The Patented Medicine Prices Review Board has reviewed the pricing of Adderall XR in Canada, and changes have taken effect as a result of their decision.

In the past, Adderall XR had what was called ‘flat pricing’. This means that all of the strengths of Adderall XR cost the same amount (i.e. each of the 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, 25 mg, and 30 mg were priced at the same price). Shire Canada reportedly set up its pricing this way so that if someone had a dose increase in medicine, they would not have to start to pay more for the medication as the dose was changed.

As a result of this review, the cost of Adderall will now differ based on the dosage. This means that the price for 4 doses (5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg) will drop, and the price of two doses will increase (the 25 mg and the 30 mg).

The price difference was to take effect on September 15, 2008.

Best,

Dr. Kenny

Technorati Tags: ADHD, Canada, Adderall XR

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ADD/ADHD places young people not only at a greater risk of smoking cigarettes, according to a recent study, but it also increases the chances they may be “more seriously addicted to tobacco.

These are the findings of a study conducted by the Massachusetts General Hospital published in the Journal of Pediatrics. The research also revealed that these individuals may be more vulnerable to smoking if exposed to environmental factors, such as friends or parents who smoke.

But that’s not all, the researchers discovered that even if the persons did not have all the symptoms to qualify as an official diagnosis of ADD/ADHD, they were still at a greater risk than others for this addiction. The more symptoms they exhibited, the study concluded, the greater their chances of becoming dependent on nicotine.

This isn’t the first study, though, to show that young persons with ADD/ADHD are more likely to smoke cigarettes – and start smoking at an earlier age than the average. This study, however, demonstrates the severity of the dependency on nicotine.

The study chose participants from two previous long-term studies – one involving boys, the other girls. These particular studies originally analyzed several factors. In both of these studies, the participants completed a questionnaire which evaluated their smoking history as well as the extent of their tobacco dependence – if any.

The study evaluated responses from 80 participants with ADHD as well as 86 individuals without the disorder.
Sixty nine percent of those with ADD/ADHD had smoked at some point in their lives; 41 percent of those individuals were still smokers. This compares to 44 percent of individuals without ADD/ADHD who had ever smoked. Moreover, only 17 percent of those were still smoking.
This study is interesting because it actually suggests that certain biological events may be at work that could possibly be the underlying causes of both ADHD and nicotine dependence.
Previous studies as well as experience have already revealed some link between ADD/ADHD and nicotine use.

“We’ve already shown that nicotine-based medications can treat ADHD symptoms, said Timothy Wilens, MD, director of the Substance Abuse Program in the Massachusetts General Pediatric Psychopharmacology Department. “[A]nd it’s known that the children of mothers who smoked during pregnancy are at greater risk of ADHD.”
You can read the entire article here.

To learn about a comprehensive program to help kids and teens to succeed with their ADD and ADHD, click here.

Best,

Dr. Kenny

Technorati Tags: Smoking, Nicotine, ADD, ADHD

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As of today, October 29, 2008, Adderall XR will now be covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit card - by special application only.

If you are covered by the Ontario Drug Benefit Card (ODB), your doctor can fill out a Section 8 application to get coverage for Adderall XR for you. The section 8 process already applies to Concerta and Strattera, and I’m happy to see that it will now apply to Adderall XR.

Who has the ODB Card?
You have access to this card if you are on Ontario Works, are on a disability, like ODSP, or you are over 65 years old.

What Criteria Have To Be Met To Get Access?

The official documentation says:

Patients ? six years of age diagnosed with ADHD according to DSM-IV criteria and where symptoms are not due to other medical conditions which affect concentration, and who require 12-hour continuous coverage due to academic and/or psychosocial needs, and who meet the following:

• Patients who demonstrate significant and problematic disruptive behaviour or who have problems with inattention that interfere with learning; and
• Prescribed by or in consultation with a specialist in pediatric psychiatry, pediatrics or a general practitioner with expertise in ADHD; and
• Have been tried on methylphenidate immediate release (IR) or slow release (SR) and in separate trial Dexedrine IR or SR (Spansules), with unsatisfactory results due to poor symptom control or side effects [Note that at lease one SR product (methylphenidate SR or Dexedrine Spansules must be tried)]; and
• Evidence of benefit from a one month trial with Adderall XR.

