| Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) has | | | | increased heart rate and blood pressure, delusions, |
| continued to be the subject of some controversy | | | | hallucinations, irregular breathing, mood changes, and |
| among scientists and parents of ADHD patients alike, | | | | confusion. |
| due to the fact that despite many advances made in | | | | Aside from stimulants, other drugs prescribed for |
| technology, the main cause behind the disorder still | | | | ADHD can also cause dangerous side effects when |
| remains unknown. Advances in ADHD drugs have also | | | | taken in large doses. Side effects that may result from |
| been made but so far, none of these drugs have yet | | | | overdosing on these medications can include extreme |
| been proven to get rid of the disorder effectively | | | | high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, sweating, dry |
| although some drugs have been used to relieve ADHD | | | | mouth and eyes, vomiting, seizures, and uncontrolled |
| symptoms quite effectively. However, these | | | | movements and severe twitching. In addition, some of |
| prescription medications are also known to bring along | | | | these medications can also become addictive when |
| a variety side effects in the patients taking them - | | | | they are abused. Because of this, it is highly prohibited |
| some mild, while some are truly alarming. | | | | to share these drugs with other people. |
| As more and more reports on the side effects of | | | | The prescription of stimulants and other drugs are only |
| ADHD medications on patients reach the public ears, | | | | a part of the treatment plan of doctors. Doctors may |
| parents and relatives of children afflicted by this | | | | include other means of treatment in their treatment |
| condition often ask this question: Are ADHD meds | | | | plan such putting the ADHD patient under therapy |
| safe? | | | | (which may not at all work in most ADHD patients) |
| Most ADHD specialists agree that ADHD meds are | | | | and making adjustments in school and classes. |
| effective and safe when they are used under the | | | | Alternative treatments can be used in the treatment of |
| doctor's close supervision. In fact, these drugs have | | | | Attention Deficit Disorder if parents are wary of giving |
| been shown to be effective in helping teens with | | | | their children prescription medications because of the |
| Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in some areas, | | | | known side effects. There are natural remedies that |
| such as reducing injuries and automobile accidents, and | | | | can be given to ADHD patients. These natural |
| reducing smoking and substance abuse, which in turn | | | | remedies may be effective and are free of any side |
| lead to better relationships inside and outside of the | | | | effects. But parents should consult the doctor first |
| home. However, any misuse or abuse of the ADHD | | | | before giving their child any alternative treatment. The |
| drugs, especially the stimulants, can cause health | | | | doctor's advice is very important and parents should |
| problems. That is why following the advice of the | | | | take them to heart, even if they choose ultimately not |
| doctor on the right dosage is necessary. | | | | to follow all of the advice in relation to ADHD |
| Side effects may vary according to the patient and | | | | medications, and to instead trial some of the several |
| the Attention Deficit Disorder treatments that are being | | | | natural remedies. But in general, doctors and parents |
| taken. If the patient is taking stimulants and is using | | | | should work closely together to effectively help the |
| these drugs long term and in high doses, the likely side | | | | child with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. |
| effects are tremors or uncontrolled shaking, paranoia, | | | | |