Medication treatment

Unfortunately there are no FDA approved medication for Traumatic Brain Injury.  However, there are many medications available to treat syndromes related to TBI.  Dr. Ross spends a lot of time discussing the benefits and adverse effects of medications to determine the most effective medication(s) for each patient.  A few common symptoms and medication treatments are listed below. (Note that these are general guidelines that may or may not be appropriate in your case; as always, check with your physician before starting a new medication.)

• Inattention and bradyphrenia (slow thinking):  Methylphenidate derivatives (e.g., Ritalin®, Concerta®, Methylin ER®, etc.) and amphetamine derivatives (e.g., Adderall®, Vyvanse®, etc.)
• Cognitive dysfunction:  Dopamine agonists (e.g., Symmetrel®, Requip®, Mirapex®, etc.)
• Impaired short-term memory:  Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., Aricept®, Exelone®, Razadyne®, etc.)
• Depression:  Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g., Lexapro®, Celexa®, Zoloft®, Prozac®, etc.)
• Anxiety:  Benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax®, Ativan®, Klonopin®, etc.)
• Insomnia:  GABA-A agonists (e.g., Ambien®, Lunesta®, etc.)
• Fatigue and excessive daytime sleepiness:  Provigil®, etc.