New drug for ADHD.A new type of medication, sold as Strattera, has been launched for children suffering from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders. Strattera is unlike other medicines in that it contains no amphetamine 1. a sympathomimetic amine with a stimulating effect on both the central and peripheral nervous systems, used in the treatment of narcolepsy and attention-deficit, usually as the sulfate or aspartate salt. Abuse may lead to dependence. 2. any drug closely related to amphetamine and having similar actions, e.g., methamphetamine. or methylphenidate methylphenidate /meth·yl·phen·i·date/ (meth?il-fen´i-dat) a central stimulant 1. producing stimulation. 2. an agent which stimulates. central stimulant a stimulant of the central nervous system. diffusible stimulant one that acts quickly and strongly, but transiently. , used in the form of the hydrochloride salt in the treatment of attention-deficit in children and narcolepsy.meth·yl·phen·i·date (m, which are both stimulants. Dr Michael McDowell, a Brisbane-based developmental paediatriclan who conducted clinical trials for the new medicine, said that excluding stimulants had eliminated the possibility of addiction. The two types of ADHD medication currently available work by stimulating a particular brain chemical, dopamine, which controls a number of brain functions and relays messages. Strattera targets a different brain chemical, noradrenaline noradrenaline /nor·adren·a·line/ (nor?ah-dren´ah-lin) norepinephrine., which affects impulsivity and control. The drug is administered only once a day, but it can cost over $90 a month and is not listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. A study published in The Medical Journal of Australia in 2002 showed that Australia was the world's third-highest prescriber of ADHD medication and there were some concerns that the drugs were given unnecessarily (Canberra Times, 15/4/04, p.10; Sydney Morning Herald, 15/4/04, p.3; West Australian, 16/4/04, p.3). |
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