| When your child is diagnosed with ADD or ADHD, | | | | and regulate mood by altering brain chemical |
| deciding on the best form of treatment can be an | | | | composition. These drugs are commonly prescribed to |
| extremely draining and intensely personal process. | | | | children suffering from both ADHD and depression. |
| Recent headlines about dangerous side effects of | | | | Side effects can include dizziness, weight loss and |
| commonly prescribed drugs such as Ritalin and | | | | suicidal thoughts. |
| Concerta can leave parents feeling ashamed of their | | | | Many natural remedies, such as BrightSpark, for ADHD |
| decision to give their children these medications. It is | | | | and ADD have proven to be equally effective and can |
| important to remember that while some children who | | | | be excellent alternatives to prescribing Ritalin for |
| take these drugs do experience alarming side effects, | | | | children as the homeopathic medications do not |
| many are treated effectively. But it is also important to | | | | produce the same disturbing side effects. |
| be informed of alternatives, and to know about natural | | | | When researching natural remedies as a treatment for |
| medications and ingredients that have shown to be | | | | ADHD in children, look for ingredients which have been |
| both highly effective and safe. | | | | shown to be the most useful. One of these is Centella |
| In order to make the best decision about treating your | | | | Asiatica (also called Gotu Kola), a natural ingredient |
| child, you need to understand what the most | | | | known to reduce anxiety levels and enhance memory |
| commonly doctor-prescribed drugs are and what they | | | | and brain function. Recent studies show that it may |
| do. | | | | also help increase blood flow to the brain and improve |
| Stimulants (such as Ritalin, Adderall and Concerta) | | | | general circulation. |
| increase brain activity and tend to increase a child’s | | | | Another popular ingredient, Green Oats (also called |
| alertness and ability to pay attention. The most | | | | Avena sativa), acts as a nerve tonic whose calming |
| common side effects of these drugs are mood | | | | effects grow with time and consistent use. |
| changes, headaches, irritability, insomnia and loss of | | | | Panax Ginseng, a Chinese herb, has been shown in |
| appetite. Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug | | | | studies to strengthen the immune system, reduce |
| Administration received reports that Concerta was | | | | stress and fatigue, increase motivation, and normalize |
| producing more serious side effects such as | | | | body functions. |
| psychosis, hallucinations and suicidal thoughts among | | | | There are many natural remedies available that focus |
| some users. | | | | specifically on hyperactive children. Every child is unique |
| Non-Stimulants, such as Strattera, increase attention | | | | and will react uniquely to medication, so trust your |
| and impulse control by monitoring a brain chemical | | | | instincts and give the remedy time to take effect. As |
| believed to affect those behaviors. Side effects | | | | always, consult a doctor if you have questions, but you |
| similarly include moodiness, fatigue and decreased | | | | may find that homeopathic medications provide your |
| appetite. | | | | child with a safe and natural path to an ADHD |
| Anti-depressants, such as Wellbutrin, relieve anxiety | | | | symptom-free life. |