The Untold Danger-Ritalin and Other Stimulant For Treatment of ADD/ADHD

“America now uses 90% of the world’s Ritalin - more than five times the rest of the world combined.” - Peter Breggin, M.D, Talking Back to Ritalin

- As shown by recent statistics, 10% of our children have been diagnosed ADD/ADHD.

- More than five million children are taking Ritalin or another stimulant medication for the treatment of ADD/ADHD.

- There have been yearly reports of children taken more than recommend dose of Ritalin and other stimulants resulting in overdose.

- Children aged six through nine are at the greatest risk for overdose.

As school officials, medical professionals, and other caretakers pressure parents to put their children on medication for the management of ADD/ADHD, few take the time to inform parents what the use of stimulant medications as a daily maintenance medication entails. Stimulant medications such as Ritalin, when given to children, are far more dangerous than parents are being le d to believe. Stimulant medications produce far more than mere side effects, they endanger the lives of children by producing a host of dangerous health problems and risks by damaging the functioning of the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal system, and more.

Here are some of the dangers it can bring:

Cardiovascular System

Rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, abnormal heartbeat, and heart attack.

Central Nervous System

Altered mental status, hallucinations, convulsions, seizures, convulsions, depression, excitement, agitation, irritation, anxiety, nervousness, hostility, nervousness, compulsive behavior, tics, jerky movements, tourette’s, drowsiness, confusion, lack of sleep, unhappiness, depression, over-sensitivity, decreased social interest, zombie-like mannerisms, impaired mental abilities.

Gastrointestinal

Eating disorders, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, stomach ache, and cramps, dry mouth, constipation, growth problems, and endocrine and metabolic disorders.

Other

Blurred vision, headaches, dizziness, excessive sweating, incontinence, fever, joint pain, blood disorders, rash, conjunctivitis, hives, skin inflammation, and hair loss.

Withdrawal and Rebound

Worsening of symptoms, anxiety, depression, sleep problems, irritability, over-activity, and stimulant “crash”.

Ritalin may be more potent than cocaine!

Although in pill form, Ritalin does not produce the immediate stimulant effects as cocaine, addicts that crush and inject Ritalin have found the “rush” to be just as pleasant. One European study found that, even though encapsulated Ritalin (pill form) didn’t produce an immediate rush, once metabolized, the drug occupies more dopamine receptors than cocaine does. In essence, Ritalin has more of an effect on brain receptors than cocaine.

An article pub lished in the New York Times asks the questions “Is it appropriate, ethicists and pediatricians ask, to medicate children without a clear diagnosis in the hope that they will do better in school? Should the drug be given to adults who may complain that they are failing in their careers or are procrastinators? Are the ends worthy of the means?”

There also have been concerns on the large discrepancies between pediatricians practice pattern and the Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines in assessment and treatment of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as stated in an article in the January 2005b issue of Pediatrics. The fact that the medical community did not come to an agreement regarding how to diagnose ADD/ADHD and therefore, it is questionable that they have made a far-reaching decisions as to how to treat individuals who have been diagnosed with the disorder.

There have been many reports of misdiagnosis of ADD/ADHD a nd the controversy surrounding the diagnosis of it does not help ease the situation. Therefore, one can take precautions in receiving diagnosis that leads to ADD/ADHD.

Some good rules to follow whenever ADD/ADHD might be suspected are:

- Never assume that ADD/ADHD is the correct diagnosis. Never insist that a medical professional issue a diagnosis of ADD/ADHD on observations alone.

- A through evaluation on the patient is needed in order to come to a final conclusion that the patient suffer from ADD/ADHD. Other possibilities should be tested upon the patient such as another disorder, nutritional imbalance, or food allergies and sensitivities. No medication should be given on a try and see basis.

- If ADD/ADHD does indeed appear to be the appropriate diagnosis, never automatically administer maintenance medications such as stimulants without exploring other possibilities first. The side effects and dangers involved in administering ADD/ADHD medications, especially to a child, are just far too great to take the risk.

- Never fall for the quick fix. Any fad diagnosis that causes society to turn immediately and without question to the latest popular solution that offers a quick fix – in this case, stimulant medications – should be suspect.

A good decision on what medical treatment best suit oneself is one that educated individuals should be making and it is not only to safeguard yourself but your loved ones.

Article Source : http://life-insurance-data.blogspot.com/

As a leading practitioner in the field of treating attention deficit disorder, Jimmy Brownen has had man years of experience in the treatment of such disorders. For more information on adderall or vyvanse, please visit his site today.