| ADHD is ranked 4th in most diagnosed childhood | | | | should be aware of the many side effects that can |
| diseases. While more and more American children are | | | | be harmful. Some of the less serious side effects |
| diagnosed, pharmaceutical companies continue to | | | | include: headaches, jitters, irritability, dizziness, loss of |
| develop more ADHD drugs to treat this growing | | | | appetite, mood swings, and sometimes even |
| problem. Before you agree to giving your child any of | | | | depression. |
| these drugs, there is important information you | | | | ADHD drugs can have more adverse side effects |
| should know. | | | | that should be reported immediately to your |
| The most widely used ADHD drugs are stimulants, | | | | physician. Look for: listlessness, less talkative, and |
| sometimes referred to as psychostimulants. | | | | withdrawing from normal activities. |
| ADHD meds work by elevating dopamine in the brain, | | | | ADHD meds can cause more serious concerns and |
| causing a calming effect. | | | | the FDA has required "Black Label Warnings" on |
| While ADHD drugs can seem beneficial, they only | | | | these medications. Some of the more serious side |
| treat symptoms, they do not cure ADHD. | | | | effects are listed below: |
| Common ADHD meds include Ritalin, Attenta, | | | | Effects on the Brain: Studies suggest long term use |
| Concerta and Rubifen. Amphetamine based stimulants | | | | of Ritalin can hinder brain development. |
| are Adderall, Dexadrine, and Desoxyn. | | | | Heart Problems: Stimulants have been known to |
| Strattera, the only non stimulant, is another | | | | cause sudden death. Adderall is no longer used in |
| prescription. Many of these medications are now | | | | Canada due to deaths associated with the |
| available in long acting formulas. | | | | medication. The American Heart Association |
| Anti-depressants and anti hypertensive drugs are | | | | recommends a physical prior to starting any of the |
| occasionally prescribed when stimulants do not work, | | | | stimulants. |
| or to add additional symptom control. | | | | Psychiatric Problems: Stimulants can cause an increase |
| Anti-depressants and anti-hypertensive drugs are | | | | in aggression, hostility, and depression. This is even |
| used to treat anxiety, depression, and aggression. | | | | more apparent when there is a family history of |
| ADHD meds attempt to control symptoms of ADHD | | | | these disorders. |
| such as: forgetfulness, inability to complete tasks, | | | | Although ADHD drugs can seem beneficial, they do |
| concentration, impulse control, concentration and | | | | have many proven adverse side effects. This had let |
| focus. | | | | to millions of parents seeking alternatives such as |
| ADHD meds will take time before an obvious | | | | homeopathic remedies. |
| decrease in symptoms is noticed. Additionally, not all | | | | Homeopathic remedies have no side effects, are |
| children respond well to prescribed meds; several tries | | | | inexpensive, and extremely effective. Homeopathic |
| may be needed before a suitable med and dosage is | | | | remedies provide a safer option than traditional |
| found. | | | | ADHD drugs. When it comes to our children's health, |
| Although ADHD drugs can provide benefits, parents | | | | can we really be too careful? |