Are you considering ADHD drugs for your child? Every parent who has a child that suffers from ADHD will be on the lookout for something that can stabilize their child and bring them onto an even keel. If you are thinking about or your child is already on ADHD meds, there are some issues to consider. The side effects of the most common ADHD drugs can be quite scary. There are a lengthy list of side effects that go with each of the most heavily prescribed medications. There have also been some fairly significant studies done in recent years that show the severity of the risk associated with the long term usage of ADHD drugs. On the up side, there are some natural treatment options available that parents have been using with great success. Natural remedies have no side effects and can be just as effective as there drug counterparts.
There are different side effects associated with each of the different ADHD drugs. We'll just go through 3 of the top ADHD meds. Nervousness and insomnia are the most common side effects associated with Ritalin. That as well as things like anorexia, nausea, headaches, dizziness, heart palpitations, drowsiness, blood pressure and pulse changes, both up and down, angina, cardiac arrhythmia, abdominal pain and weight loss.
Concerta also has a long line of side effects. There's headaches, stomach pain, sleeplessness, and decreased appetite. Other side effects seen with methylphenidate (the active ingredient in Concerta), include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, nervousness, tics, allergic reactions, increased blood pressure and psychosis (abnormal thinking or hallucinations).
Lastly we've got Strattera. Side effects of this medications include upset stomach, decreased appetite, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, decrease in appetite, weight loss, and mood swings. In some cases, Strattera can cause allergic reactions, such as swelling or hives, which can be extremely serious.
As the results of more and more studies are published regarding long term usage of ADHD drugs, more parents are looking for alternatives to treat their children. In 2005, Health Canada pulled one of the drugs used to treat ADHD off the market for a time. This was following the sudden deaths of 25 children in the United States taking ADHD meds. There was also confirmed cases of heart attacks, strokes and psychosis among children on these drugs. As it is, the FDA requires the strongest possible warning be listed on the different ADHD drugs.
While some may tell you the chance of an ADHD medication causing death is extremely rare, others like parents of Matthew Smith, who died when he was 14, would argue differently. After 7 years of using Ritalin, Matthew died suddenly of heart failure. His autopsy revealed his heart showed clear signs of small vessel damage caused from the use of methylphenidate (used in his Ritalin). He's not the only little boy out there to die from taking ADHD drugs. Between 1990 and 2000 there were 186 deaths from methylphenidate reported to the FDA MedWatch program.
This is scary stuff. Really scary. None of us wants any harm to come to our children. Of course we want to help them be able to live a "normal" life, and be able to function within our family and in society but not at the risk of their health. Fortunately, there are alternative treatments available other than prescription medications. There is dietary control to consider. There is behavioural therapy available. Biofeedback is another natural treatment method that is gaining in popularity. There is also natural treatments like homeopathy available.
The important thing about any natural treatment is there is no risk. It can be just as effective at suppressing symptoms of ADHD as a drug yet not risk your child's health. These are also non-addictive treatments which is also important to consider in the long run. Safe, effective and completely natural. Definitely worth investigating further.
It is important to know the risk factors behind ADHD drugs because it's often the first line of treatment your family physician will suggest. If you're armed with the knowledge, you won't be so easily led down the path of ADHD meds. There are other treatment options available to you and your child. Safe and effective options which can bring your child that balance you know they need. Your role as your child's advocate is an important one. In this case, their health is in your hands.
Author Resource:-
Shannon Pollock is a passionate advocate of natural health remedies. She's been researching their use for many years.
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