There is some work to be done to get this medicine, but this does open the door for people on the ODB who need Adderall XR (or any of the other new medicines, for that matter).

Talk to your doctor to see if this applies to you.

Best,
Dr. Kenny

Technorati Tags: Ontario, ADHD, ADD, Medication, Adderall XR, ODB

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I am very excited to announce that ADHD TV has just launched.

This is the first video podcast on ADD and ADHD on the web.

As your host, I will be publishing a weekly video show online about ADD and ADHD. ADHD TV aims to share all aspects of ADD and ADHD for you to learn all that you need to know. Episodes will generally be 10-15 minutes long.

It’s free; it’s delivered completely online; and it’s a video podcast.

The first episode is online right now.

What is a Podcast?

You care read about podasts on wikipedia here.
The ‘bottom line’ of a podcast is that you can subscribe to the podcast, and then new episodes will be downloaded automatically through software like itunes - and you can even set it up to download directly to your ipod or iphone.

To watch the first episode, please visit: www.ADHD.tv

And please share your feedback - I want to meet your needs!

Best,

Dr. Kenny Handelman

p.s. please share this with your friends and family who want to learn more about ADD and ADHD!

Technorati Tags: Podcast, ADD, ADHD, Video Podcast

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Scientific Study Reveals:
Vyvanse® eases symptoms of Adult ADD/ADHD in as little as one week

In one of the largest controlled stimulant trials of adults with ADD/ADHD, Vyvanse® proved to be significantly more effective than a placebo at managing the symptoms of the disorder. And it did so for some in as short a time as one week.

Those are the results of the Phase II trial of Vyvanse, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved last April for adult use. The drug had already been approved for use in children ages six to 12 years old in July 2007.

Vyvanse® passed not one, but two, standard medical markers of effectiveness. Using a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study which lasted four weeks, the trial involved 414 adults between the ages of 18 to 55. The test also used all the possible dosage levels of Vyvanse ®– 30, 50 and 70 mg.

At each one of these levels the prescription medication, manufactured by Shire Corp. outperformed the placebo.

Researchers used the ADHD Rating Scale which contains 18 separate diagnostic criteria as outlined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the official publication of the American Psychiatric Association. This scale is a validated method for assessing ADD/ADHD symptoms. Using this scale symptoms were reduced by up to 45 percent.

The scientists also used another measurement marker, the Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale as well. The percentage of adults who experienced a reduction of symptoms using Vyvanse who said they were “much improved” or “very much improved” according to investigators, ranged from 57 to 61 percent by the end of the study.

If you would like to view the entire article regarding this trial, you can click here.

Best,
Dr. Kenny

Technorati Tags: vyvanse, ADHD Medication, Adult ADHD, Adult ADD

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As you know, I write and share a lot of information about ADD and ADHD on my blog, and newsletter.

This post is to let you know that I will be speaking live at the Learning Disability Association of Mississauga’s annual conference called: Balancing Knowledge with Practical Application.

This is a one day seminar - on Thursday November 6th, 2008.

The morning of the seminar will include a keynote speech called: Real Discipline, with Ron Moorish; and then a keynote with myself called: Unwrapping The Gift of ADD/ADHD.

The afternoon will consist of workshops - I will be speaking about treatments - medications and alternatives, and Ron Moorish will be talking about secrets of discipline (one session will be for parents/caregivers, and one will be for teachers/educators).

This promises to be a great day of learning on topics for ADD/ADHD as well as for Learning Disabilities.
I hope you’ll join us - and if you do come, please do come and say hi and let me know that you are a blog reader or subscriber of mine!

To secure your spot, please visit here.

Best,

Dr. Kenny

p.s. I hope to see you there. Can you make it?

Technorati Tags: ADHD, ADD, Conference, Mississauga, Learning Disability

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Pres. Bush recently signed into law amendments to the Americans with Disabilities Act which may affect students with ADD/ADHD. The subtle change in language may mean big changes for students across the country, according to a blog in the online edition of the Wall Street Journal.

