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A Parent's Guide - ADHD Medication Long Term Effects
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Given the troubling short term side effects, you are smart to be concerned about ADHD medication long term effects. In this article, you will learn about the dangers of ADHD drugs, so you can make better treatment choices for your child.

First, let's talk about ADHD drugs in general. There are two types of drugs: stimulants and non-stimulants. These drugs work by suppressing the symptoms of ADHD and helping your child to concentrate. Unfortunately, these medications have side effects including:

  • Restlessness
  • Headaches
  • Appetite loss and/or upset stomach
  • Facial tics
  • Moodiness
  • Depression
  • Heart problems

ADHD Medication Long Term Effects

Although many researchers fear that children who take ADHD drugs in childhood may be more likely to engage in recreational drug use as adults, this has not been proven conclusively.

Since ADHD drugs are relatively new, we can only infer ADHD medicine long term effects by looking at the short term issues associated with taking these drugs. First of all, it's important to note that some of the side effects of the drugs are the same as the symptoms of the disorder, like restlessness and mood swings. This means, for some kids, taking drugs can make their symptoms worse.

Second, side effects like loss of appetite and sleeplessness can affect your child's development. For a child who is already having problems at school, this may delay growth and put him further behind other children. It's also important to note that the ADHD medication long term effects on the brain have yet to be determined.

Third, you may not be aware of this, but stimulant medications can cause sudden death in kids who have heart issues.

Fourth, stimulants can worsen symptoms like depression, anxiety and aggression. When the brain is steeped in these emotions for an extended time, it ceases to produce feel-good neurotransmitters that offset dark moods and can lead to full blown psychiatric disorders. It is especially important to take extra precautions with kids who have a family history of suicide, depression or bipolar disorder.

If reading the ADHD medicine long term effects gives you pause, then you have to ask yourself an important question: do the benefits of giving my child an ADHD drug far outweigh the risks? If your answer is "no," then you should consider giving your child a natural remedy.

Although many parents think that natural remedies pale in comparison to the effectiveness of ADHD drugs, this is simply not the case. In fact, when you look at all the benefits of natural remedies, they are clearly more effective. First and most important, natural remedies can restore proper functioning to the brain by giving it the nutrients it needs to function at its best. Second, natural remedies have no short term side effects. Third, holistic medicines will not interact with other drugs your child is taking. Fourth, these remedies have been clinically proven to reduce symptoms like fidgeting, hyperactivity, impulsivity, mood swings and more while improving focus and the ability to finish tasks.

Of course, like anything, it's important to realize that some remedies are better than others. Look for one that has been FDA-approved and contains ingredients like Arsen Iod and Verta Alb which have been shown to be effective. In addition to being able to give these remedies to your child with confidence in their efficacy and safety, you will no longer have to be concerned about ADHD medication long term effects.

Laura Ramirez is a journalist who researches natural remedies for ADHD and other health issues. Read more about her findings by going to http://www.treating-adhd-naturally.com

Ms. Ramirez is also the author of the award-winning parenting book, Keepers of the Children: Native American Wisdom and Parenting and is the publisher of Family Matters Parenting Magazine. She is a parenting educator and speaker.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Laura_Ramirez

Laura Ramirez - EzineArticles Expert Author

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Article Submitted On: May 19, 2009



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