Concerta is prescribed as a treatment for attention deficit disorder (ADD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and narcolepsy. These illnesses are caused by chemicals in the brain, and Concerta works to control these chemicals. However, Concerta also causes serious side effects.
Attention deficit disorder affects more than 2 million children in the U.S. It is characterized by the child’s inability to pay attention and control his or her behavior. ADD can often continue on into adulthood.
Attention deficit disorder is basically the same as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which is a newer term. ADD may have less of a hyperactivity element to it that ADHD, but they are the same illness.
ADD and ADHD are diagnosed by a doctor who looks for signs like:
· inability to sit still
· blurting out answers without waiting
· inability to wait for a turn
· fidgeting and squirming
· inability to get along with other children
· being easily distracted
· skipping from one task to another without completing any
· inability to follow directions clearly
· other behavioral problems
However, many people mistakenly think their child has ADHD. Experts believe that a traumatic event in a child’s life, like the death of a family member or child abuse, or underlying medical conditions like undetected seizures, ear infections, brain disorders or a learning disability may also contribute to ADHD-like behavior.
Only medical specialists can diagnose ADHD. They will look for causes like:
- environmental agents like cigarette smoking by the parents during pregnancy and toxins like lead poisoning
- traumatic brain injury
- food allergies
- food additives and sugar
- genetics
Narcolepsy is a neurological condition in which the brain loses control over sleep cycles, which it is supposed to regulate carefully. Some people may fall asleep for several seconds or for as much as several hours when they are supposed to be awake. This can take place while working, driving, or conducting other daytime activities. This can, therefore, be a very dangerous illness. Although it is not completely curable, drugs like Concerta can help ease symptoms.
Concerta works to regulate the chemicals in the brain that cause ADD, ADHD and narcolepsy, but it also causes side effects like heart related complications, sudden death, stroke, heart attack and high blood pressure. According to the FDA, your doctor should regularly check your blood pressure (or your child’s, if your child is taking Concerta).
If you or your child is injured because of Concerta, contact a personal injury attorney.
