Once a child receives an ADHD diagnosis, he or she must be treated for the disorder immediately, but many parents understand this to mean a quick and easy solution. ADHD medications are the most popular treatment for this very reason. Children who pop a pill experience immediate benefits - they can sustain their attention for long periods of time, control their impulses, and stop any hyperactive behavior. Unfortunately, these benefits come at a cost; stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin cause a wide range of side effects. Below are the five most common problems experienced by children who take medication for ADHD.
Half-life problems
A drug's half-life means the amount of time it takes for a medication to reach 50% of its effectiveness. A medication with a longer half-life means it will take more time for the drug to become 100% effective. This type of drug should be taken at a certain time so that the bloodstream will receive a steady dose throughout the day. Drugs with a shorter half-life should also be taken as directed. Otherwise, the child experiences discontinuation syndrome, a condition where a child experiences irritability, difficulty sleeping, and flu-like symptoms that persist for several weeks.
Side effects of stimulants
Stimulants like Ritalin and Adderall are the most prescribed drugs for ADHD, but they come with a host of serious side effects. The most common ones include insomnia, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness, anxiety, weight loss, and increase in blood pressure. If the dose is not reduced, stimulants may cause cardiac problems, even among children with no previous record of heart disease.
Side effects of non-stimulants
Non-stimulant drugs like Strattera are thought to be safer alternatives to Ritalin because they produce fewer and less severe side effects. However, they are not as effective as stimulants and come with their own set of problems. Some common side effects are sleep problems, headache, grogginess/sleepiness, nausea, and vomiting.
Effects last too long
Some ADHD medications like Concerta are designed to be long-acting and last for around `12 hours. The effect should wear off by dinner time, but some children are so sensitive to the drug that they're still up and about by bedtime.
Medications aren't working
Many children jump from drug to drug because they don't deliver the results parents want, or because they don't provide any benefits at all. If this sounds like your child, consider getting a second opinion to see if he or she really has ADHD. Another great option is to try drug-free ADHD treatments like diets, neurofeedback, or detoxification. For best results and successful long-term ADHD management, seek a doctor who can provide a multimodal treatment plan - a comprehensive recovery plan that combines several scientifically-tested ADHD natural treatments.
Dr. Yannick Pauli is an expert on natural approaches to ADHD and the author of the popular self-help home-program The Unritalin Solution. He is Director of the Centre Neurofit in Lausanne, Switzerland and has a passion taking care of children with ADHD. Click on the link for more great information about what is ADHD.
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