Read this article

[mikeforjesus]

http://www.theherbsplace.com/ouradhd.html

This is the part that troubles me from it

"We made it through the journey without drugs, and I know the three of us are better off for it. I had a friend who taught 'special kids', and when I would wonder if a 'magic pill' would make life simpler, she would tell me, "You don't know what it's like to look at the kids that have been put on medication and see the light go out of their eyes." Yes, they behave better, but there seems to be a large deficit on who the child really is in the tradeoff."

What light? well im on med now so they seem to think thats bad.

 

[Godlovesusall]

Whatever you choose, it is your choice. Personally, I completely agree with some people, ADD/ADHD is over-rated, but some people really do have it, and for some children/adults, the pills really do work. I am not saying it is for everyone, but some people, adult or child, need something sometimes. Really, think about it, if it is going to make you better. ADD/ADHD isn't a simple problem. As any disfunction with the brain, it is very complicated, however, Adderall, or Ritalin, or any of these other drugs have been proven to reduce the effects of ADD/ADHD. Just think about it. You haven't been taking it long, give it a semester, note the differences, if any, then make your judgement from there. Good luck with whatever you choose. God be with you. Pray.
Also remember, the Doctor wouldn't put you on a medication to harm you, they are there to help you. God bless.

Your Sis in Christ,
D.

 

[CateArises]

Some children are truly benefitted by alternative remedies. Some aren't... I know that nothing but ritalin could help me, or my brother. I read your other thread about medication... that first article you cited was copyrighted 1997, the data may be outdated just a bit. A lot of things can change. Don't worry about taking ritalin, just let yourself relax and be yourself. Ritalin doesn't change you negatively, it only helps to focus your boundless energy. I can tell you myself that being able to multi-task for the first time in my life is amazing! Shocking, almost

 

[halfgallon]

You're making your own decisions, aren't you?
As an adult, if a medication makes the light go out of your eyes or has any other negative effect, you
discuss it with your doctor and decide whether to try something else, adjust the dose, or whatever - and
this is important for any herbal or over-the-counter supplement you may take as well as for your ritalin.

People's fears about medicating children who are a) less able to give feedback and choose for themselves
and b) more vulnerable due to their developmental state should not so much concern you.

 

[yeshuaskid]

... "You don't know what it's like to look at the kids that have been put on medication and see the light go out of their eyes." Yes, they behave better, but there seems to be a large deficit on who the child really is in the tradeoff."...
I've been medicated since I was in my early 20's. It never did anything but improve my life. I'm not saying that medication is always the answer but, it shouldn't be ruled out completely, either. IMHO, parents should try to exaust every avenue before just jumping into medication. As a former CHADD advocate (advocate for ADD/HD people) I have never seen a child or adult act like the woman in this article spoke about. These medications are used to boost our brains functions...not to put some kind of damper on them.

Good luck with your medication and let us know how you are doing.

God Bless...

 

[evilhonky]

As someone who was on a variety of medications for ADHD in childhood, I must say while the drugs helped me. Addiction is very real on these medicines. My dosages were increased repeatedly every time I acted up. I was extremely strung out on the variety of pills they were making me take. Finally, it was suggested that I get off the pills. Getting off of the medicines after years of use wasn't easy, I became violent. I was eventually placed in a mental health facility/group home. I'm glad I was given the chance to sober up, though I still struggle with ADHD. In my case the medications did more harm than good.

In Christ's Love
evilhonky

 

[yeshuaskid]

As someone who was on a variety of medications for ADHD in childhood, I must say while the drugs helped me. Addiction is very real on these medicines. My dosages were increased repeatedly every time I acted up. I was extremely strung out on the variety of pills they were making me take. Finally, it was suggested that I get off the pills. Getting off of the medicines after years of use wasn't easy, I became violent. I was eventually placed in a mental health facility/group home. I'm glad I was given the chance to sober up, though I still struggle with ADHD. In my case the medications did more harm than good.

In Christ's Love
evilhonky

I'm so glad you wrote this. I've never met anyone who had this happen to them and I've advocated for many people over the years. I've heard that it can happen but, never heard first-person accounts. When I asked the site administrator to start this section...this is what I was looking for. Both sides of the ADD/HD story. I'm always afraid that people will put their child on medication before trying anything else. I've seen that happen first-hand while working in the medical field. I have to say that I am impressed that you are able to function without the meds. I've tried not using them but, it just doesn't work for me. I wasn't medicated as a child and I'm sure that has had some impact on me. Evilhonky, I will be keeping you in my prayers because I know how hard the struggles can be and I can't imagine not being able to have medicine to help. God Bless you and keep in touch.

 

[SallyNow]

The first choice in treatment should of course be finding good hobbies, relaxation techniques, having a balanced diet, behavioral therapy, etc. But, I think the medication is still the last resort for ADD and ADHD...because sometimes, it is still needed.

I am one of those people who, after years of trying everything else, had to finally figure things out for myself, get the diagnosis, and get put on Ritalin.

No one can tell me ADD does not exist, or is just a problem of not paying attention and that "just trying harder" will make it all better. It is something much more profound than that, much more complex.

The diagnoses of ADD/ADHD is overused, and perhaps underused-too many hyper boys are put on it, and probably those who could really benifit but have more internalised personalaties are not diagnosed. And for many, alternative or non-medication treatments work, and they should be the first line of defense. But for others, medication is still needed.

I don't believe in medicating kids...wait until the kid can properly reason and understand, can be tested in a comprehensive manner, and all other ways have been tried.

 

[halfgallon]

I don't believe in medicating kids...wait until the kid can properly reason and understand, can be tested in a comprehensive manner, and all other ways have been tried.

Yeah, I agree, but with a caution.
We should certainly be wary of chemical interventions, including any over-the-counter "herbal" or "natural" chemicals, for kids. Also, though I think it's debated, many advise that kids should take regular medication breaks. Considering evilhonky's story, I think we might also add that having to repeatedly up the dose to get the same effect is a real danger sign.
(IIRC, dosage of some ADD meds, e.g. Strattera, can be weight-based, so it might increase as a child grows, but dosage of others generally is not weight-based.)

There is another side to the picture, of course - here's the caveat.
There's an opportunity cost to growing up with untreated or poorly managed ADD, as I think any of us who were diagnosed as adults can testify. Meds can help children learn to manage their condition, can help them progress in all the non-chemical parts of treatment, and can help them have a more normal childhood and lead to better outcomes in adulthood.