The change may mean more students may become eligible for certain accommodations under the act. Previously, if a child’s condition could be “remedied at least in part” through medication, the ADA didn’t apply to them. Consequently, most students who took medication for their ADD/ADHD didn’t qualify for special protection under the law.

This meant that many students who petitioned for excused days from school for extended-time testing for ADHD who formerly were denied may gain such status according to this report. Specifically, the law added the areas of “thinking” and “concentration” to the list of major life activities that may be considered a disabling condition.

The author of the Wall Street Journal article suggests that these changes – however helpful their intent may be – may backfire for those trying to take advantage of them. Sue Shellenbarger, the parent of a special needs child, says that it’s her experience that many schools already “bend over backward” to aid children with problems like ADD/ADHD.

The new legislation may produce friction among critics who “resent the rising cost and resources” that are being directed towards children with special needs. She uses the example that teachers already find it difficult to provide the individual attention required of those students with special-needs diagnoses of one or two children and not neglect the others.

To view the entire blog on The Wall Street Journal Website, visit here.
To read about some of the fundamental changes in the act, click here.

Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments section below.

Best,
Dr. Kenny

p.s. to share with other like minded people on a regular basis, join the ADHD Social Network called: ADHD World.

Technorati Tags: ADA, ADHD, ADD, Americans with Disabilities Act

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It’s the ADHD version of the age old question: Which came first the chicken or the egg?

Instead, researchers – and many parents as well – have asked: Is the use of the stimulant Ritalin that causes some teens with ADD/ADHD use illicit drugs or is the ADHD itself that triggers this problem.

Professionals and others have weighed in on this problem for years. And now, authors of a new study believe they may have figured out the conundrum. A study, published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine says that for girls with ADHD at least, using prescription drugs to treat their ADD/ADHD actually makes them less susceptible to abusing recreational drugs.

The study uses recent findings that boys with ADD/ADHD were also less likely to abuse illegal drugs if they were medicated for their health condition.

The study evaluated 114 girls – from age six to 18. Of these 94 of them were medicated for their health problem; the other 20 were not. The researchers discovered that those who were treated with prescription drugs were about half as likely to not only take illicit drugs, but also were less likely to consume alcohol and some cigarettes.

To view the entire article visit here.

Dr. Kenny

p.s. to learn more about ADD/ADHD medication, please visit: Medication Mastery

Technorati Tags: ADHD Medication, ADD Medication, Addiction

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I was recently contacted by one of my subscribers and they said that they would love to get a copy of my Medication Mastery Training course - however, with caring for their child it was just too expensive.
I’ve been thinking over this comment, and even though I know my course is great value with some of the best information on ADD/ADHD medication available, I wanted to try and help them out.

So, I had a dilemma -Is it fair to offer a discount to them without also offering it to all my other subscribers, who may also be in the same situation?
I came to the conclusion it wasn’t -So, I have decided to lower the price for everyone, but only for the next 7 days.

So, you can also get a copy of ‘The ADHD Medication Mastery Course’ for just $139, which is a 30% discount. In fact it’s a full $60.00 off the usual price of $199. But this offer is only going to be open for a week. After which time the price will revert back to the already discounted price.

Here is a quick reminder of just some of the information you’ll gain from the ADHD Medication Mastery Course:

- When to consider ADD/ADHD Medications (module 1)
- 21 steps that you need to cover to ensure starting, monitoring and tracking ADD/ADHD medications safely (module 1)
- How the ADD/ADHD medications work in the brain (module 2)
- How there are really just 3 medicines available for ADD/ADHD - and when you understand this - all of the medicines available will make a lot more sense (module 2)
- The unique aspects of the stimulant medicines (module 3)
- The non-stimulants for ADD/ADHD - and do they work? (module 4)
- How medicines for ADD/ADHD can change if you have a special situation - like ADD + Anxiety, ADD + depression, ADHD + a behavior disorder, ADD + insomnia, etc.(module 5)
- Combining ADD/ADHD medications with alternative treatments (module 5)
- FDA safety warnings (module 6)
- and much more…

Here’s what one participant had to say about ‘The ADHD Medication Mastery Course’:
“Medication Mastery was very helpful to me. I was a person who was very biased - even though I knew I had ADD, I did not want to take medication. I got over that hill, and learned the particular benefits of the medication that I take and what it’s doing for me… Thanks, Dr. Kenny”
- Tedd Rieke, Iowa.

