The Dangers Of Using Ritalin And Other Stimulant Medications For The Treatment Of ADD/ADHD

Report shows that usage of Ritalin in America is five times more than world usage. This is a staggering 90% of the world’s Ritalin. Peter Breggin, M.D provides further insights.
- 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.
- The possibility of overdosing is greater for children between the age of six to nine.
The usage of Ritalin and other stimulants in treatment of ADD/ADHD can cause more than just side effects. There have been prove that these stimulants can lead to a more serious health problems such as damaging the functioning of the cardiovascular system, central nervous system, gastrointestinal system and this will in turn endanger the lives of these children who depend on them. Parents have been pressured by many to opt for these stimulants as treatment for ADD/ADHD but they have not been informed of the requirement of using this medication.
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 might do more harm than cocaine!
Findings of a European study shows that Ritalin can be more hazardous than cocaine. Although in pill form, Ritalin does not produce immediate effect, once metabolized it can occupy more dopamine receptors than cocaine. Addicts who are users of cocaine have also claimed that Ritalin, when injected will produce the same effect as cocaine.
Pediatricians as well as ethicists have also voiced their concerns in usage of these stimulants. In an article published in the New York Times, they have questioned the appropriateness of medicating children without a clear diagnosis in hopes that they do better in school. They also asked whether the drugs should be given to adults failing in their careers or are procrastinators. They question the worthy of this method.
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 are some necessary steps that can be taken to ensure that whenever symptoms are suspected to indicate ADD/ADHD thus providing stimulant medication as the form of treatment. This is obviously to safeguard oneself and loved ones so as to not contributing to the statistics of misdiagnosis of ADD/ADHD.
If you find yourself in a position where ADD/ADHD is suspected, then some guidelines to follow are:
- Don’t settle for one diagnosis of ADD/ADHD by a medical professional what’s more after just one observations.
- 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 is the appropriate diagnosis then medications such as stimulants should be the last choice of treatment. They should only be used after exploring other form of medication because the dangers in administering ADD/ADHD medications, especially to a child, are just far too great too risky.
- 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.
As an educated individuals, one should be seeking the best form of treatment for oneself and for the best interest of your children.

Article Source: http://www.articleselections.com

Jimmy Brownen is a leading expert in the field of ADD/ADHD and has years of experience in the treatment of it. For more information on the disorder or for alternative means of curing ADHD, please visit his site.

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