenia

ZYPREXA is easy to use — it can be taken once a day, with or without food

How ZYPREXA® (olanzapine) Works

ZYPREXA is a kind of medication known as an atypical antipsychotic. It belongs to a larger category of medications that affect the mind, called psychotropics. Antipsychotic medicines are psychotropic medications that treat the symptoms of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia. They may also be prescribed to treat acute mixed or manic episodes of bipolar disorder.
Antipsychotic Medicines

Antipsychotic medicines are believed to work by balancing the chemicals naturally found in the brain.

Antipsychotic medicines can be used to treat the symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenia, such as hallucinations and delusions, and may improve symptoms, such as fears and voices.

Antipsychotic medicines are also prescribed to treat acute mixed or manic episodes of bipolar disorder. They may improve such symptoms as sleep disturbances, irritability, racing thoughts, and anxiety. Some antipsychotic medications are also prescribed to help control ongoing symptoms.

When you start taking ZYPREXA, keep in mind that it can take several weeks before you notice a difference in the way you feel. The time it takes to experience the full effects of ZYPREXA may vary from person to person, depending on individual symptoms and the dosage prescribed.

It is important to take ZYPREXA the way your doctor has recommended — the right dose, at the same time, every day.

Managing Side Effects

Like any medicine, ZYPREXA may have some side effects. Medicines affect people in different ways. You may experience some of the side effects listed here.
The most common side effects of ZYPREXA are:
Drowsiness
Feeling more hungry than usual
Gaining weight
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Constipation
Upset stomach
Feeling weak
Restlessness
Tremors (shakes)

These side effects generally do not bother people enough to cause them to stop taking ZYPREXA. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. For a more complete list, read the important safety information. If you have questions, be sure to ask your doctor for more information. If you think you may be experiencing side effects, talk with your healthcare provider.

Dosing

Schizophrenia
Usual Dose — Oral olanzapine should be administered on a once-a-day schedule without regard to meals, generally beginning with 5 to 10 mg initially, with a target dose of 10 mg/day within several days. Further dosage adjustments, if indicated, should generally occur at intervals of not less than 1 week, since steady state for olanzapine would not be achieved for approximately 1 week in the typical patient. When dosage adjustments are necessary, dose increments/decrements of 5 mg QD are recommended.

Bipolar Disorder
Usual Monotherapy Dose — Oral olanzapine should be administered on a once-a-day schedule without regard to meals, generally beginning with 10 or 15 mg. Dosage adjustments, if indicated, should generally occur at intervals of not less than 24 hours, reflecting the procedures in the placebo-controlled trials. When dosage adjustments are necessary, dose increments/decrements of 5 mg QD are recommended.

Special Populations — The recommended starting dose is 5 mg in patients who are debilitated, who have a predisposition to hypotensive reactions, who otherwise exhibit a combination of factors that may result in slower metabolism of olanzapine (eg, nonsmoking female patients ≥65 years of age), or who may be more pharmacodynamically sensitive to olanzapine. When indicated, dose escalation should be performed with caution in these patients.

Getting the Most From ZYPREXA® (olanzapine)

Unlike aspirin for a headache or medicine to relieve a cough, you probably can’t feel how ZYPREXA is helping relieve your symptoms. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks before you notice a difference in the way you feel. The time it takes to experience the full effects of ZYPREXA may vary from person to person, depending on individual symptoms and the dosage prescribed.
Create a Routine

It is important to take ZYPREXA the way your doctor has recommended — the right dose, at the same time, every day. Here are a few ways you can help yourself take ZYPREXA properly every day:
Take your medicine on a schedule that’s linked with certain activities you do every day (such as brushing your teeth, taking your vitamins, or eating breakfast or dinner. Or, set your medicine on the nightstand next to your bed or next to your favorite mug on the kitchen counter)

Organize your pills in a pill counter to keep track of the doses you’ve taken

Use a calendar to keep track of the doses you’ve taken

Ask your doctor if your medicine schedule can be changed so that you take fewer doses each day

Source: http://www.zyprexa.com/about_zyprexa.jsp

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