There are many safety concerns regarding the risks and benefits of the different ADHD medications available for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. When a young child is prescribed these medicines it is even more concerning for parents who worry about the safety of their child. With so much information available, it can very difficult to identify fact from fiction when it comes to these types of drugs.
When contemplating medications for ADHD, the most crucial aspect is to realize that there is no such thing as any safe medicine. Even seemingly safe natural remedies such as ibuprofen can carry some health concerns.
Common Side Effects of Medications
Most prescription medications that have been used to treat the disorder are stimulant drugs. While it may seem strange that stimulants would be effective in helping to calm hyperactive children, these types of drugs have shown to be very helpful with reducing symptoms of restlessness and inattention. Common prescription brand names include Adderall, Ritalin, Metadate, and Concerta. Losing appetite, increased insomnia, and headaches are often common complaints of the medication. Some side effects can be potentially life threatening, especially in those who have a history of heart palpitations. Knowing the different side effects of these drugs can help doctors determine which ones may be of more benefit than others.
Natural Remedies for ADHD
It is always wise to research the many different treatment options for any condition prior to taking medicine. Your doctor will be able to advise you of all of the risks and benefits associated with the many different treatments available. While natural remedies such as treating ADHD with fish oil are popular, being popular does not always mean it is any more safer that the prescription drugs. Unfortunately, fish oil also poses some risks, especially due to the potential for mercury poisoning.
Another alternative is to make changes to a child’s diet to try and control symptoms. Unfortunately some diets for ADHD have so many restrictions that it can be very difficult to follow the strict guidelines. While there have been some studies regarding vitamin supplements or decreasing sugar intake, there has been no conclusive research showing that diet causes or is related to ADHD.
Assessing Risks Versus Benefit
The general deciding factor for many doctors and parents is to weigh the benefits against the risks. Some people with ADHD may actually have more potential consequences if they do not take medicine to help them control their symptoms. If a child is frequently going to the emergency room for accidents due to their behavior, it would be in most cases considered to be a better solution to try medication to help reduce those types of incidents.
Speaking with a qualified physician is the only way to know for sure what treatment options are best for your situation. Most doctors will carefully examine the patient’s health history including cardiac and mental health. Many doctors will recommend a cardiologist exam the patient to determine if there are any elevated risks for the patient to use stimulant drugs.
While it seems like there will never be an end to the debate on whether medication is the best remedy to helping treat ADHD, new developments are made on a regular basis. Your physician is the best resource to sort the myths from truth when it comes to ADHD medications and treatment plans.