| All parents want the best for their children as do their | | | | the carcinogenicity of Ritalin, qualified by the statement |
| pediatricians. With over 2,000,000 children currently | | | | that "the significance of these results is unknown," |
| taking Ritalin, it is fair to say that most doctors have | | | | apparently not recognizing that this is more alarming |
| come to the conclusion that the benefits of Ritalin, to | | | | than reassuring. Separately from cancer risks, there is |
| treat attention deficit in children, far outweigh the | | | | also anecdotal evidence that may suggests that Ritalin |
| potential for negative side effects. | | | | induces genetic damage in blood cells of Ritalin-treated |
| While most, but not all pharmaceutical industry studies | | | | children. |
| making the case for prescribing Ritalin for attention | | | | Ultimately Ritalin may benefit your child but you should |
| deficit in children have been positive, their have been a | | | | ask your child's pediatrician a number of well thought |
| number of negative independent studies. One of the | | | | out questions when considering Ritalin or any other |
| most noteworthy was conducted by the National | | | | prescription drug therapy for the treatment of the |
| Toxicology Program in 1995. | | | | symptoms of attention deficit disorder in children. If |
| First it is important to point out that the study was | | | | after reading this information you are not quite sure |
| performed on adult mice. These mice were given | | | | whether Ritalin is the solution, then perhaps a natural |
| Ritalin over a two-year period at dosages similar to | | | | herbal remedy for ADD/ADHD might be worth |
| those commonly prescribed for attention deficit | | | | investigating. |
| disorder in children. The mice developed a statistically | | | | You are focused on alleviating your child's ADD/ADHD |
| important occurrence of liver abnormalities and tumors, | | | | symptoms and will make a well informed decision, |
| including particularly aggressive rare cancers known as | | | | giving them the best opportunity to live a rewarding, |
| hepatoblastomas. What makes this study more than a | | | | successful life. As mentioned in the above paragraph |
| little disturbing is the fact it was conducted on adult | | | | one option for achieving this means could be the use |
| mice, rather than young mice. Young mice would be | | | | of alternative ADHD remedies such as homeopathy. |
| more prone to show extreme sensitivity to | | | | The information above should give you ample |
| carcinogens. | | | | motivation to seek out alternative treatment options for |
| The Conclusion: The National Toxicology Program | | | | your child. Rather than hastily placing your child's health |
| concluded that Ritalin is a "possible human carcinogen," | | | | in jeopardy, do your research; ask your pediatrician |
| and suggested the need for additional research. While | | | | well informed questions, investigate safe alternative |
| still insisting that the drug is safe, the Food and Drug | | | | treatment methods like homeopathy, talk to any friends |
| Administration (FDA) did admit that these findings hint | | | | that may have children on either Ritalin, Adderall, other |
| of "carcinogenic potential," and required a statement to | | | | prescription medications or natural herbal remedies. |
| this effect in the drug's package insert. Nevertheless, | | | | Remember selecting the best ADD/ADHD treatment |
| these inserts are not seen by parents or nurses. | | | | for your child is one of the most important decisions |
| The Physicians' Desk Reference admits evidence on | | | | you will ever make. |