![[dr. bob]](/dr-bob-sm.gif)
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 9 of 9. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by glaciergirl on May 5, 2003, at 13:28:09
Has anyone here taken Attend or any other Natural medications for ADHD? I have adhd, but have not gotten on any meds yet, bc I wanted to research them myself. I have a dr. appt tomorrow. I'm just concerned with the long term affects Adderall or Ritalin may have on my body??
Thanks,
Brooke
Posted by Bill L on May 5, 2003, at 16:14:53
In reply to Adderall vs. Attend (Natural Meds), posted by glaciergirl on May 5, 2003, at 13:28:09
I have never heard of Attend. I am also not familiar with natural meds for ADHD. I have heard a lot about Ritalin and Adderal. These drugs seem to give excellent results with minimal side effects. It's true that potential unknown long term effects are always a concern. But untreated ADHD, in my opinion, is a much bigger concern.
Posted by Viridis on May 6, 2003, at 0:13:13
In reply to Adderall vs. Attend (Natural Meds), posted by glaciergirl on May 5, 2003, at 13:28:09
Low-dose Adderall has been pretty helpful for my ADD, and also has antidepressant effects. I find it quite calming (in the context of a med combo that also includes Klonopin, Neurontin, and occasional Xanax).
I haven't seen any evidence that medicinal doses of amphetamines and related stimulants do any harm, and these meds have been around for many years. In contrast, the stress and anxiety that result from untreated ADD are very likely to be mentally and physically damaging.
I don't know about the "natural" treatments, but am inclined to be skeptical, although good nutrition and exercise certainly contribute to improved mental health.
Posted by glaciergirl on May 6, 2003, at 9:55:08
In reply to Adderall vs. Attend (Natural Meds), posted by glaciergirl on May 5, 2003, at 13:28:09
thanks for the info! I go to the dr. this afternoon so I will get her opinion as well as the pharmicists! Although Adderall sounds wonderful, I don't want to be on it forever. I've read that it can be addictive and am curious as to how I will react if I want to get off of it. I don't want to be addicted!! But I would like to get these crazy symptoms under control...lol!
brooke
Posted by LyndaK on May 8, 2003, at 2:12:28
In reply to Re: Adderall vs. Attend (Natural Meds), posted by glaciergirl on May 6, 2003, at 9:55:08
My son, 7 years old - in first grade, is now facing the "Does he have ADHD?" question. School has been a problem this year -- he requires lots of redirection, doesn't get the same quantity of work done as the rest of the class, sometimes has emotional melt-downs where he has retreated under a desk and refused to come out, won't tell the teacher what's wrong, won't obey teacher (was sent home one day for this, spent another day in the principal's office because of this).
I took him to the pediatrician and then to a psychiatrist. Both zeroed in on his shyness (social anxiety) as a more prominent symptom. Since he wasn't taking their office apart they were not inclined to jump on the ADHD bandwagon. The psychiatrist wanted to try him on Paxil for the anxiety, so we did. It definitely lessened his anxiety -- and took away ALL inhibition. He looked like FULL-BLOWN ADHD on Paxil. He's now coming off of the Paxil. We are going to try Adderall next -- we start it on Saturday.
I came home and did a search on Adderall and, interestingly, most of the hits were the "stop drugging our children" sites -- which really scared me! Death as a possible side-effect? Heart problems? Stunted growth? Addiction?
Scarey Stuff!!So I want to hear from those of you who have been down this road -- either yourself, or with your own children. What's up with that? Is it valid or scare tactics? If scare tactics - why?
Lynda
Posted by glaciergirl on May 8, 2003, at 8:37:52
In reply to Adderall users / Anyone with ADD/ADHD, posted by LyndaK on May 8, 2003, at 2:12:28
From the research I've done on Adderall, it seems that someone with ADHD will have less chance of becoming addicted, but I believe one should still be closely monitored. I don't know about children, but if I were put on it, I would definitly watch heart rate/blood pressure. I really don't have much advice to give though, never being on it myself. In fact, my dr. put me on Strattera instead of the stimulant drugs. Talk to his dr. you can start with a non- stimulant drug first and see if there are any results. This is a great website for info on side effects, etc. So I would keep researching!
Good luck, brooke
Posted by noa on May 8, 2003, at 19:18:53
In reply to Adderall users / Anyone with ADD/ADHD, posted by LyndaK on May 8, 2003, at 2:12:28
My own advice is that before starting meds, have him tested comprehensively by a psychologist who specializes in learning disabilities, ADHD, and anxiety disorders in children. Get a really good psych who can really try to discern the issues.
Posted by noa on May 8, 2003, at 19:21:59
In reply to Re: Adderall users / Anyone with ADD/ADHD, posted by noa on May 8, 2003, at 19:18:53
PS, I was drawn into this thread because I am an adderall user. I find it works well for me, and I don't have the same rebound issues as with ritalin or ritalin sr.
But with such a young child, I would do the rule out thing first. I think so many things can mimic ADHD behaviors.
Good luck!
Posted by LyndaK on May 10, 2003, at 3:12:42
In reply to Re: Adderall users / Anyone with ADD/ADHD-PS, posted by noa on May 8, 2003, at 19:21:59
This is the end of the thread.
Psycho-Babble Medication | Extras | FAQ
Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.org
Script revised: February 4, 2008
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/cgi-bin/pb/mget.pl
Copyright 2006-17 Robert Hsiung.
Owned and operated by Dr. Bob LLC and not the University of Chicago.