So, if you want to learn more about ADD/ADHD Medication, now is your chance to get your copy of my Medication Mastery Course - at a discount that I’ve never offered before.

In addition to my comprehensive course, I’ve decided to add 3 bonuses (valued at $121) - if you order in the next 7 days:

Bonus 1: Alternatives for ADD/ADHD: Access to a 2 hour mp3 recording of the most up to date research on alternative treatments for ADD and ADHD (because many people who take medication for ADD/ADHD also want to learn about alternatives as well) - Value $47
Bonus 2: Access to the mp3 download of a 2 hour Medication Question and Answer call - I was grilled by ADD coach Bonnie Mincu - Value $47
Bonus 3: Access to the ADD/ADHD Checklists that doctor’s use - now you can print these off, and keep track of your child’s, or your own ADD/ADHD with the right tools - Value $27

All you need to do is click here to take you to the 30% off webpage.

This is link is active now for the discount, but the discount will be gone in 7 days time when
the sale ends, so don’t wait too long (and if you are reading this too late, I apologize - the course is still a great value at it’s regular price!).

Once you’ve completed the purchase information you’ll be on your way to full access to this course - in our exclusive member’s area.
Don’t worry if you’re not sure about how to use the member’s area - there’s a simple video there that teaches you how to use it, and our support team will answer any questions you may have.

I do hope that you take advantage of my ‘30% Sale’, and grab your copy of The ADHD Medication Mastery Course at the lowest price that I’ve ever offered it for - within the next 7 days.

The offer will stay up for the next 7 days only -After which the price will go back to normal.

I will be touch again soon with more of the latest ADHD news, resources, information and recommendations.

All best wishes,

Dr. Kenny Handelman

p.s. remember, you only have until Monday October 13th at 11:59 pm eastern time to take advantage of this sale

Medication Mastery 30% off 7 day sale <== click here to learn more

p.p.s. you are also covered by our 90 day ‘no-hassles’ guarantee - try the course - and if you aren’t happy, just let us know and you’ll get a refund without any hassles

Technorati Tags: ADD Medication, ADHD Medication, Vyvanse, Concerta, Strattera, Ritalin, Metadate, Daytrana

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More than half of all parents who sought a diagnosis for their children faced a wait of nearly four years before finally securing one.

That’s the conclusion of a new study, commissioned by the Irish-based support group, ADHD Action. Researchers interviewed 150 parents of children diagnosed with this condition.

And according to Prof. Michael Fitzgerald, professor of child psychiatry at Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, that wait represented “a scandal.”

Many questioned said they first noticed their children’s behavior at the age of four, even though they didn’t receive an official diagnosis until their son or daughter was eight years old.

The study revealed that, on average, parents needed to make at least five visits to a health professional in order receive this opinion.

But that’s not the only information gleaned from this study. The study revealed major differences in the waiting periods when it came to private and public health systems. The majority of children who had access to the private health care system received access to a specialist within a month. However, only 13 percent of the children in the public system received attention this quickly.

More results revealed

The poll also asked about the stress levels of the parents. About 83 percent of the parents said that they “often” or “always” were felt stress about their child’s condition. Not only that, a majority of the parents admitted they had difficulty in getting their children to sleep in the evening.

Additionally, the interviews showed that nearly 60 percent of all the children were on some form of medication. Nearly 40 percent said the prescription drugs had helped their children with hyperactivity. Another 47 percent said the medication helped them pay attention.

The pharmaceutical company, Eli Lilly, supported the study.

To read more about the study, click here, where you can also read more comments by Prof. Fitzgerald.

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