The Long Term Effects of Taking ADHD Medications Could Be More Than You Bargained For

The story of evaluating the long term effects of taking ADHD medications is one that involves both good and bad components. It is difficult to make an argument against some type of treatment but the question always seems to come back to whether or not the positive long term effects of taking ADHD medications outweigh the negative long term effects of taking ADHD medication. 

Laying a good academic foundation can be very important later in life and early recognition and treatment of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder can make this possible. The primary symptoms of ADHD (inattention, distractibility, impulsivity, hyperactivity) make it difficult if not impossible for a child to overachieve academically.

For children whose prescription meds have lead to better control over attention, decreased distractibility, better memory, decreased hyperactivity, better emotional control, improved motivation, and improvement in thought before action they have not only improved their chances of academic success in the short term but in the long term as well. Effective treatment also plays a role in self esteem issues which will influence their behavior now and in years to come.

But on the other side of the coin lies a great deal of risk. The list of short term problems such as stomach upset, headaches, moodiness, irritability, increased blood pressure, skin rashes, tics, loss of appetite, and rebound effects can offset the euphoria initially experienced. While the short term risks may seem troubling perhaps it is the long term effects of taking ADHD medications that may be the most disturbing. Let's look at a few of these.

*Stunted growth: Some children taking stimulants for ADHD (Ritalin, Adderall etc..) have experience slowed or stunted growth. What makes this problematic is that it tends to only be recognized after a couple years or so of continued medication use. 

*Depression: Stimulant medications for ADHD work by balancing the two brain messaging chemicals norepinephrine and/or dopamine which are also involved with depression. With the intricacies of brain function and the limited information about brain chemical interactions one never quite knows exactly what the long term effects of brain chemical rebalancing may be. In some the result is long term depression.

*Risk of drug addiction in the future: This is a new finding and perhaps one of the most troubling. Right now there are no firm answer as to why this occurs only we are learning that it does.

So there you have it, the story of long term effects of taking ADHD medications is a complicated balance between risk and reward leading many parent to opt for alternative ADHD remedies. 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.