I was shocked at the number of ADHD prescription drugs that are available to children.
As you are soon to find out, Adderall and Ritalin are not the only prescription drugs that are used in ADHD treatment.
What is even more shocking is the number of negative side effects that these and numerous other prescription ADD, ADHD meds have on your children.
Before discussing the side effects, it is important to understand the three classifications of prescription medications for ADHD: long-acting stimulants, short-intermediate acting stimulants, and non-stimulants.
Long-Acting Stimulants Prescription medications for ADHD that fall into this category include the following: Ritalin LA, Concerta, Adderal XR, Vyvanse, Daytrana (patch worn by child), Metadate CD, and Focalin XR.
This group is classified as "long-acting stimulants" because they have lasting effect for 8-12 hours.
These are the most convenient type since they can be administered only once in a day.
This might be ideal for parents who are not available to administer the meds or who do not trust their children to faithfully take it.
If the child gags when trying to take the capsule, then it can be sprinkled on the food.
Short to Intermediate-Acting Stimulants Short to intermediate-lasting stimulants include the following: Dextrostat, Dexedrine, Methylin ER, Ritalin, and Adderall.
The ADHD prescription drugs in this category are less popular because of the availability and convenience of longer-lasting stimulants and non-stimulant brands.
These ADHD treatment options must be taken more than once per day, making it a hassle for busy parents to administer to their children.
Adderall, Ritalin, and Dexedrine have a shorter time effect, but cost less and are more readily available in generic formulations.
Sometimes doctors give Clonidine for ADHD along with Ritalin.
There have been reports that it can be a very dangerous combination.
Non-Stimulant Prescription Meds for ADHD Non-stimulant Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder medications are popular with children who are sensitive to stimulants and who struggle with anxiety.
Srattera is the most popular among non-stimulant prescription medications for ADHD.
Strattera and other non-stimulants are not used as much as stimulant drugs.
The Side Effects Associated with ADHD Prescription Drugs Stimulant ADHD drugs can result in the following trials for your children: vomiting, nausea, headaches, eating disorders, social isolation, and stomachaches.
Taking stimulants for ADHD can also create spaced-out kids, who act abnormal when compared to their classmates.
The social stigma and how they are perceived by classmates may be a whole other issue to address as a parent.
The non-stimulant varieties of prescription medications for ADHD (Strattera) have their own problems.
There can be a whole list of potential side effects: mood swings, nausea and vomiting, tiredness, allergic reactions, upset stomach, decreased appetite and tiredness.
Non-stimulant prescription medications for ADHD such as Strattera are not without their side effects either.
Strattera can cause upset stomach, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, mood swings, and even allergic reactions.
So many parents are seeking to treat the symptoms of ADHD in their children without thinking of all the side effects.
Although no parent intends to do so, in reality they are subjecting their children a whole lot of discomfort and social difficulties.
Obviously, parents do not want their children to suffer from the side effects of ADHD prescription drugs.
There has to be alternative ADHD treatment options, without the risks involved.
Warning! ADHD prescription Drugs and Long-term Risks This shocking, but often overlooked point needs to be carefully considered.
The use of ADHD prescription drugs increases the risk of depression in adulthood.
Furthermore, it increases the risk of prescription drug addiction and other substance abuse problems.
Think about it.
You are giving children powerful drugs at a stage in their life when decision-making and social skills are still being developed.
They are being desensitized to taking powerful drugs.
Drugs are not just like food.
They are powerful and can have serious consequences.
They can have interactions with other drugs.
Natural Alternative Therapies without the Risks It has been said long ago, "Let food be thy medicine.
" Food, rich in nutrients, might not address every problem, but it is a reminder that we should looking into natural alternatives for ADHD therapy before rushing to a quick fix with ADHD prescription drugs.
There may be short and long-term consequences.
Are we willing to sacrifice the well-being of our children now and in the future? Thankfully, there are powerful and safe natural ADHD alternative treatments that are available.
It is unfortunate that so few know about these proven therapies.
Homeopathy is one such proven approach that has helped thousands to find relief from the symptoms associated with ADHD.
Do not put your child at risk from the side effects of ADHD prescription therapy.
Find out more about natural alternative ADHD treatment options like homeopathy.
There is a ADHD self test available to help you.