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Is Ritalin Safe For Treating ADHD Children?
Ritalin is one of the most prevalent drugs used to treat
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). It is
prescribed to thousands of children under the age of 18
every year. While Ritalin has been shown to help in severe
cases of ADHD, it may not be beneficial in mild cases as
its side effects may be worse than the symptoms of ADHD.
Ritalin has varying side effects on children, some of which
can be potentially harmful.
Ritalin causes stunted growth in children. A new study
conducted by the Child Development Center of the University
of California, Irvine found that children who took Ritalin
for three years were about an inch shorter and weighed 4.4
pounds less than other children in their age group. It is
not known if these children ever regain their normal
height. The long-term neurological effects of Ritalin
remain unknown.
Another possible problem with treating ADHD children with
Ritalin is the potential for addiction and abuse. Ritalin
is a stimulant and is categorized as an amphetamine. All
amphetamines carry with them a likely risk of addiction. A
study found that children who took Ritalin for more than 3
years have a greater risk of substance abuse and committing
crime.
Many adolescents and young adults snort Ritalin in a way
similar to snorting cocaine. They think that Ritalin is a
cheaper and safer alternative to cocaine. However, Ritalin
has dangerous side effects whether taken orally or inhaled.
This could be a short leap from using prescription
amphetamines such as Ritalin to using illegal street
amphetamines in the future.
Other side effects of Ritalin include headaches, stomach
upsets, reduced appetite, depression, irritability,
anxiety, increased blood pressure, sleep difficulties and
nervousness. When the side effects of taking Ritalin are
severe, they can be worse than ADHD symptoms, making them
an ineffective treatment.
Instead of treating mild to moderate cases of ADHD with
drugs such as Ritalin and Adderall, some believe that
dietary changes can help control ADHD symptoms naturally.
Many processed foods contain dyes, addictives,
preservatives and artificial flavoring that can cause
allergic reactions in people with ADHD. Avoid excessive
intake of sugar as it can cause hyperactivity. Consume
fresh and wholesome foods. Herbal remedies may also be
helpful to treat ADHD without the harmful side effects or
possibility of addiction or abuse. Behavioral therapies
have more positive and lasting benefits.
With so many side effects of Ritalin and its long-term
effects remain unknown, it is best to consider alternative
treatments for ADHD. Discuss all treatment options with
your doctor carefully to ensure that Ritalin is only the
last line of treatment for ADHD.
----------------------------------------------------
The long term effects of Ritalin is still unknown and its
benefits have been called into question many times. Besides
drug medications, there are alternative treatments for ADHD
that are safer and yet effective. Check out the all natural
and drug free treatments for ADHD at
http://www.guidetoadhd.com/prd-ritalin1
