Tess Thompson
by Tess Thompson
Although there is controversy surrounding them, stimulants are
still the most commonly prescribed type of medication for
children with ADD and ADHD. The Drug Enforcement Agency says
that stimulant drug production has increased 500 percent since
1991, and over half of the prescriptions for them are written by
pediatricians. Stimulants are often effective in treating many
of the symptoms of ADD -- but are they the best ADD treatment
for your child? Many parents are concerned about the side
effects stimulants can produce and choose to investigate other
options like behavioral therapy and herbal supplements as well.
When it comes to making a decision that affects your child's
health, having the facts is essential.
ADD stimulant medications work by increasing the levels of the
chemicals epinephrine and norepinephrine in the brain, which
helps the brain to transmit signals between nerves. This
improves a child's (or adult's) ability to pay attention for
extended periods of time. But these medications also come with a
risk of mild and serious side effects. Some of the most common
side effects include headaches, upset stomach and increased
blood pressure, all of which may diminish as the body adjusts
after the first few weeks of treatment. Other common side
effects include decreased appetite (80% of stimulant users
report this), nervousness and sleeplessness. Research has also
shown that stimulants can stunt growth during treatment, but
have not been proven to affect final height. Less common but
more serious side effects include hallucinations and feelings of
suspicion or paranoia, Tourette's Syndrome, and suicidal
thoughts.
Children on stimulants (Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta are the
best-known brands) should be watched closely and their dosages
should be evaluated regularly. These medications are most
effective when they are administered in the correct dosage for
each individual and when they are combined with additional ADD
treatments like behavioral therapy and practical and emotional
support. Non-stimulant drugs, such as Strattera, can also be
effective, but carry a risk of similar side effects.
In light of the risks that prescription medications carry, many
parents are interested in exploring an herbal remedy for ADD.
There is more than one herb that has been shown to be an
effective ADD or ADHD child treatment, and there are a variety
of natural remedies on the market that combine many of them.
Ginko Biloba, Green Oats, Brahmi, Gotu Kola and Panax Ginseng
are some of the best ingredients, and the positive effects of
some of them (like Ginko) can become permanent even after
discontinuing use.
While stimulant medication is often successful in treating ADD,
it can sometimes cause its own set of problems. Weigh the risks
and the benefits carefully, and make the decision that is right
for your own child. Just as each child exhibits symptoms of ADD
differently, each child will react differently to medication and
treatment. Patience and thorough research should lead you to a
healthy solution for your child.
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Tess Thompson is a Master Herbalist who contributes to
you can find Remedies for health conditions including natural
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