Tom Warren On (24 Oct 96) was overheard to say to All
 TW> Just a couple of questions concerning medication that 2 of my
 TW> grandchildren are using because of ADHD.
 TW> The doctor has both boys on Zoloft for depression and they were
 TW> started on Adderall for the ADHD problem.
 TW> First, what are your experiences with Zoloft?  I'm not sure it is
 TW> doing what it is intended for but then I really didn't realize that
 TW> the boys were depressed.
 Zoloft: (generic name Sertraline HCI) comes in 50mg & 100mg tabs
 Uses: treatment of depression; may also be used in the treatment of
       obsessive-compulsive disorders
 Side Effects: Dizziness, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, gas,
 loss of appetite, nausea, fatigue, headache, dry mouth, increased
 sweating or tremor may occur the first several days as the body
 adjusts to the med.  Weight loss, anxiety, nervousness, change in
 food tastes, twitching tingling of the hands or feet, trouble
 urinating, flushing ringing in the ears, thirst and runny nose may
 also occur.  If any of these effects continue or become bothersome
 inform your doctor.  Notify your doctor if chest pain, a rapid pulse,
 difficulty breathing, skin rash, fever, mental confusion or seizures
 while taking this med occur.
 MY OPINION:  This is a heavy duty med and not one I'd care to give to my
 child.
 Adderall (Amphetamine/Dextroamphetamine) comes in 10mg and 20mg tabs
 Uses: This med stimulates nerve cells in the brain.  It is used in the
       treatment of narcolepsy or attention deficit disorder with
       hyperactivity in children and adults.  It is used for short
       periods with a diet program in obese adults.
 Side Effects: Nausea, stomach upset, cramps, loss of appetite,
 diarrhea, constipation, dry mouth, headache, nervousness, dizziness,
 sleep problems, irritability or restlessness may occur the first
 several days as the body adjusts to the med.  Other side effects
 reported include rapid, pounding heart rate, rapid pulse, twitching,
 sweating, flushing, muscle tremor, mood changes or change in sexual
 desire or ability.  Notify your doctor if chest pain or psychological
 problems while taking this med or if you feel the drug is losing its
 effectiveness.  This med causes dizziness and can affect alertness.
 This med can be habit forming and must be used with caution
 Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you take high blood pressure
 medicine, or MAO inhibitors, meperidine (demerol for pain), digoxin
 (Lanoxin) or anti-depressants.
 Drug Tips: Although this med is often referred to as a stimulant, it
 is not effective and even dangerous and illegal to use this to try to
 improve athletic performance, mental alertness or to stay awake ...
 MY OPINION: This also is not something I'd care to give to my child
 and certainly not in conjunction with zoloft or any other
 anti-depressant.
 TW> I will be very appreciative on any comments concerning these two
 TW> drugs.
 What is the specialty area of the physician who prescribed these two
 meds?  Is this person VERY knowledgeable of and does he/she treat MANY
 children with ADD/ADHD?  If the answer to the second question(s) is
 no then I'd strongly urge/recommend/hope you or the parents of these
 boys would find a doc who specializes in the treatment of ADD/ADHD in
 children; has a LARGE number of patients with the disorder and is
 recommended by the parents of those patients.
... That's just my opinion... and I could be wrong.
--- PPoint 2.02
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