Medications For ADHD Symptoms and the Long and Short Term Effects on Your Child's Health

The frequency of ADHD has been reported to be from four to twenty percent of school age children. A more conservative estimate would be from three to five percent, which is probably more accurate, due to improved diagnostic criteria. Clinical observation and population based surveys report a much greater occurrence in boys that in girls (10:1). Over 2 million American school aged boys take the drug methylphenidate (Ritalin). Onset is often comes about by the age of three, although diagnosis is not generally made until later when the child is in school.

Prescription Medications for ADHD

 

Have you ever given stopped to consider how many prescription medications for ADHD are currently on the market to treat the various symptoms of ADHD including hyperactivity and lack of attentiveness/focus? In addition to the most well known drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall, you may well be surprised to learn that there are numerous other prescription medications for ADHD that are effective in easing the symptoms of ADHD. The most often prescribed drug types used in ADHD treatment are long acting stimulants, short/intermediate acting stimulants, and non-stimulants. While these drugs do deal with the symptoms they also carry the risk of potential side effects, ranging from mild to serious.

 

Prescription medications for ADHD of the long acting stimulant variety consist of Adderal XR, Vyvanse, Daytrana, Concerta, Focalin XR, Metadate CD, and Ritalin LA. The effects of these long-acting stimulants have a time span of from 8 to 12 hours and this gives them the added benefit of having to be taken once a day. They are practical for children who don't wish to face the reticule and additional challenges of taking medications while attending school. Adderall XR and Ritalin LA capsules can be given orally by simply breaking open the capsules and smattering the contents onto food. This is a particularly effective method if your child struggles with swallowing capsules. Other forms of prescription medications for ADHD include Daytrana which is available in the form of a patch that children can wear for a few hours.

 

There are a number of prescription medications for ADHD that fall into the short/intermediate acting category including Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, Dextrostat, and Methylin ER. Short/intermediate acting stimulants are ADHD treatment options that have been around for a number of years and have become less desirable than the long acting variety. These medicines must be taken multiple times each day because their effects are short-term in nature. The benefit of short acting Ritalin, Dexedrine and Adderall is cost (due to patent expiration). They are now widely available in generic form and have become the default low cost option.

 

The most broadly accepted choice among the non-stimulant prescription medications for ADHD is Strattera. Strattera and other non-stimulants are not as often prescribed as stimulant drugs. Children who struggle with anxiety in addition to ADHD may be helped by Strattera. Additionally doctors may prescribe Strattera if a child has a difficult time tolerating stimulant medications due to their side effects, or if stimulants simply have failed to give ADHD symptoms relief.

 

In general the side effects linked to prescription medications for ADHD are the main reason why parents and even some medical professionals have considered giving alternative herbal treatments a try. With side effects such as headaches, stomachaches, insomnia, eating disorders, social withdrawal, nausea, and vomiting, that many are considering the natural health option. When parents start to notice their child feeling lethargic, overly restricted, and losing their unique personalities it comes as no surprise to this natural health advocate that so many parents are adopting a different strategy for treating ADHD symptoms.

 

Prescription medications for ADHD which are encompassed in non-stimulant category such as Strattera have their share of side effects as well. Strattera is linked to a number of side effects including reduced desire for food, uneasy stomach, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tiredness, mood swings, and allergic reactions. If you are serious about seeking a way to alleviate the symptoms of ADHD in your child without exposing them to the challenging side effects that can accompany prescription medications for ADHD, considering a natural, alternative remedy may be the answer.

 

Recent research studies suggest that the use of prescription medications for ADHD puts your child at a greater risk of depression as adults.  There also is evidence which suggests that prescription medications for ADHD increase the probability of substance abuse and prescription drug addiction. The short-term side effects of taking these types of prescription drugs are distressing at best, but when you take into consideration the harmful effects over a longer period of time, the thought of giving your child prescription drugs may just be too great of a risk to ignore. Luckily, there is a safe and effective alternative. High quality natural remedies have been shown to be effective, not leading to any side effects what so ever.

Thank you for taking the journey with me and reading this article. If you are interesting in alleviating the symptoms associated with prescription medications for ADHD and giving your child a head start on living a satisfying, productive life, now is a good time to start investigating alternative ADHD remedies such as homeopathy. The negative short-term and long-term side effects of ADHD prescription drugs should be reason enough to motivate you to seek out information concerning alternative treatment options. It is no secret that all parents want what is best for their child and no parent wants to put their child's health at risk. Alternatives to prescription medications for ADHD like homeopathy can give you the confidence in knowing that the approach you have chosen for the treatment of your child's ADHD is safe, effective and presents no worries about long term side effects.

R.D. Hawkins has been and continues to be an advocate for the use of natural and alternative health for the last 10 years. To learn more about homeopathic natural health please visit Purchase Remedies.com

Eating Licorice In Pregnancy May Affect A Child's IQ And Behavior

ScienceDaily (Oct. 7, 2009) ? Expectant mothers who eat excessive quantities of licorice during pregnancy could adversely affect their child's intelligence and behavior, a study has shown.

A study of eight year old children whose mothers ate large amounts of licorice when pregnant found they did not perform as well as other youngsters in cognitive tests.

They were also more likely to have poor attention spans and show disruptive behavior such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

It is thought that a component in licorice called glycyrrhizin may impair the placenta, allowing stress hormones to cross from the mother to the baby.

High levels of such hormones, known as glucocorticoids, are thought to affect fetal brain development and have been linked to behavioral disorders in children.

The results of the study are published in the American Journal of Epidemiology. Eight-year-olds whose mothers had been monitored for licorice consumption during pregnancy were tested on a range of cognitive functions including vocabulary, memory and spatial awareness.

Behavior was assessed using an in-depth questionnaire completed by the mother, which is also used by clinicians to evaluate children's behavior.

The study, carried out by the University of Helsinki and the University of Edinburgh, looked at children born in Finland, where consumption of licorice among young women is common.

Professor Jonathan Seckl, from the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Cardiovascular Science, said: "This shows that eating licorice during pregnancy may affect a child's behavior or IQ and suggests the importance of the placenta in preventing stress hormones that may affect cognitive development getting through to the baby."

Women who ate more than 500mg of glycyrrhizin per week ? found in the equivalent of 100g of pure licorice ? were more likely to have children with lower intelligence levels and more behavioral problems.

"Expectant mothers should avoid eating excessive amounts of licorice," said Professor Katri Raikkonen, from the University of Helsinki's Department of Psychology.

Of the children who took part in the study, 64 were exposed to high levels of glycyrrhizin in licorice, 46 to moderate levels and 211 to low levels.

The research followed on from a study which showed that licorice consumption was also linked to shorter pregnancies. Laboratory studies have also shown a link between the placenta not working to prevent stress hormones from passing through to the fetus, as well as a link to cardiac and metabolic disorders and behavioral problems in later life.

Editor's Note: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by University of Edinburgh, via EurekAlert!, a service of AAAS.

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

View the original article here

ADHD Prescription Drugs and Your Child's Safety - Discover the Truth

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.

Learn about a ADHD Self Test -- and about alternatives to ADHD prescription drugs in order to treat ADHD symptoms