ADHD Prescription Drugs - Why Parents Should "Just Say No"

The use of ADHD prescription drugs for controlling symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity is quite common. A lot of doctors prescribe it to ADHD patients and a lot of patients agree to the use of prescription medications for ADHD because of its convenience and easy accessibility. However, there are also a lot of people opposed to the use of ADHD prescription drugs.

There are two major kinds of drugs for ADHD. These are stimulants and non stimulants. Both groups of medicine act in different ways but the effect is basically the same which is the control of symptoms associated with ADHD.

It's not really as simple as that. These ADHD prescription drugs actually have major side effects that can be harmful to the health. In addition to the harmful side effects of drugs commonly used for the management of ADHD, these drugs also have the tendency to become addictive especially when abused or taken the wrong way.

Let's take a look at the side effects of two of the most common types of ADHD prescription drugs.

• NON STIMULANT DRUGS

Strattera is an example of a non stimulant medication for ADHD. In short term studies done regarding the use of Strattera, there has been an increase in suicidal ideation among ADHD children and adolescents.

It is advised that a child or adolescent taking this drug be monitored closely for behavioral changes. Aside from this, there are also other side effects such as loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, vomiting, fatigue, headache, hallucinations, chest pain, and shortness of breath.

• STIMULANT DRUGS

Ritalin is an example of a stimulant drug for ADHD. It is addictive and can cause stunted growth, loss of appetite, weight loss, palpitations, drowsiness, tachycardia, changes in blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, abdominal pain, and chest pain. Abuse of Ritalin can also lead to psychotic episodes and violent behavior.

Given these side effects, do you think that the benefits outweigh the risks? Luckily, there are other options you can choose from.

Gaining more and more popularity as the results become more widely known, is the use of homeopathic remedies an effective way to control ADHD symptoms.

Homeopathic remedies are made with natural ingredients that are safe, non addictive, and do not have harmful side effects. Homeopathic remedies may take longer than prescription drugs to take effect but the waiting period is truly worth it when you see it work without causing harm.