The Truth About ADHD Prescription Drugs and the Risks to your Child’s Health

Ever wondered how many ADHD prescription drugs are out there? Besides the most common drugs like Ritalin and Adderall, you may be surprised to learn that there are many other prescription drugs that can be effective in treating the symptoms of ADHD. The main drug types used in ADHD treatment are long acting stimulants, short/intermediate acting stimulants, and non-stimulants. But each one comes with potential side effects, some of which can be quite serious.

Prescription medications for ADHD of the long acting stimulant variety include Vyvanse, Adderal XR, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin XR, Metadate CD, and Ritalin LA. The effects of these long-acting stimulants last for 8-12 hours and as such they only need to be taken once a day. They are useful for children who don’t want to take a dose at school. Adderall XR and Ritalin LA capsules can be opened and sprinkled onto food if your child cannot swallow them. Daytrana comes in the form of a patch that children can wear for a few hours.

Short/intermediate acting ADHD prescription drugs include Ritalin, Dexedrine, Adderall, Dextrostat, and Methylin ER, to name a few. Short/intermediate acting stimulants are older ADHD treatment options that have become less popular than the long acting variety. These medicines must be taken more than once a day because their effects are short-lived. The benefit of short acting Ritalin, Dexedrine and Adderall is that they are available in generic form and are thus less expensive.

The most popular option among non-stimulant prescription medications for ADHD is Strattera. Strattera and other non-stimulants are not used as much as stimulant drugs. Children who also suffer from anxiety in addition to ADHD may benefit from Strattera. Some children take Strattera because they can’t tolerate stimulants due to their side effects or because stimulants simply don’t work for them.

In general, side effects associated with ADHD prescription drugs are the biggest reason why more people are turning to alternative treatment options these days. The side effects of taking stimulants can include headaches, stomachaches, insomnia, eating disorders, social withdrawal, nausea, and vomiting, to name a few. Many parents notice that their children act dull, overly restricted, and zombie-like due to taking stimulants for ADHD.

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. If you want to treat the symptoms of ADHD in your child without subjecting them to the discomfort and undesirable side effects that result from taking prescription drugs, you may want to look for a natural, alternative remedy.

The most alarming recent research in regards to the effects of ADHD prescription drugs is the greater risk of depression in adulthood, as well as the greater likelihood of substance abuse problems and prescription drug addiction in adulthood. The immediate side effects of taking these powerful prescription drugs are worrisome as it is but when you consider the detrimental effects in the long run, the idea of giving your child prescription drugs may seem like too great of a risk. Thankfully there are high quality natural remedies that can be quite effective and do not cause any side effects at all.

So there you have it. If you want to alleviate the symptoms associated with ADHD so your child can live a fulfilling, successful life, start learning about alternative ADHD remedies such as homeopathy. The harmful short-term and long-term side effects of ADHD prescription drugs are reason enough to seek out alternative treatment options for your child. Rather than put your child’s health at risk, research alternative treatment methods like homeopathy so you can treat ADHD safely, gently, and effectively.

Wayne McDonald is a health enthusiast who has been researching natural remedies for various health conditions for many years. Find out more about some of the most effective treatments for ADHD on his site at www.adhd-natural-solutions.com

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